Gary Player - The Legend

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Joins Audubon Sanctuary Program

Jun 3, 2011 | Filed Under: General NewsGolf Course Design   

Abu Dhabi - Gary Player designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has received certification in Environmental Planning from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP), an international program administered by Audubon International designed to help landowners preserve and enhance the environmental quality of their property. The plan was developed by Marcus Hartup, Director of Agronomy, who is also recognized for his effort to plan environmental stewardship.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses provides an advisory service to help existing golf courses develop effective conservation and wildlife enhancement programs. The worldwide effort is coordinated by Audubon International and is sponsored in part by the United States Golf Association.

“The open space of golf course is utilized not only by golfers, but is habitat for a variety of wildlife species,” explained Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for Audubon International. “We welcome Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’s commitment to the environment and to managing the golf course with wildlife in mind.”

By joining and participating in the ACSP, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will be involved in projects that enhance habitat for wildlife and preserve natural resources for the benefit of the local community. “The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program benefits both people and wildlife,” said Sluiter. “It’s a great way of the managers of developed properties and environmental organizations to work together to become better stewards of land and natural resources.”

After the environmental plan is approved, properties in the program may apply for certification in Wildlife and Habitat Management, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, Water Quality Management, and Outreach and Education by demonstrating that they have met minimum requirements for each category.

Audubon International is an environmental organization dedicated to educating, assisting, and inspiring millions of people from all walks of life to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife and natural resources around them. In addition to businesses, Audubon International also provides programs for golf courses, schools, communities, and new developments.

“We are very proud to have worked with the team at Saadiyat to help achieve this recognition from Audubon International.  The environmental sensitivity directive issued by TDIC, the developer of Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, fit in perfectly with our continued commitment to design eco-friendly courses around the world,” said Scott Ferrell, President of Gary Player Design.

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