The partnership, which will see Starboard support ICF events from 2021 to 2024, is due to launch at the Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships, set to take place from July 4 to 6 in Lanzarote in Spain.
It is hoped the programme will ensure all disciplines become climate neutral.

The ICF claim this year’s Stand Up Paddling World Championships, scheduled to be held in Hungarian town Balatonfüred in September, will "set the benchmark for other events" as it bids to become "10 times climate positive".

Starboard, the environmental partner of the ICF, is set to run the rule over every event to check carbon dioxide emissions from attendees travelling to and from each competition along with electricity emissions.

Once an event’s carbon footprint has been determined, Starboard is then expected to work on ways to reduce and offset it using nature-based solution, including by planting mangroves.

"Paddle sports are enjoyed by people all over the planet, who all get to see first-hand the damage being done to our environment," said Starboard founder Svein Rasmussen.

"At Starboard we are absolutely committed to reducing the impact major sporting events are having on the environment, and we know we have the support of the passionate paddling community."

"We are pleased the International Canoe Federation shares our vision for the future, and we look forward to working together to make the planet healthier."

Mangroves are proven to absorb one tonne of CO2 within the first 20 years of their life and also help biodiversity flourish within and surrounding the planted area.

Starboard plant mangrove with Worldview International Foundation, based in Myanmar, reforesting an area where mangrove trees once flourished but due to farming or fuel needs, have been in rapid decline.

"We are very excited to put into action a plan that will underline our commitment to reducing the impact of our events on the environment," said ICF marketing manager Catherine Wieser.

"Starboard has a strong history in this area, and we are impressed by its commitment to the cause.

"Together we will work on not just presenting great paddling competitions, but also making the planet healthier."