The United Nations recognises the Sofía as a carbon neutral event

The 2023 edition of the Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca by Iberostar received the certificate of Recognition of Carbon Footprint Calculation and Offset issued by the United Nations and awarded by Trueworld. And as it progresses towards the goal of zero impact the 2024 edition has added new initiatives.

Environmental responsibility is a core part of the overarching philosophy of the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by Iberostar. As a commitment to sustainability, the Olympic class regatta signed an agreement with the Mallorcan company Trueworld for the 2023 edition to fulfil an action plan with the aim of neutralising its carbon footprint, implementing initiatives to analyse and measure air quality, monitor the seabed in the Bay of Palma and hold awareness-raising workshops.

As a result of this effort, the Sofia received the prestigious certificate of Recognition of Carbon Footprint Calculation and Offsetting, issued by the United Nations. 

"The certificate issued by the United Nations is a milestone in the responsibility of the regatta and its organisation,"explains geographer Marco Mendoza, CEO and founder of Trueworld. "It means not only having taken the maximum measures to reduce its environmental impact, but also taking on the challenge of involving the entire value chain in the mission of making this event a zero net impact event.”

This certificate endorses the efforts made by the event in environmental matters. "The result allows us to conclude that this is a regatta with a very low impact in its organisation and practically zero in its sporting execution. We should encourage this type of activities with low environmental impact and with a strong message of commitment, and a strong international image and a serious responsibility".

How is the carbon footprint offset?
Zero impact is the goal towards which the Sofia is moving in its strategic plan, but the reality is that in an event with more than a thousand sailors and dozens of inflatable boats there are areas where it is not yet feasible. "We are aware of the limitations", acknowledges Javier Zaynoun, director of the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by Iberostar. "There are areas such as the transfer of the participants and the material to Mallorca that involve polluting means of transport, it is an obvious fact that we cannot ignore. But whenever there is an alternative, we always opt for the most sustainable one". 

Trueworld explains how there are tools to balance the inevitable carbonisation, and that their application has enabled it to obtain the certificate: "Emissions that cannot actually be reduced are compensated by financing projects certified by the United Nations or by the Ministry of Ecological Transition. Support is given to local projects for conservation, dissemination or regeneration of the natural environment, in addition to the social programme, in which different organisations with young people at risk of social exclusion can participate in different workshops to bring sport and the sea to these most vulnerable groups".

In Mendoza's opinion, environmental awareness is growing every day at the Sofia: "The sailors are an essential part of helping us to strengthen the message of sustainability and increase the interest of the audience. Let's remember that the organisation is not yet legally obliged to measure or compensate for this type of event; however, it has carried out this programme and invested in making it an essential part of the organisation". 

More steps for 2024
The measures adopted in the last edition will continue in the 53 Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by Iberostar, which will be held from 29 March to 6 April. Trueworld has announced the implementation of new initiatives: "This year the organisers are looking to control water consumption, promote the use of efficient vehicles, share transfers and use local suppliers as far as possible. In addition, this year we will have two electric boats for the different educational and public activities that take place at sea: the Stenella, which we already used last year, will be joined by the Blue Circle, the first one hundred percent electric swallow in the Balearic Islands, in a firm commitment to sustainable sailing with a view to decarbonising the sector".   

As Zaynoun points out, the Sofia's path is progressing in parallel with the philosophy of its main sponsor. "Iberostar itself is a benchmark in environmental awareness, so it is very easy for us to work with them in this environment. Not only are they open to the ideas we propose, but they are especially proactive in proposing initiatives to reduce the impact of the event, educate present and future generations, and promote changes that help improve the health of our environment". 

The 53 Trofeo S.A.R. Princesa Sofía Mallorca by Iberostar is jointly organised by the Club Nàutic S'Arenal, the Club Marítimo San Antonio de la Playa, the Real Club Náutico de Palma, the Real Federación Española de Vela and the Federación Balear de Vela, with the support of World Sailing and the main Balearic public institutions.