The fifth leg of the European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup 2025, taking place on September 27 in Razanac, Croatia, will once again underline the organisation’s strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
In partnership with the Croatian Open Water Swimming Federation, European Aquatics has developed a comprehensive Sustainability and Legacy Programme designed to minimise the environmental impact of the event, foster meaningful benefits for the local community, and inspire healthier, more active lifestyles in line with the principles of the European Aquatics Social Responsibility strategy.
The Razanac initiative builds on the work carried out at previous stages of the Cup, and is closely aligned with the sustainability goals of the city, as well as the wider policies of the Croatian Open Water Swimming Federation.
It recognises that maintaining a clean environment and conserving water are essential not only for athletes but for society as a whole, while also acknowledging the urgent need for transformative actions to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. The measures being introduced at this leg of the series directly support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and aim to showcase how aquatics can act as a catalyst for broader environmental and social change.
Central to the programme are a series of targeted priorities. A Green Task Force of trained volunteers, working alongside NGOs and youth groups, will be present at the event to provide guidance and education to spectators on sustainable practices.
A Sustainable Fun Zone will also be created to raise awareness and provide visibility to eco-friendly initiatives, giving sponsors and partners the opportunity to promote products and activities that support a greener future.
To address the issue of plastic waste, refill stations will be made available throughout the venue and single-use items will be replaced with biodegradable alternatives. Waste management is another key focus, with composting stations, reusable packaging solutions and comprehensive recycling measures all being introduced to reduce the event’s footprint.
These actions will not only help to ensure that the event is delivered in a responsible and environmentally conscious way, but will also leave a lasting legacy by inspiring athletes, fans, volunteers and the wider community to take positive steps in their own lives. All participants are encouraged to contribute to this shared ambition by reducing their individual carbon footprint and supporting the collective goals of the initiative.
In line with the European Aquatics Sustainable Charter, the Croatian Open Water Swimming Federation has committed to ambitious and measurable actions, including detailed reporting on outcomes and the submission of annual progress reports. By actively communicating these efforts, both organisations aim to encourage others to follow suit and contribute to a more sustainable future for sport and society.
Stephen Stanley for European Aquatics
