Theodore Oben, head of the Outreach Unit at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), today praised Sochi 2014’s leadership in environmental protection, highlighting that he has “a strong feeling that Sochi 2014 will be successful” in environmental protection.

The senior UNEP official highlighted the determination, from all organizations involved in delivering Sochi 2014, to ensure that Russia’s first Winter Games has a positive environmental impact.

Mr Oben, said: “everybody that I have talked to, not only within the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee but also the State Corporation Olympstroy, the Ministry of Natural Resources and other involved parties are keen to cooperate and unite efforts in greening the Games.”

In a blog post following an inspection visit to Russia, Mr Oben said that the entire Sochi 2014 project was “full of very active people, dedicated to bringing positive sustainable change to their country.” He highlighted that while delivering the Olympic project involved many challenges he was confident that the leadership and staff would be successful in achieving their ambitious environmental protection goals.

Mr Oben concluded by highlighting that the “UNEP will be there to support and advise” Sochi 2014.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of Sochi 2014, said:

“As Mr Oben is a leading figure in the global environmental movement, it is a great honour that he has recognized our leadership in delivering the Games while ensuring steps are taken to not only protect, but also enhance the environment.

“Sochi 2014 is working closely with Mr Oben and the UNEP to ensure that we receive world leading advice about our environmental program. We are currently collaborating to monitoring the roll-out of Sochi 2014’s green construction standards across all Olympic related developments.”