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Al Mouj Golf - a signature course at Oman's leading mixed-use integrated tourism complex, Al Mouj Muscat - said it has once again won recognition from Audubon International for its sustainability efforts.
Regarded by many as one of the Middle East’s finest golf courses, it has for the second time retained its designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programme for Golf Courses, an Audubon International programme.
Oman’s leading community destination, Al Mouj Muscat is spread over a 2.5 million sq m area housing more than 6,000 residents across 2000+ villas, townhouses, and apartments.
Al Mouj Golf was first designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2014 becoming the first golf course in the Middle East and North African (Mena) region to be certified.
Al Mouj Golf has now achieved this distinction three times, thanks to the eco-friendly management approach of the wider team, said a statement from Al Mouj Muscat, a public-private venture between the Omani government and leading regional mall developer and retail pioneer Majid Al Futtaim.
With this recognition, it has now become one of 200 golf clubs to be Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) certified worldwide and less than 20 courses to be certified by both GEO and Audubon.
On the achievement, Al Mouj Muscat CEO Nasser Al Sheibani said: "I am incredibly proud of the team at Al Mouj Golf for successfully retaining the natural heritage of our golf course, as well as being recognised by Audubon for a third time."
"This is a significant environmental and sustainability achievement in balancing such a wonderful lifestyle asset with nature. Maintaining the biodiversity of the grounds at Al Mouj Golf is central to providing golfers with a world-class facility," stated Al Sheibani.
Steven Johnson, Course Superintendent at Al Mouj Golf, said: "We are honoured to be certified by both Audubon International and GEO for our environmental, sustainability and commitment to the greater community."
“Both programmes are internationality recognised for their cutting-edge approach to sustainable golf course management practices and these certifications ensure Al Mouj Golf’s maintenance programmes are at the forefront of world golf,” stated Johnson.
Audubon International CEO Christine Kane said: "Al Mouj Golf has shown a strong commitment to its environmental programme. They are to be commended for preserving the natural heritage of the area by protecting the local watershed and providing a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property."
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programme for Golf Courses, endorsed by the US Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources.
Golf courses from the US, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, Mexico, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the programme.
"To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas," explained Kane.
"These categories include environmental planning, wildlife & habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, and water quality management. Courses go through a recertification process every three years," she added.-TradeArabia News Service