Johannesburg – South Africa and the Norwegian government have joined forced to ensure the 2010 FIFA World Cup is “green” and environmentally friendly through the reduction of CO² emissions.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg announced his country’s support for a carbon offsetting project at South Africa’s flagship stadium, Soccer City, on Thursday.

“I would like to congratulate South Africa for deciding to make the world cup a green world cup, emphasising the importance of the environment.

“When we hosted the Olympic Games in 1994, we also wanted to make the event as green and environmentally friendly as possible,” said Mr Stoltenberg.

The prime minister highlighted his approval that South Africa adopted a carbon-neutral approach in its preparations for the world cup, and further pledged his support for the initiative.

Norway’s Ambassador to South Africa, Tor Christian Hildan said his embassy has held many meetings with the South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) to explore initiatives to make the world cup as green as possible.

“Our intention is to build partnerships and contribute to the goal of scoring ‘green’ in 2010.

“A decision was taken that the most relevant area of support would be carbon offsetting of the event to ensure that the carbon footprint of 2010 is as low as possible,” said the ambassador.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for the Environment, Prema Naidoo told reporters that the City of Johannesburg has committed itself to plant 200 000 tree by 2010, and have planted some 40 000 trees in the city to date already.

“As Joburg, we are using the tree planting initiative as our response to the global challenge of climate change.

“We want our community to enjoy the beautiful green landscape, and we want to transform a dilapidated landscape into a green corridor with eco-parks, picnic areas and hiking trails,” said Mr Naidoo.

DEAT Chief Director for Planning Co-Ordination and Information, Blessing Manale said the games will not begin if they are not green.

“We acknowledge that the idea of green games began in Oslo in 1994.

“We are going to make 2010 the greenest world cup yet, and I’m glad to say that the world cup in Brazil in 2014 has requirements from FIFA for it to be a green world cup,” said Mr Manale.

According to the City of Johannesburg, the Norwegian government has committed R750 000 for a feasibility study for a carbon offsetting programme.

Also, they have pledged an additional R12 million to implement measures that will reduce the carbon footprint of the world cup.

City of Johannesburg’s Director for 2010 Sibongile Mazibuko said they are preparing for the impact that world cup visitors will have on the environment, and that working with Norwegian institutions will give them an indication of the scale of expected impact.

“In this way we will ensure that the world cup is not only a big event for football lovers in South Africa and across the globe – but that we will also score green in 2010,” said Ms Mazibuko. - BuaNews