Gold Signature Certified by Audubon International in Nicaragua
Seaside Mariana Oceanfront Community recently received approval to become a Signature Certified Member of Audubon International. Audubon International is a nonprofit environmental education organization that fosters more sustainable communities. Audubon International provides the education and assistance needed in order to facilitate the practice of responsible management of water, land, wildlife and other natural resources. According to Audubon International, “We envision a world where people from all walks of life demonstrate commitment to responsible stewardship of our environment. We look forward to global and local landscapes that sustain biological diversity, as well as the intricate ecosystem relationships essential to sustain this diversity. Central to this environmental vision are thriving human communities rooted in ecological integrity, economic security, and social and cultural integration.”
Audubon International is proud to foster more sustainable land development through the Audubon Signature Program, which was launched fifteen years ago. The Audubon Signature Program is a third-party education and certification program. Through this groundbreaking program, tens of thousands of acres of habitat have been created and protected, millions of gallons of water have been conserved, and thousands of threatened and endangered species have been helped. In 1993 The Audubon Signature Program was launched as a way to provide assistance and advice for more sustainable land development. Through the program, countless people have been educated on what it takes to design, build, and manage ecologically rich, economically sound, and socially responsible human developments. Audubon International staff assists the development team through the design, construction, and long-term management of projects. Currently, there are 87 places around the world that have earned the designation of Certification Audubon Signature Sanctuary, comprising an impressive 100,000 acres of land. Seaside Mariana is proud to be a part of this worthy endeavor.
The Audubon Signature Program consists of three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Gold members make use of Audubon Environmental, Inc., whereby they are hand-selected by Audubon International. Vetting consultants are available to assist projects in earning Bronze, Silver, or Gold Signature certification. Seaside Mariana Spa & Golf Resort is taking the appropriate steps and is firmly on track to earn Gold Certification. Some of the important areas identified by Audubon International are Biological Diversity, Sustainable Resource Management, Habitat Sensitivity, Greenspace and Corridors Management, Building Design and Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources. Audubon conducts site specific assessments to ensure programs are meeting the criteria that has been set forth.
Biological Diversity is defined as the diversity of life that is key to the ultimate health and survival of human as a species and the environment as a whole. In order to preserve biological diversity, the conservation of natural resources is imperative.
Sustainable Resource Management seeks to ensure that our actions in the present enhance rather than diminish the quality of life for future generations. The core concept of sustainable resource management is the conservation of natural resources and the healthy functioning of ecosystems, which sustain life on the planet. Principles include striving to use resources that are most easily renewed and striving to eliminate or reduce the use of resources that are difficult or impossible to renew. It also involves identifying new resources and technologies that enhance our current resource base in ways that conserve wildlife species, water and the ecosystem as a whole.
Habitat Sensitivity entails providing attention and care to the wildlife habitats in the region under consideration. Habitat sensitivity includes not disturbing wildlife populations or degrading their food sources or water sources. It also involves ensuring no threat to wildlife through increased air or water pollution and the maintenance of corridors and green spaces that allow for movement of animals in their natural habitat areas.
Green space and Corridor Management is identifying and preserving the green and natural spaces that allow for the free movement of wildlife in and through an area. Green space and corridor management is the preservation of urban parks, forested zones, native grassland areas and rivers and streams that are crucial to sustainability. It also includes providing access to designated green spaces for educational and recreational purposes.
Building Design is another important aspect of sustainability. Proper building design takes into consideration all areas of construction and building such as, incorporation of energy efficient designs, appliances, lighting, heating and cooling, ventilation, building materials and water use. It also involves using building materials that will not become hazardous waste or impossible to dispose of as well as using native and naturalized plants when possible.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources includes minimizing energy consumption through conservation and use of energy efficient technologies. The emphasis is on the declining use and eventual elimination of fossil fuels like oil, coal and nuclear power and emphasizing the use of cleaner burning non-fossil fuel alternatives. Focusing on the use of solar power, wind power and geothermal power, wave and tide generated power and hydroelectric power is essential.
Seaside Mariana is proud to be a part of the effort to conserve biological diversity, sustainable resources, habitat sensitivity, green space and corridors and to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. Seaside Mariana plans to identify the geographic and topographic features that are unique to Grupo Mariana communities in order to preserve the ecological and biological resources found within. Seaside Mariana also plans to identify areas of archeological, historic or cultural significance within their developments in order to preserve and protect them.
Go here to follow our progress at Seaside Mariana Oceanfront Community.