Lima 2019 President Carlos Neuhaus and Peruvian Minister of Environment Lucia Ruiz presented an action plan to ensure a "green" Pan American Games ©Lima 2019

Lima 2019 President Carlos Neuhaus and Peruvian Minister of Environment Lucia Ruiz have presented an action plan here ensuring a "green" Pan American Games. 

The presentation was made during a tour of the Videna Sports Complex, which boasts an athletics stadium, aquatics centre and velodrome to be used during the Games.

It will also be home to the badminton, bowling, squash, handball, artistic skating, table tennis and judo events.

In a bid to ensure the multi-sport competition is carbon neutral, Ruiz announced that the Ministry of Environment would be measuring the event's carbon footprint, before compensating for it in protected natural areas.

In addition, establishments serving food and drink at venues around the city will not give out single-use plastic bags, straws or styrofoam containers.

The presentation took place during a tour of the Videna Sports Complex ©Lima 2019
The presentation took place during a tour of the Videna Sports Complex ©Lima 2019

"Lima 2019 will mark a before and after thanks to its sports infrastructure," Ruiz said.

"We have world-class facilities that will put Peru under the world’s spotlight. 

"For this reason, we must promote a new lifestyle, with a green and clean Peru. 

"The event will be in keeping with environmental issues, through the use of solar panels and renewable energy.

"We want the Games to be green and clean, so we ask you not to bring plastic to the facilities. 

"During the Games, there will be waste management, and the carbon neutral policy against the emission of greenhouse gases will be applied.

"Additionally, carbon credits will be issued for the implementation of four natural areas in San Martín, Ucayali, Puno and Madre de Dios. 

"These Games will represent a change and show the world what we are and what we want to be."

Single-use plastics will not be distributed at venues, while spectators are discouraged from bringing in plastic ©Lima 2019
Single-use plastics will not be distributed at venues, while spectators are discouraged from bringing in plastic ©Lima 2019

Promotional activities will also be held throughout Lima 2019, run by environmental volunteers in attendance at the action plan presentation.

"As a country, this is our chance to manage the environment differently and to improve our habits," said Neuhaus. 

"Over 400 million people around the world will be watching us, so we must do things differently. 

"Lima will be in the spotlight and we can be better. 

"It all depends on us."

The 2019 Pan American Games are due to start on Friday (July 26), when the Opening Ceremony will be held at Estadio Nacional. 

Around 6,600 athletes are set to compete in 39 sports until August 11.