Ria Bintan Golf Club Recognized for Environmental Excellence

KEPULAUAN, INDONESIA - Ria Bintan Golf Club has achieved designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program. Jeffrey Low, General Manager, and Young Fan Wee, Course Superintendent, have led the effort to obtain sanctuary status on this course and are being recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International. Ria Bintan Golf Club is the 1st course in Indonesia and the 676th in the world to receive the honor.

"Ria Bintan Golf Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," said Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs.

"To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas," explained Sluiter. These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

General Manager Jeffrey Low has been pleased with the golf course’s participation in the program and the environmental efforts made by his staff.

"We are happy that Ria Bintan continues to break new grounds by being the first in Indonesia to receive the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program certification. The certification attests to the Ria Bintan’s longstanding reputation as a first-class leisure and golf travel destination in the region and its commitment to contribute to the conservation of precious environmental resources. Focused on environmental sustainability, Ria Bintan makes continuous efforts to enhance quality and add premium value to our facilities and golf courses," said Low.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program.

For more information on golf and the environment, visit www.golfandenvironment.org. In addition to golf courses, Audubon International also provides programs for businesses, schools, communities, and new developments. For more information, contact Audubon International, 46 Rarick Rd., Selkirk, NY 12158, USA, (518) 767-9051, e-mail them via the Internet at acsp@auduboninternational.org , or visit their website at www.auduboninternational.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- February 2009
CONTACT: Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist
(518) 767-9051, Ext. 116
jsluiter@auduboninternational.org
www.auduboninternational.org