Vilamoura Golf’s four courses -- The Old Course, Pinhal, Millennium and Laguna -- have all been awarded GEO Certification and are now Biosphere Certified.
The GEO Foundation confirmed all four Portugal courses achieved GEO Certified status for their work to foster nature, conserve resources and support the community.
The "Biosphere Certified" distinction is a certification that recognizes destinations and organizations implementing sustainable tourism practices and is a guarantee they are fulfilling commitments related to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Specific projects highlighted by the inspection team included improved irrigation systems, reduced water usage and chemical dependency and fostering long-term ecological health.
The Old Course, the second oldest in the Algarve, was recognized for its strong commitment to sustainability, and initiatives such as a new pump station to reduce energy consumption, a pine management program and its positive impact on local biodiversity, and a proactive approach to resource efficiency.
The Millennium was cited as ‘an example of environmental stewardship in the golf industry’ for its focus on water-efficient irrigation systems and strategic tree management as well as a determination to reduce its ecological footprint.
The Laguna received recognition for protecting local ecosystems as well as a renovated irrigation system, achieving a 20 percent reduction in water consumption, while the Pinhal was praised for its social initiatives, such as supporting golf education for young people and collaborating with local organizations to help create lasting positive impacts on the community.
“Vilamoura has some of nature’s most stunning settings,” co-CEO Nuno Sepúlveda said, “and we feel a great weight of responsibility to make sure it not only is maintained but flourishes for generations to come.
“Understanding the importance of sustainability and avoiding waste of any sort is a key part of our business strategy and also increasingly important for our customers and visitors. We are grateful to receive these very prestigious accolades and are determined to ensure we continue to be the leader when it comes to setting a strong environmental agenda.“
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