Funchal 2026: European Aquatics and Portuguese Swimming Federation announce sustainable initiatives for women’s European Water Polo Championships

European Aquatics, working alongside the Portuguese Swimming Federation, has introduced a wide-ranging Sustainability and Legacy Programme for the upcoming Women’s European Water Polo Championships, which will be staged in Funchal on Portugal’s Atlantic island of Madeira.

The 21st edition of the continental women’s event will run from 26 January to 5 February, with the programme designed to leave a meaningful legacy for the host community while strengthening sustainability across all aquatic sports.

Following the progress made at recent European Aquatics events, the initiative focuses on reducing the championship’s environmental impact and generating long-term social and economic value for the region.

Forming a key pillar of the Aquatics Social Responsibility (ASR) Strategy, the programme reflects the shared dedication of European Aquatics and the Portuguese Swimming Federation to sustainability principles, legacy planning and active engagement with local communities.

“Our organisation acknowledges that maintaining a clean environment and conserving water are crucial for ensuring a healthy and sustainable world, which is essential for the well-being of all athletes and society as a whole,” Portuguese Swimming Federation President Miguel Arrobas said.

“In alignment with the European Aquatics strategy, the European Aquatics Social Responsibility principles and the recommendations outlined in the European Aquatics Sustainable Charter, we commit to implementing ambitious and measurable actions in all our activities and events.”

The Sustainability and Legacy Programme in Funchal is structured around five priority areas, each aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to ensure the initiatives deliver tangible and measurable outcomes.

Local volunteers will form a Green Task Force operating in and around the competition venue – the Funchal Olympic Swimming Complex – supporting a series of environmental enhancement activities throughout the championship period.

Among the headline measures is the ‘Eliminate Plastic’ initiative, with all teams encouraged to bring their own personal water bottles to reduce plastic consumption.

Single-use plastic bottles will not be distributed, while water refill points and timed shower taps will be available across the venue.

In another measure, catering and pool-related logistics will be provided by local suppliers operating within the complex, promoting the local Funchal economy and reducing transport-related emissions.

Whenever possible, preference will also be given to locally sourced services and sustainable solutions for all event operations and merchandising.

With local secondary school students actively involved in the championships through a dedicated volunteer programme, young people will gain invaluable experience by participating in the organisation and delivery of a prestigious international sporting event.

Further measures planned include the creation of a ‘Sustainable Fun Zone’, designed to promote environmentally conscious behaviour through interactive and educational activities.

Tickets will also be free of charge for local residents, helping to boost community engagement and inspire future generations to take up aquatic sports.

Together, these actions highlight the strong partnership between European Aquatics and the Portuguese Swimming Federation in delivering major aquatic events that benefit the sport, the environment and the future.

For more information about European Aquatics’ social responsibility initiatives, visit:
https://europeanaquatics.org/development/aquatics-social-responsibility/

The post Funchal 2026: European Aquatics and Portuguese Swimming Federation announce sustainable initiatives for women’s European Water Polo Championships first appeared on European Aquatics®.