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Sustainability Principles
 Golf Environment Europe shares a vision of progress in golf that links economic development, protection of the environment and social justice. sustainability in golf.

Golf Environment Europe recognises that for the development of golf to be sustainable it must integrate environmental stewardship, economic development and the well-being of all people, not just for today but for generations to come.

The Golf Environment Europe recognises that this involves:

  • The balanced and equitable economic development of golf (good for the economy)
  • High levels of employment, social cohesion and inclusiveness (good for society)
  • A high level of environmental protection and responsible use of natural resources (good for the environment)
  • A joined up approach of environmental policy making by golf organisations and environmental partners, in an open and transparent way
  • Effective international co-operation to promote the sustainable development of golf globally

The Forum also adopts the Principles of the Rio Declaration, in particular:

Principle 1 - Human beings are at the centre of concerns for sustainable development. They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature.

Principle 4 - In order to achieve sustainable development, environmental protection shall constitute an integral part of the development process and cannot be considered in isolation from it.

Golf Environment Europe activities are based on the following tenets:

  • The future of golf lies in its ability to deliver, and be seen to deliver, a balanced range of environmental, social and economic benefits.
  • All golf courses should strive to maximise their contribution to environmental protection, wider society and the broadest possible economic prosperity.
  • The protection and enhancement of the environment, is also social and economic issue, and is therefore a key factor of sustainability.
  • Golf Environment Europe main focus is environmental protection and enhancement, whilst recognising the interrelationships between the environment, society and economy.
  • Golf Environment Europe believes that by conserving the environment, golf can contribute more positively to society as a whole and will be more profitable.
  • Golf courses should be able to function within the agreed carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems.
  • Biodiversity is a fundamental indicator of sustainability.
Golf Environment Europe will promote the concept of sustainable golf widely, and encourage integration of environmental stewardship within other golf organisations, where the main focus may be the economic and social aspects of golf.

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