Sustainable Development and Surfing: Volcom Fiji Pro

Sustainablesurf and the Center for Surf Research are once again pushing the frontiers of sustainability in the surfing world.  Both have partnered with this years Volcom Fiji Pro that began yesterday to make this a Deep Blue Surfing event.  Read more at http://sustainablesurf.org/contests/.   


The Center for Surf Research has developed surf credits to support sustainable surf tourism programmes across the globe   http://surfcredits.org/about-us/  


I recently spoke to Derek Sabori Head of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility at Volcom and was impressed with his commitment to the principles of sustainability.  This he displayed not only in his efforts within Volcom but also at a personal level. I think his authorship of a children book that follows the exploits of the earth bug crew says it all. brilliant.   http://earthbugcrew.com/

As I continue looking at and researching sustainability in the surfing world i have become increasingly impressed with the level of commitment that I see towards sustainability at all levels.  More as the work evolves.  


 See Volcoms press release below


VOLCOM FIJI PRO ALIGNS WITH NUMEROUS PARTNERS TO TACKLE SUSTAINABILITY IN ITS INAUGURAL EVENT



Costa Mesa, CA. May 30th, 2012 – The Volcom Fiji Pro is the company’s first Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Title surfing event and will be host to the worlds Top 34 surfers at one of the best breaks in the world – Cloudbreak and/or Restaurants. Not resting on those laurels, and in line with their New Future philosophy, Volcom is rolling out a string of initiatives that will make the Volcom Fiji Pro one of the most sustainable surf events in recent memory.


“This is a really important event for us and we are dedicated to doing it right across the board,” said Ryan Immegart, Volcom’s SVP of Marketing. “Sustainability is a top priority for the company, and the Volcom Fiji Pro is a perfect opportunity for us to take this focus to the next level.”


By partnering with Tavarua Island Resort and select non-profit organizations, Volcom has set a number of objectives it plans to accomplish during the event. They include:


Partnering with SustainableSurf.Org and following the ASP’s newly released green event guidelines to make this the first, official Deep Blue Surfing Event in ASP World Championship Tour history.


Running a carbon neutral event by offsetting the carbon footprint of the surf contest with Carbonfund.org.


Promoting sustainable surf tourism in partnership with San Diego State University’s Center for Surf Research to collaboratively launch Surf Credits, a program where surf travelers can give back socially and environmentally to places they travel.


Raising funds and awareness for the medical/dental focused Loloma Foundation who distributes medicine, clothing, school supplies and other necessities to many agencies throughout the South Pacific.


Delivering clean water to local residents in partnership with Tavarua Island Resort and Give Clean Water. The joint effort will outfit two local villages and their schools with clean drinking water filters.


Details regarding each of the initiatives will be forthcoming and a dedicated page to feature all the Sustainability activity will be featured prominently on the volcomfijipro.com website.


(Source: www.sustainablesurf.org)