Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort in France has been awarded the Gold Label as part of the Golf for Biodiversity programme.
The new distinction follows a rigorous audit and evaluation by an authority consisting of the French Golf Federation, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Office for Biodiversity and a representative of the Ministry of Sports.
The initiative aims to improve knowledge, management and conservation of biodiversity in the golfing field whilst also raising awareness among golfers. The resort is one of only two golf courses in France to receive the highest honour.
The label was unanimous in its praise for the numerous measures implemented by the resort in recent years, testifying to the scale of the investments made by the resort concerning biodiversity.
Julien Viglione, manager of ECO-MED, commented, “Obtaining this Gold Label is a collective achievement, and part of this success is down to all the people who have supported the project at Terre Blanche since the golf course was created 20 years ago. The resort’s approach will enable nature to flourish as well as help the public to better understand the opportunities for protecting biodiversity and developing the resources that a golf course can represent in an area like Tourrettes. There is no doubt that this label will raise awareness of biodiversity across generations, due to the Gold level criteria that has been devised with expertise, passion and consideration.”
A Sanctuary of Biodiversity
In collaboration with ECO-MED, a consultancy office specialising in environmental studies, the resort has developed a multi-year action plan to improve its knowledge of local biodiversity, adapt its environmental management practices and implement numerous awareness-raising initiatives aimed at its members, employees, golfers, local stakeholders and young people.
This is demonstrated by the various events and activities organised throughout the year in partnership with the environmental association PACA pour Demain. These include the annual ‘Journée de la Terre,’ ‘Faune Sauvage’ days, the release of wild animals from the Centre de Soins de la Faune Sauvage des Alpes-Maritimes and the Wildlife Trophy.
The resort has introduced a research and development programme to monitor the population and create habitats for bats. It has developed buildings to create shelters for bats that can be seen by guests on the resort’s biodiversity trail.
The resort has also formed a Biodiversity Watch Brigade, that collects environmental data, monitors the resort’s ecological development, reduces the use of plant protection products in favour of biocontrol products, increases the amount of uncultivated land to encourage biodiversity and manages the bodies of water. It has also implemented reforestation campaigns and reduced light pollution to benefit nocturnal wildlife.
Sustainable Philosophy
Since its opening 20 years ago, the resort has positioned eco-responsibility at the heart of its strategy. The resort is aware of the importance of preserving nature and providing spaces for native species and wildlife to thrive. It continues to introduce innovative environmental activities, reaffirming the resort as one of Europe’s forerunners in the field of biodiversity.
Marc Delauné, President of Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort, said: “We are extremely pleased and proud to have been awarded the highest distinction in the ‘Golf for Biodiversity’ programme. This distinction is the achievement of all our employees.
“The Gold label testifies to Terre Blanche’s strong commitment to biodiversity and rewards the many actions implemented over the last 20 years, both on our golf courses and throughout the resort. We will continue our virtuous approach, but also improve and set new objectives so that Terre Blanche remains the benchmark among eco-responsible golf resorts.”