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Background
Whilst there is much to be done at a pan-European level if we are to portray a comprehensive and credible programme for golf and the environment, there is perhaps an even more important national perspective.

Golf in every country needs to demonstrate its care of the environment to national government, government agencies, relevant NGO's and the wider public. This can only be properly achieved through the establishment of a National Golf Environment Initiative. A few already exist, in countries like Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, Scotland and England.

Ideally these initiatives should in themselves be partnerships or industry forums. Take the Golf Environment Europe model and apply it to every large country, or consortia of smaller countries, in Europe. What a joined up effort this would represent, what good it would do golf..and to relatively small financial cost!

It would also enable golf organisations within different countries to come together to set national priorities and projects- to establish national 'Sustainability in Golf' Strategies, each weighted to the different legal and cultural situations in each country. These strategies should ideally be driven by a neutral partnership of golfing and environmental organisations.

Where such partnerships already exist, we see numerous benefits to golf:

  • Joint project funding, with government input
  • Increased recognition of golf's social and environmental contribution
  • Public awareness projects
  • National technical guidance for new development and various environmental issues
  • Government recognition and support for golf that balances economic development with wider society and environmental benefits
  • Provision of highly valued advisory services to golf facilities

A priority project of the Golf Environment Europe will be to produce guidance and case studies which demonstrate why national action is fundamental if golf is to accrue the benefits of being a proactive sectoral leader in sustainability.