Marriott Golf has announced that an additional 17 of their international golf properties will be required to become Certified Audobon Cooperative Sanctuaries by the end of 2009.

This represents an expansion of Marriott’s successful program from 2008, when 24 Marriott Golf managed properties in North America and one property in the Caribbean received the designation.

Certified Audobon Cooperative Sanctuaries help golf facilities protect the environment by enhancing wildlife habitats and other natural areas. Golf facilities are required to show that they are maintaining environmental quality in areas such as environmental planning, wildlife habitat management, environmental outreach and education, reduction of chemical use & chemical safety, water conservation and water quality management in order to receive the Audobon Sanctuary designation.

Marriott’s environmental program is highlighted by The Abaco Club in the Bahamas, and The Mallorca Marriott Son Antem Resort in Mallorca, Spain.

Robert Waller, senior director of grounds for Marriott Golf, said “We are committed to promoting the game of golf in an eco-friendly way, and working with Audubon allows us to do that while also maintaining the integrity of our premier courses.”

Kevin Fletcher, executive director of Audobon International, said “We are very pleased with the enhanced level of commitment Marriott is showing by expanding Audubon Certification to their 17 international golf properties.” “This program directly enables golf courses to protect the environment by improving the quality of land, water, and air, along with conserving natural resources and protecting wildlife habitats. These proven environmental management practices will help preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf for many generations to come.”

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009 at 2:43 pm and is filed under Greening. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.