Throughout the construction of the $10.6 million golf course in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the 2016 Olympic Games, groups have protested its negative impact on the environment. But documents recently released by the Department of Justice say the course has “contributed to the growth of local vegetation.”

Organizers have claimed that the controversial new golf course built for the Rio 2016 Olympics has boosted the environment, after a report on the venue was published, Inside the Games reported.

Documents released by the State of Rio de Janeiro Department of Justice reportedly say the course in Barra da Tijuca has “contributed to the growth of local vegetation” in the Marapendi area, despite the golf course’s numerous complaints from environmental protesters, Games reported.

On February 28 last year, a group confronted International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach in the Brazilian city, describing Bach as a “nature killer” with complaints including the chopping down of trees, Games reported.

Rio prosecutors also claimed the project breached laws that protect the site, which is located on the heritage-listed Atlantic rainforest. However, a request to halt construction of the  $10.6 million course was rejected in a Brazilian court in November 2014, Games reported.

C&RB reported on the controversy at the time.

Now, it is claimed the report proves that different species of animal have in fact returned to a “once degraded area”. An inspection was carried out in December at the request of a civil lawsuit filed by state prosecutors who questioned the environmental impacts of the project, Games reported.

“The environmental gain in the region is visible,” said Rio 2016 sustainability coordinator Carina Flores. “Besides the flora, which increased extensively, we can observe the different species of animals that have returned to the area.

“The report now provides a scientific stamp to what we had already observed.”

The course, built as golf returns to the Olympic program for the first time since St. Louis 1904, will hold a test event on March 8, Games reported.