Home » Q&A with Mike Golding OBE Part 2

Q&A with Mike Golding OBE Part 2

In the second part of our catch up with the Patron of The Green Blue, Mike Golding OBE,  we find out what inspires Mike to continue with his sustainable goals and what hopes he has for the future of the recreational boating industry…

 

How do you feel sustainability in the boating sector has changed over the years? And what do you think are the key challenges that boaters face in creating a more sustainable sport today?

World Sailing has been at the very forefront of sustainability action in sport and has been recognised by the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) for its development of a clear future sustainability agenda.

 

Equally the RYA and British Marine through the Green Blue initiative have provided the wider boating community with a high level of support and education to help boaters act responsibly and improve their knowledge of the impacts on the marine environment.

 

The biggest and toughest problem perhaps stems from the fact we are an equipment rich leisure activity. Boat manufacturers and equipment suppliers need to develop realistic end of life/circular strategies for their products and, just like with cars, remove the reliance on fossil fuels. Many of the best marine companies are working hard to find solutions which do not compromise our demand for performance. I predict the most responsible marine industries will benefit from rapid innovations in these areas to address sustainability and environmental issues.

 

During your travels are there any innovative environmentally friendly methods that you’ve seen on other boats / marinas that you’ve been particularly inspired by?

Recently we have seen British Marine secure significant funding to support the reintroduction of Oyster nursery beds, using our significant marina infrastructure such as pontoons and piles to provide the support framework in some of our busiest rivers. These installations will help wild Oysters recover their populations which will in turn see these coastal waters enjoy cleaner water, healthier fisheries and more plentiful biodiversity. It’s a perfect example of a project where, it seems, everyone wins, generating high quality food and improving the marine environment.

 

Many boaters may feel that the sustainable actions that they make on-board will only make a small difference, what would you say to boaters who may feel this way?

My performance sporting career was built around identifying numerous, often tiny performance gains which lead to success on the racecourse. Yes, sustainable actions often seem small in isolation however if we all do a little it will make a significant difference. Furthermore “acting positively” quite simply feels good and over time, encourages us to lead, better, less negatively impactful lives.

 

Do you feel that the marine sector is moving in a positive direction with regards to sustainability? And what are the next steps that you would like to see take place within the industry?

I do believe the marine and sport/leisure sector has been moving in a positive direction, but the wider maritime/cruise sector needs to take more responsibility for its significant part in the global climate/pollution crisis. The Green Blue, RYA and World Sailing lead the way for marine sport, but we should press the wider maritime sector to act quickly and play its part in improving and reducing their damage to our environment.

 

You can catch up with our earlier interview with Mike Golding OBE here.

If you’re feeling inspired to make some changes to your boating, then don’t forget to check out the Information and Advice pages.

 

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