New Trustees join GEE Advisory Council

Environmental leaders Join GEE

Magnus Enell, Adjunct Professor, International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics at the University of Lund in Sweden, and Mr Gordon Shepherd, Director of International Policy of WWF International in Switzerland have both joined GEE.

They bring new and substantial knowledge and experience to the organisation, at a time when GEE refines its vision and forward strategy, and while the organisation is implementing a number of significant projects to drive environmental sustainability in the sector.

Speaking on behalf of GEE, Jonathan Smith, Chief Executive said:

We are thrilled to have two such distinguished environmental leaders as part of our growing organisation. Magnus and Gordon have tremendous experience in assisting specific sectors to meet the opportunities and challenges that environmental and social sustainability presents.

They both play and understand the game, which I know will help them be effective and constructive advocates as we progress a relevant but credible environmental agenda for golf.

However, they also share GEE s viewpoint, that golf needs to critically and objectively appraise its environmental performance, and that we should all continually challenge ourselves, refine our own environmental policies and strategy in order to ensure we are addressing priority issues in the right way.

Upon his inauguration as a GEE Trustee, Magnus Enell said:

All stakeholders in society, from single people, private and public companies to all types of organisations, have a responsibility to combat local, national and global environmental and climate change problems. The interesting part of this responsibility is that problems can be turned into possibilities and profitable actions.

Golf associations, clubs, tournaments and individual golfers will be important and necessary parts of this work. By taking a proactive role in the sport and outdoor activities, golf will be the good example and the precursor, as well as a responsible stakeholder solving problems for future generations, nature and the climate.

"I m honoured to become a trustee at GEE, and I will improve my golf and contribute with my environmental skills and experiences .

Talking about his own appointment, Gordon Shepherd said:

"It is important that those of us who love golf find ways to ensure it is a sport that future generations will enjoy. While recognising the games history we should also consider its future role in the sustainability of diverse societies around the world.

"Golf, be it embedded in society as in Scotland, or a relatively new economic activity as in South East Asia, offers possibly a unique opportunity for some of us to make lifestyle choices with direct benefits to biodiversity, to mitigating climate change and to contributing to environmentally and socially sound development.

"At a time when there is increasing public and political awareness of environmental problems it is important we all engage in actively seeking and implementing answers.

"In particular the social, environmental and economic pressures being felt as a result of declining natural resources and climate change, create a strong imperative for delivering practical solutions. As a Trustee of GEE, I look forward to helping make that happen.