THE Fairmont Southampton has accepted an environmental award for its efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife ? on the very golf course it is considering bulldozing and replacing with expensive villas.

The recognition came from Audubon International, which yesterday claimed it had no idea that the resort intended to develop the land when accreditation was granted last month.

A multi-million-dollar redevelopment venture of the 80-acre property was announced in March. The plans included a private residence club, a shorter golf course and a new beach facility.

A massive outcry from residents and local environmentalists saw the development unofficially scaled back. Officially, the proposal was said to be "under review".

Norman Mastalir, managing director of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, said yesterday: "Fairmont has made no concrete decisions on the final direction for any redevelopment of the Southampton golf course.

"Regardless of any decision to redevelop at any level, the utmost attention will be paid to all environmental concerns. A potential change in the configuration of the course does not mean that environmental stewardship would not continue to be top priority."

An announcement of the hotel's achievement was made last week. It was the second award received by the hotel in recognition of its efforts to promote eco-friendly and sustainable development initiatives since news of its proposed development was made public.

According to Audubon International, the recent accolades came on the hotel's completion of a two-year programme towards accreditation.

"Fairmont Southampton has shown a strong commitment to its environmental programme. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," said Shawn Williams, staff ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programmes.

"To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas."

Relevant categories include environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation and quality management.

Audubon International is a not-for-profit environmental education organisation "dedicated to educating, assisting and inspiring millions of people from all walks of life to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife and natural resources around them".

The Fairmont began its certification process in 2004. It was designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System, the educational division of Audubon International. Before the organisation was contacted by this newspaper, Mr. Williams said it was unaware the hotel was considering developing the Southampton property.

He added that such information was usually submitted voluntarily to the charity, and that in those instances, organisations were advised of Audubon International's Signature Programmes.

"No, we didn't know of the plans to develop before," he said. "We can't stop them from developing but when it comes to the golf course and re-certification, we will review their information. We have several properties that are undergoing construction and we have directed them to our Signature Programmes."

As described on the organisation's web site, the Audubon Signature Programmes provide comprehensive environmental planning assistance to new developments. The programmes help landowners and developers "design for the environment" so that both economic and environmental objectives are achieved. Once construction is complete, involvement in an Audubon Signature Programme ensures that managers apply sustainable resource management practices in the long-term stewardship of the property.

Acknowledging the award, a spokesperson for the Bermuda Audubon Society said yesterday: "We have always been fully supportive of the efforts made by local golf courses to create habitat for wildlife, especially keeping woodland intact, planting native trees and maintaining wetland areas. Most golf courses have erected bluebird trails (nest boxes) which have enabled this species to remain as a nesting bird in Bermuda.

"The award given to the Fairmont Southampton is somewhat surprising in view of its plans to destroy half of the golf course in favour of condominium development. If the award was accepted in full knowledge of the proposed building development, then perhaps the award could be returned and given to a real environmental effort elsewhere in the hotel group."

Mr. Williams added that Audubon Society reviewed properties every two years. Organisations which failed to meet expected standards were de-certified. The Fairmont is the first hotel in Bermuda to receive such accreditation and the 617th in the world.