No outdoor sports without biodiversity: why the industry must act now

73% less - that's how much global wildlife populations have declined in just 50 years (1970-2020). A figure that terrifies - and drives Dan Yates every day. As President of EOCA, the European Outdoor Conservation Association, an industry-wide network for the protection of our natural world, he is committed to preserving wild habitats. At ISPO 2024, we spoke to Dan about what this dramatic loss of biodiversity means for us as an industry - and what we can do together to counteract it.

More exciting discussions about climate protection from 30 NOV. - 2. DEC. 2025 at ISPO 2025 - don't miss it!

Directly to the interview questions

• Biodiversity Loss Impacts Everything
• How Brands Can Get Involved in EOCA
• Conclusion: Taking Responsibility - Together For More Biodiversity

ISPO.com: Dan, could you start by telling us a bit about what EOCA is and your role?

Dan Yates: Certainly. EOCA is a membership organization for the outdoor industry. We collect membership fees on a sliding scale based on company turnover. This includes both large and small members, and we use these funds to invest in major restoration projects for biodiversity and wild places. This not only offsets the impact of the outdoor industry but also emphasizes the importance of preserving these areas for the industry's future.

Could you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got involved with EOCA?

My journey to the outdoor industry is quite non-traditional. I started as a whitewater kayaker and was professionally trained as an optometrist. Over time, I witnessed the destruction of natural habitats, particularly rivers, which led me to transition into environmental activism. I’ve worked with NGOs on river protection and was involved with Protect Our Winters Europe before stepping in as the Executive Director at EOCA, where I aim to drive significant changes needed by the industry.

Biodiversity Loss Impacts Everything

Could you explain why the biodiversity loss is such a critical issue?

Biodiversity underpins the entirety of our natural world. In the past 50 years, we've seen dramatic losses in wildlife populations—up to 80% in some cases. This loss impacts not just the natural beauty and resources we rely on, such as clean water and air, but also the raw materials needed for our products and the mental health of our communities. Without a concerted effort to protect nature alongside fighting climate change, these natural systems and resources essential for life and industry could collapse.

That's quite alarming. What actions can we take to combat this biodiversity crisis?

The primary drivers include land-use changes, direct exploitation of resources, climate change, not thinking about sustainability, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. Tackling these requires a multifaceted approach, including protecting existing natural habitats, restoring damaged ones, and reducing our carbon footprint and pollution levels. Brands and consumers need to be aware of their impact and actively participate in conservation efforts.

How Brands Can Get Involved in EOCA

For brands interested in partnering with EOCA, what are the ways they can get involved?

Brands, not just from the sports industry,  can engage with EOCA at several levels. Initially, they can join as members, contributing to our conservation grants and advocacy efforts. We also offer a deeper engagement where brands can sponsor specific projects, connecting directly with conservation activities that resonate with their values and customers. This allows for impactful storytelling and deeper consumer and employee engagement.

Your cost to join as a brand is linked to your European turnover. We pool that money and use it for our core conservation grant or environmental grant projects. We've just opened our environmental granting, and right now, we have 230 applications from around the world. We'll make a shortlist of 10 to 20 of the most appropriate, and then our membership will vote on which ones they want to fund. We also do a public vote for consumers to choose.

What message would you like to share with our listeners, particularly those looking to maintain positivity in the face of such environmental challenges?

The key is resilience. As outdoor enthusiasts, we understand the effort required to overcome challenges, whether climbing a mountain or completing a long bike ride. This same resilience can inspire us to protect the places we love. Engaging with nature not only helps conserve it but also connects us to the planet in a meaningful way, fostering well-being and community.

Thank you, Dan, for sharing these insights.

Thank you for having me, Claudia.