Page 13 - GBC ENGLISH spring 2024

Kathryn Wood, CEO, CGSA, echoes this sentiment, “Climate change and loss of biodiversity are concerns across society and, as land managers, we have an important role to play. This program provides recognition for the stewardship work that our superintendents deliver, while our industry demon- strates to society and governments that golf is an effective environ- mental leader.”
This initiative is being supported by and delivered in collaboration with GEO Sustainable Golf Foun- dation, the international non-profit dedicated to helping advance sus- tainability in and through golf. It is also closely aligned with the valu- able work Golf Canada is leading around the RBC Canadian Open and CPKC Women’s Open.
This makes for a comprehensive and unified approach by all parts of golf across Canada, all pulling in the same direction in sustainability.
Three key goals for the initiative are:
1. Support and enhance the opera- tional performance, golfing landscapes and popularity of grassroots golf facilities.
2. Make a tangible positive impact on biodiversity conservation, climate action, and in sustainable communities.
3. Ensure golf is recognised as the leading sport in sustainable development and climate action in Canada.
Cabot Links, Cape Breton, NS
Golf and other sports face many and varied risks, from extreme weather as highlighted in the previous Winter 2023 edition of Golf Business Canada magazine, to financial costs, changing government pol- icies and regulations, and rising public expectations. However, now is also a time of fantastic opportunity for creating more efficient, resilient, popular and profitable facilities.
The Sustainable Golf Initiative provides a clear framework for any facility to advance and accelerate action, delivering:
• Cost savings and wise investments;
• Fair regulation and reputation;
• Courses more resilient to climate change;
• Enhanced value and support by the community;
• Sponsorships and marketing value;
• Staff engagement and teambuilding.
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