Each awardee will receive a USD $25,000 grant in recognition of impactful environmental initiatives
The World Aquatics Foundation has announced the recipients of the first ever World Aquatics Foundation Environmental Award, on the occasion of World Environment Day: the Republic of Azerbaijan and the City of Paris.
The award recognises practical and impactful environmental initiatives that contribute to the protection and improvement of the environment, particularly in relation to water sustainability and aquatic ecosystems.
Selected by the Foundation Board following nominations submitted by Board Members and World Aquatics, each recipient will receive a USD $25,000 grant.
Azerbaijan recognised for environmental protection and sustainability efforts
The Republic of Azerbaijan has been recognised for its long-term governmental commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.
This year, Azerbaijan was selected as the global host of the United Nations Environment Programme’s 2026 World Environment Day celebrations, an important international recognition of the country’s environmental initiatives.
The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan is the central executive authority responsible for implementing state policy in environmental protection. It oversees the organisation and efficient use of natural resources, including groundwater, mineral raw materials, and surface natural resources. The Ministry also manages its restoration, as well as the observation and forecasting of hydrometeorological processes within the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Azerbaijan's section of the Caspian Sea.
The country has also continued to advance sustainability and energy transition initiatives in recent years.
The formal presentation of Azerbaijan’s USD 25,000 grant will take place during the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in Baku from 1-3 October 2026 in the presence of World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam.
Paris honoured for Seine restoration project
The City of Paris has been recognised for its major environmental project to restore the Seine for public swimming, which had been prohibited since 1923.
The project included an investment of more than USD $1.6 billion focused on improving water quality, modernising infrastructure and revitalising the river ecosystem.
The initiative also played an important role for aquatic sports by hosting the Open Water Swimming competitions during the Olympic Games Paris 2024, while providing a memorable setting for the Opening Ceremony.
Today, the Seine includes supervised swimming zones, daily water quality monitoring and urban infrastructure designed to improve access to cooling spaces during periods of high temperatures.
The project extends beyond Paris itself, with additional public swimming sites planned across the Île-de-France region.
The formal presentation of Paris’ USD $25,000 grant will take place during the European Aquatics Championships in Paris from 31 July to 13 August 2026 in the presence of World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam.
Supporting sustainability through aquatics
The World Aquatics Foundation was created to address key global challenges in aquatic sports, water safety and environmental sustainability.
Through its environmental initiatives, the Foundation supports projects focused on protecting water resources and preserving seas, rivers, lakes and aquatic ecosystems.
“Our athletes compete in water. Preserving our seas, rivers and lakes is central to the survival of our planet and our sport. It is imperative that we all work together across the global sporting community – and beyond – for this critical issue”
In addition to environmental projects, the Foundation also focuses on athlete development, water safety and drowning prevention, and the global development of aquatic sports through education programmes, scholarships and community initiatives.