The VfB foundation ‘Brustring der Herzen’ is committed to environmental and climate protection projects, working closely alongside NABU, Naturschutzbund Deutschland e.V. and the NABU International Nature Conservation Foundation. On the back of the parties’ successful collaboration in 2024 and to mark the 125th birthday of NABU – Germany’s largest environmental organisation in terms of membership – a VfB delegation recently paid another visit to Kenya to support the various environmental protection measures of the NABU International Foundation.
Exchanging knowledge and environmental commitment
The visit began with a three-day workshop at Lake Ol’Bolossat, where NABU is supporting its partner ‘Crane Conservation Volunteers – CCV’ in implementing extensive measures to protect the grey crowned crane. Twenty coaches and teachers from neighbouring villages took part in the workshop. Manuel Bierig, a coach at the VfB Football School and VfB Foundation, Sports4Development instructor Andrew Oloo, CCV director George Muigai and David Warui, a project coordinator in sport and environmental protection, addressed the participants on the issues of responsibility, the importance of acting as role models, and sustainability in theoretical and practical terms.
The focus of the workshop was also on integrating environmental protection into teaching, training and everyday life. A presentation by NABU’s Bernhard Walter offered valuable insights into global and local environmental issues, reminding participants of the importance of being proactive when it comes to protecting their natural habitat and highlighting specific ways of taking action.
1,893 trees for a greener future
The delegation also took part in a tree-planting initiative at Ol’Jorok Secondary School alongside pupils and teachers, planting 1,893 trees in a nod to the year VfB was founded. The goal of this initiative is not only to boost the ecosystem at Lake Ol’Bolossat, but to highlight the responsibility of future generations to take care of the planet. The school will continue to look after the plants in the coming years.
The Korongo Cup: Football meets environmental protection
The highlight of the visit was the two-day ‘Korongo Cup’ at Ol’Joro Orok Stadium, which was also dedicated to the endangered grey crowned crane (Korongo = crane). Nine teams from the eastern and western regions of the lake joined hosts Ol’Jorok in an enthralling tournament, which was won by Korongo FC. The winners were awarded t-shirts from the VfB Foundation, while all participating teams were given JAKO footballs.
The focus was not only on matters on the pitch. The Crane Conservation Volunteers informed spectators and the participating clubs about the importance of protecting the species, holding a presentation which highlighted the dangers facing the grey crowned cranes as well as measures to protect the animals and their habitats.
Effective commitment
Football and environmental education is already proving a successful combination. Thanks to events such as the Korongo Cup and targeted education in schools and communities, the CCV – with NABU’s support – has been able to raise awareness among young people of environmental protection issues. The number of grey crowned cranes at Lake Ol’Bolossat is rising again, with more young birds reaching fledgling age.
By continuing to combine sport and environmental protection, the VfB Foundation’s commitment in East Africa – with the NABU International Nature Foundation by its side – is set to continue deep into 2025.