Finca Cortesin, the host of the 2023 Solheim Cup, has taken a major step in sustainable golf tourism with a year-long environmental study highlighting the role golf courses can play in supporting biodiversity.
The Golf & Birds study, conducted between October 2022 and 2023, monitored bird activity across the course, strategically located near the Strait of Gibraltar, a key migratory route. Experts recorded 65 bird species and over 3,800 individual sightings, including 14 with conservation status and 11 species of raptors such as black kites and booted eagles.
The research revealed peak bird activity in February and July, with Finca Cortesin’s lakes providing vital food and shelter for migratory species. Nocturnal species like Eurasian eagle owls were also observed, showcasing the round-the-clock ecological value of the course.
This study underscores the resort’s broader commitment to sustainability, from chemical-free groundskeeping and water-efficient irrigation to preserving native Mediterranean flora. The team at Finca Cortesin hopes their efforts set a benchmark for other courses, showing that with responsible management, golf courses can become thriving ecosystems.
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