The aim of the improvement programmes undertaken by UACh is to obtain Golf Environmental Organization (GEO) certification for the Riviera Maya Golf Club.

On Monday 3 June, the Riviera Maya Golf Clubhouse was the venue for signature of the Partnership Agreement between Grupo Piñero, represented by its subsidiaries Bahia Principe Residences and Bahia Principe Golf, and the UACh (Chapingo Autonomous University), which will benefit both parties:

- to begin with, it will provide UACh students and alumni with a Natural Laboratory at the Bahia Principe Golf Course to undertake Biotechnology Studies and Practical Experience to contribute to the maintenance and sustainability of everyday operations at the golf course.

- meanwhile, it will also provide Bahia Principe Golf with scientific credentials for the work undertaken to care for the course with a view to obtaining Golf Environmental Organization (GEO) certification.

On hand for the signing of the agreement were Dr Bernardo López Ariza, Rector of Chapingo Autonomous University, and Álvaro Moya, Managing Director of Bahia Principe Residences & Golf, along with other attendees.

Formalisation of the agreement serves as the materialisation of a series of actions which have been undertaken continuously for the last four years, with both organisations deriving mutual benefits from their experience.

We are highly satisfied with the partnership between Chapingo Autonomous University and Bahia Principe. This is a great opportunity for us, helping to strengthen our mission and extend our links with other economic sectors in the country connected with the agronomic context, while also providing us with areas and resources where UACh academics can undertake research to be showcased through scientific platforms such as conferences, articles and educational institutions, allowing students to put their knowledge into practice through pre-professional postings and study trips undertaken at Bahia Principe, stated Dr Bernardo López Ariza.

For our part, Alvaro Moyá indicated that for Grupo Piñero the alliance with Chapingo Autonomous University helps to continue the commitment we have as a company to the responsible management of resources at our complexes, in this case by guaranteeing sustainability in the management of the Riviera Maya Golf Club, allowing us proudly to state that our golf course is the only one to apply biotechnological pest control. The greens are treated without the use of any chemical fungicides, which could potentially pollute the water table. Care is likewise taken to treat and reuse waste water to be returned to the subsoil, so as to avoid any negative impact on the environment.

Grupo Piñero has traditionally stood out for its forward-looking vision as a pioneer in developing destinations. We began operations on the Riviera Maya more than 20 years ago, in what is now a highly prized location. We played our role as visionaries in the tourism development of the area, driving regional economic growth through the vision of Social Responsibility which characterises the company, generating investment in municipal infrastructure and the inclusion and training of local workers, along with many other initiatives. The alliance with the UACh is a further project underpinning the group's efforts to remain at the cutting edge, and to deliver benefits to the local community and the environment through practical action.

Initiatives such as this allow Bahia Principe Residences & Bahia Principe Golf to cooperate and strengthen their commitment to maintain sustainability and responsible management not only of the golf course, but of the surrounding area and environment.