Al Mouj Golf Achieves Double Re-Certification in GEO and Audubon Standards, Highlighting International Eco-Leadership
-Certifications confirm Oman’s world-class oceanfront golf destination’s outstanding work in crucial fields such as fostering nature, conserving resources and supporting the community-
Al Mouj Golf has been re-certified in the industry-leading GEO and Audobon standards for 2023, making it one of only a few golf clubs in the world to maintain both certifications. Al Mouj Golf previously received the GEO certification in 2017 and the Audubon certification in 2014.
Nasser Al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, said: “The importance of sustainability is paramount to Al Mouj Golf. We are proud to be spreading awareness and promoting sustainable practices with our ongoing eco-friendly initiatives, which is acknowledged by these two certifications, as we strive to meet the Sultanate’s net zero goals. As a course ranked #2 in the MENA region and in the world’s top 100, we hope to set a positive, inspiring example in the golfing world, because there is much more work that needs to be done to protect our ecosystems, conserve resources and address climate change.”
Pablo Munoz, GEO-accredited independent verifier, said: “A sanctuary for birds and a golf course for players, Al Mouj Golf proudly promotes and celebrates sustainability. Irrigated only with recycled water and established with wall-to-wall salt and drought tolerant seadwarf paspalum warm season grass, Al Mouj carefully preserves and cares for natural wetland (khours) habitats; whilst keeping buffer zones around sensitive water bodies and coastal areas. Birds and native grasses and shrubs coexist and are observed by visitors through the organized nature walks. Awarded and recognised for its sustainability commitment, Al Mouj outreach to the local community through their business and multifunctional activities – including good causes such as the Gol Fore Autism program for children with disability. Al Mouj is a major golf venue that embraces Oman’s unique nature and ecology.”
The GEO certification is awarded to golf courses with proven outstanding work in fostering nature, conserving resources and supporting the community. It is a comprehensive modern certification, developed to the highest credibility standards, to help golf facilities, developments and tournaments demonstrate and be recognised for environmental and social responsibility.
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf is an award-winning education and certification program that helps golf courses protect the environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf. It assists members in determining its environmental resources and any potential liabilities, then develop a plan that fits its unique setting, goals, staff, budget and schedule. It chiefly focuses on site assessment, environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, reduction and safety of chemical use, water conservation and quality management, plus outreach and education.
Al Mouj Golf also recently announced a new partnership with Nama Water Services to receive treated sewage effluent (TSE) for irrigation at special rates, as well as providing Nama with green waste that will be turned into eco-friendly fertilisers for use on the award-winning course. Al Mouj Golf recycles 100% of its organic green waste, which includes roots, leaves and grass clippings.
It was the latest initiative of Al Mouj Golf’s Environmental Protection program, which helps to balance world-class conditioning with a long-term commitment to environmental and sustainability awareness and implementation. Al Mouj Golf has become a haven for wildlife by integrating with the existing natural landscape, using local resources and maintaining reduced usage of fertilisers, chemicals, fuel and water.
In addition to the GEO and Audobon certifications, this commitment to sustainability earned Al Mouj Golf the International Environmental Golf Club Award for 2023 at the Golf Environment Awards, a UK-based program that recognizes excellence in environmentally sustainable practices within the sport, as well as the IAGTO Sustainability Award for Community Value.
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