UAE: Atlantis Dubai Launches New Sustainability Initiative for Responsible Tourism
The Atlantis Dubai tourism destination on the Arabian Gulf has officially launched its new sustainability initiative, “Atlantis Atlas Project”, on the United Nations World Oceans Day this week (June 8th) in order to strengthen its commitment to caring for people and the planet in the long term. From taking part in marine life educational programmes designed to inform and inspire all ages – with its related The Lost Chambers visitor aquarium, Atlantis Dubai is home to 65,000 marine animals –, to experiencing sustainable, locally sourced and organic dining options. The Atlantis Atlas Project is focused around four core pillars: responsible operations, education & awareness, marine conservation & animal welfare and corporate social responsibility – and provide plenty of opportunities for guests to experience and learn more about their local environment in-resort.
Tim Kelly, Managing Director & Executive Vice President of Atlantis Dubai, said: “We are proud to be launching the Atlantis Atlas Project, which has been years in the making and publicly marks our commitment to sustainable development. […] Our ambition, through the Atlantis Atlas Project, is to engage guests in our conservation efforts to help them discover more about the natural world, through our team of trained marine specialists and world-class aquatic environments. We want our guests to experience sustainably sourced and locally grown food, and importantly, see the genuine environmental impact – through our own programmes and through the contributions of our strategic project partners. Atlantis Atlas Project is centred around protecting and preserving our natural world through awareness and education – and our journey is just getting started,” commented Kelly.
Amongst other opportunities, guests can now book specially designed education programmes such as a “Mini-, Junior- or Master Marine Biologist Programme”. A part of the revenues will be transferred to conservation, sustainability and environmental education initiatives, according to the destination. Also, Atlantis Dubai is committed to conservation, the destination has a shark and ray breeding programme to release marine animals back into Arabian Gulf waters biannually. As the first destination in the Middle East, Atlantis Dubai received the “gold standard” accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) – an internationally recognized standard for animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation and education. (eap)
