Alexander Zhukov Deputy-Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Supervisory council of the Organizing Committee of the XXII Olympic Winter Games and XI Paralympic Winter Games of 2014 in Sochi (Organizing Committee Sochi 2014)
"The concept of Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, crowning the intensive development program for the all-Russian resort in Caucasian Black Sea region, was unanimously adopted by the Evaluation Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). I think that the IOC decision was to a large extent influenced by the fact that never before had Winter Games been held in such unique and picturesque environmental conditions.
At the same time we are aware that sustainable development of this area and, particularly, protection of Sochi environment is our obligation to Russia and to the world community, our duty for the future generations of Russians. At the preparatory stage and during the Games the Government of Russia will put every effort to enhance the quality of environment and socio-economic conditions in the Region.
This is precisely why the development of Sochi as an alpine climatic resort and creation of the required infrastructure for the Winter Games within relatively constrained timeframe and with respect to the interests of all parties involved in this grand project — is a complicated and multifunctional task. Handling it requires concentration of resources from organizers of the Games, city of Sochi, Krasnodar region and the whole country. These resources must be and will be used in a very efficient way.
These Games will be innovative — one more step of our country on its way towards the reduction to practice the principles of sustainable development and environmentally responsible technological perfection. All plans to build modern sports and other Olympic venues, which meet the IOC requirements, should be indisputably fulfilled in such a way as to become a new standard of environmentally efficient construction in Russia.
Our aim is to leave a rich «green» Olympic legacy for Sochi residents. We have all resources to achieve the goal."
Dmitry Chemyshenko, President Organizing Committee Sochi 2014
"Environment and its state are among the most acute issues that organizers of the Winter Games of 2014 are facing. Sochi 2014 Environmental Strategy determines how sustainable development of the Games area will be managed, including environmental protection, comprehensive environmental management, interactions with all stakeholders throughout the whole preparation period and during the Games.
Games preparations are performed in accordance with rigorous local, national and international environmental regulation and IOC requirements as well as in line with the proposals and recommendations of public ecological institutions. Moreover, Sochi 2014 opens the doors for the best practice and experience of environmentally friendly and efficient development.
Sochi 2014 preparations unite top level professionals who put every effort in order to retain the unique ecosystem of the Greater Sochi and to deliver unforgettable innovative Winter Games that will fully reflect our national character.
Preparations and delivery of the Games will become a catalyst for positive changes regarding awareness of the level of environmental responsibilities not only in the region of the Games but also throughout the whole of Russia, and will create advantageous conditions for implementation of a number of needed amplitudinous environmental programmes.
Traditional Russian resort Sochi shall be revitalized as an all-season modern world class health resort, a powerful base for developing sports of high achievements. The experience in implementing new high-performance technologies and environmental standards will become exemplary for other Russian cities.
Sochi 2014 will become a high-tech rim for the unique nature of the Caucasian Black Sea coastal area, and it will mindfully support environmental harmony of Sochi as well as open access to its natural treasures for the whole world."