In 1994, the International Olympic Committee added "Environmental Protection" to the two already-existing pillars ("Sport" and "Culture"), which make up the Olympic Charter.  With 2010, the Vancouver Organizing Committee has promised to make this "the most sustainable Games ever."  Throughout the planning process and the enduring legacies of the 2010 Olympiad, sustainability has been pledged to be a strong guiding principle.  From waste management to construction to avoiding environmental impacts on sensitive ecosystems, there is much to be taken into consideration.

Strong guiding principles for sustainable organization

The Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment has proposed that Whistler incorporate the principles of the Natural Step Framework into the planning and execution of the Games.  Developed by Swedish oncologist Dr. Karl-Henrik Robert, the Natural Step has four basic "system conditions" for any action, whether it be on a small-scale (a single-family dwelling) or a huge scale, like the Olympic Games.  These include not subjecting the earth to increasing concentrations of man-made substances or substances extracted from the earth, or increasing physical degradation, as well as ensuring that no one is subjected to an inability to meet their basic needs.

For the Olympic Games, this means ensuring economic, ecological and social sustainability.  For example, creating the Athlete's Village at Function Junction as a viable community housing project; ensuring minimal environmental impact on sensitive areas; and seeing wealth generation stay in the community long after the Games are over.

Click here to read more about the Natural Step Framework, and how it can be used to achieve a sustainable society.

Two sides to every coin

Organization and planning for the Games has shown consideration for sustainability, including precautionary development.  For example, during the development of a major alpine ski run, a species of frog listed as "of special concern," according to the Canadian Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife, was discovered in the construction zone, necessitating modification of the project.  This modification was cited as an example of sustainability is practice, during which "every possible environmental effect was studied."

Click here to read the full article.

Coastal tailed frog (Ascaphus truei)

It is also critical that sensitive habitats all over the province be protected according to sound ecological principles.  With the global spotlight shining on BC, the provincial government is anxious to prove that BC has oustanding environmental stewardship.  Some environmentalists have expressed concern that this will only amount to "window-dressing" to impress international media.

For example, the spotted owl is a critically endangered species in British Columbia.  This owl has been pushed nearly to extinction by intensive logging in the old-growth forest that it needs for its habitat.  The government has released a spotted owl recovery plan that includes captive breeding, increasing food sources and managing competitive species (all of which may have detrimental ecological efffects) but not habitat protection.

Click here to read more about the spotted owl and decide for yourself if the plan is sound.

Western spotted owl (Strix occidentalis)

Environmental legacies for future generations

AWARE, an independent organization of concerned citizens, has proposed an "environmental legacy" of a protected area in the critically sensitive Upper Soo Valley.  Protecting sensitive habitats is essential to mitigate any of the potentially harmful environmental encroachment the Games may cause. 

Click here to read more about the proposed Upper Soo Valley Legacy.

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