Abstract
This paper highlights the need for critical attention and reflection within the Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) sector regarding the physical environment. Drawing on fieldwork that examined a variety of SDP initiatives in five different countries, we argue that instrumental concerns at local levels often mean that the physical environment takes a back seat to other development priorities within SDP activity. This is despite the critical importance of issues, such as environmental degradation and the threats posed by climate change, as well as the fact that sport is directly linked to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. After providing examples of the relegation of the physical environment in different SDP contexts, we put forth three conceptual frameworks that would be useful within SDP scholarship for advancing critical discussion on this issue within the sector. The final section discusses both the implications of these initial findings and suggests questions and topics for future research around this timely issue.
Highlights
In this paper, we examine the relevance and place of the physical environment within the Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) sector
On the definition of Sport for Development and Peace, we follow the lead of the Commonwealth Secretariat, which states that SDP is, ‘the intentional use of sport and physical activity as a tool to contribute to development and peace goals, including the Commonwealth goals of democracy and development’ [2]
The physical environment often intersected with SDP programmes in unexpected ways within the five locations studied; for example, at the micro level, the physical environment contributed to the production of particular kinds of sporting practices and experiences within SDP [32]
Summary
We examine the relevance and place of the physical environment within the Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) sector. It is important, here at the outset, to articulate what we mean by both environment and SDP. We see environmentalism as a broad philosophy and social movement on how human activity can limit harm to the physical environment. On the definition of Sport for Development and Peace, we follow the lead of the Commonwealth Secretariat, which states that SDP is, ‘the intentional use of sport and physical activity as a tool to contribute to development and peace goals, including the Commonwealth goals of democracy and development’ [2]
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