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Sustainable development Promoting environmental sustainability in golf development
Golf investors encouraged to embrace sustainable development At the INVgolf Investment Forum 2005 in Antalya, Turkey, the delegates received a number of presentations on the need for future golf projects to embrace the principles of sustainable development. Speakers from around the world outlined how golf developments and associated resorts were scheduled for "rapid take off" in many countries, particularly in southern and eastern Europe. Many of the environmental and social concerns of such development were raised. Jonathan Smith, CEO of the Committed to Green Foundation, summarised the need for golf developments to address important social and environmental issues, and emphasised that in the future, land for golf development will increasingly be restricted to development types which are sustainable. He also highlighted the need for more consistent application of Environmental Impact Assessment, as a means to improve communication between developers, planning authorities and communities on the actual positive and negative environmental impacts of a development. Also speaking at the event, Jeremy Slessor of European Golf Design Ltd. supported this approach and highlighted the role of the golf course architect in integrating environmental best practices into site master-planning and detailed course design features. Common queries amongst delegates focused on issues of water supply, water quality, habitat and species conservation (deforestation in particular), protection of cultural heritage and land use planning. It was widely felt that some credible, practical guidance on sustainable development of golf courses would be useful. This had the potential to guide developers and also provide a reference for planning authorities to assist them in assessing individual golf development proposals. To view all the presentations delivered at the INVgolf Investment Forum 2005, order the limited-edition INVgolf CD Rom 2005 today!
Cyprus Golf Development Conference
Date: Saturday, October 15, 2005 INVgolf was one of the main sponsors of the Cyprus Golf Development Conference and closely advised the organisers of this important event on matters related to speakers, themes, promotion and other key aspects of organising a conference of this calibre. Jonathan Smith of the North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland-based Committed to Green Foundation was invited to present at this important event for the development of the game of golf ion Cyprus. We were asked to give a neutral perspective on golf's environmental impacts, and to suggest ways to ensure golf courses are developed and managed to the highest environmental standards. As you would imagine there was particular concern over the impacts of golf on limited water resources. Concern was also raised that a more detailed strategic Environmental Assessment should be carried out so that the 'carrying capacity' of the island can be established. This would not only help the authorities define just how many courses the island could sustain, but would also provide information that would help in evaluating individual project proposals. The application of sound Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for every project was emphasised. The Cyprus Tourism Ministry and Tourism Organisation both openly acknowledged their responsibilities with regard to international sustainable tourism codes, and to European Commission regulations. Overall it was a well attended and valuable event, with a particularly open and frank debate between local organisations and developers. Ken Moodie of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA) led an excellent workshop on the role and responsibilities of the golf course architect. Click here for more information on the Committed to Green Foundation and the European Forum for Sustainable Golf (EFSG).
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