Atlantis,
Dubai joins World Association of Zoos And Aquariums
One year on
from receiving the prestigious AZA accreditation, Atlantis, Dubai's WAZA
membership further highlights the resorts' commitment to global conservation as
part of the Atlantis Atlas Project
Atlantis,
Dubai announces today the resort's membership to the World Association of Zoos
and Aquariums (WAZA). This is the global alliance of regional associations and
national federations dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and
their habitats around the world. In joining WAZA, Atlantis, Dubai has become a
member of a 400-stong global community working to support wildlife and improve
animal welfare standards.
One of
Atlantis, Dubai's key priorities, and the second pillar of the Atlantis Atlas
Project is Marine Conservation and Animal Welfare and in order to protect
wildlife globally, collaboration is key. WAZA is the backbone to this
collaboration, bringing together world-class zoos and aquariums, associations,
as well as leading wildlife experts, academies, and universities, to encourage
the highest standards for global animal welfare among its member institutions,
while leveraging support for species conservation management.
Tim Kelly,
Managing Director & Executive Vice President of Atlantis Dubai, said: "We're
delighted to announce our membership to the World Association of Zoos and
Aquariums and join the global community of modern and progressive organisations
that are actively working to protect wildlife globally. Atlantis, Dubai is home
to a dedicated expert animal care team, who work around the clock to maintain
our high animal welfare standards, deliver world-class education programmes to
guests and visitors, and support marine conservation. Achieving WAZA membership
further highlights our commitment to sustainability and to doing business in
ways that protect both people and planet, through the Atlantis Atlas Project.”
Since
receiving accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) last
year, Atlantis, Dubai has led a varied programme of initiatives supporting and
driving education around marine species and conservation. On the UN World
Oceans Day 2021, the destination resort launched the Atlantis Atlas Project,
cementing the resort's commitment to doing business in ways that are good for
both people and planet. As part of its strategy to give back to the local
community as well as contribute to global marine conservation, Atlantis, Dubai
announced that for every marine experience booked, 1 USD would be donated to
conservation, sustainability, and environmental education initiatives, to be
selected twice annually and make a measurable impact to the natural world.
In addition,
in February 2021, the resort launched its popular marine education programmes,
including the Mini, Junior and Master Marine Biologist programmes, through
which younger guests aged from 3-16 can experience a day in the life of a
marine biologist, learning about species and habitats, animal behaviours and
their care and wellbeing, and develop a passion to protect oceans and all
marine life.
In the past
year, Atlantis, Dubai's successful shark and ray breeding and release programme
has also supported the release of Arabian carpetsharks back into Arabian Gulf
waters, boosting local wild populations. Atlantis, Dubai has also partnered
with Zayed University, and founder and director of the UAE Dolphin Project
Initiative, to support the Dubai Dolphin Survey 2021-22, a project which aims to
gather scientific baseline information about the local dolphin population off
the coast of Dubai.
Designed to
drive sustainability not just within Atlantis Dubai, but across the industry,
in the region and beyond, Atlantis Atlas Project has a long-term roadmap for
sustainable, responsible tourism. Initiatives including beach clean-ups,
mangrove tree plantings, and CSR activities are planned to continue supporting
people and planet throughout the remainder of 2021 and beyond as Atlantis,
Dubai continues forward on its journey to becoming a sustainable tourism
business.
For more
information on the Atlantis Atlas Project, please visit: https://www.atlantis.com/dubai/sustainability/atlantis-atlas-project
About
Atlantis Atlas Project
Atlantis
Atlas Project is Atlantis, Dubai's commitment to sustainability – to do
business in ways that are good for people and the planet. The initiative is
focused around four core pillars: Responsible Operations, Education &
Awareness, Marine Conservation & Animal Welfare, and Corporate Social
Responsibility. These fully incorporate the destination's commitment to
economic, social, and environmental responsibility, and provide immersive
experiences and opportunities for visitors and guests to experience and learn
more about their local environment both in and outside of the resort. Diners
can enjoy a selection of sustainable, locally sourced, and organic dishes with
food choices grown and harvested in Dubai at eight of Atlantis Dubai's
signature restaurants. Young explorers and families with a keen interest in
life underwater and the environment can get closer to nature through Atlantis
Dubai's new Marine Biologist programmes and back of house tours. Atlantis,
Dubai also supports the local community through its own projects including
shark and ray releases which boost wild populations of local species and
through supporting other charitable efforts to make measured impacts on
conservation, education and society.
About
Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
Located at
the centre of the crescent of The Palm in Dubai, Atlantis, The Palm is the
first entertainment resort destination in the region. Opened in September 2008,
the unique ocean-themed resort features a variety of marine and entertainment
attractions, as well as 22 hectares of waterpark amusement at Atlantis
Aquaventure, all within a 46-hectare site. It is home to one of the biggest
waterparks in the world and the one of the largest open-air marine habitats,
with more than 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including The Lost
Chambers Aquarium, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a
journey through ancient Atlantis. Aquaventure Waterpark features 23.5 million
litres of fresh water used to power 105 thrilling waterslides and attractions,
including several world record-breaking slides, and two river rides featuring
tidal waves and pools, water rapids and white-water chargers. Dolphin Bay, the
unparalleled dolphin conservation and education habitat, and Sea Lion Point
were created to provide guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn more
about some of nature’s most friendly mammals. The resort boasts an impressive
collection of luxury boutiques and shops as well as extensive meeting and
convention facilities. Atlantis, The Palm is also known as the culinary
destination in the region where guests can take their pick from a collection of
29 world-renowned restaurants including Bread Street Kitchen & Bar,
Hakkasan, Nobu, Ronda Locatelli, Seafire Steakhouse & Bar and the award-winning
underwater restaurant, Ossiano. Atlantis is also home to a buzzing nightlife
scene with entertainment destination Wavehouse offering something for everyone,
while WHITE Beach & Restaurant is the perfect place to unwind with a drink
as the sun slips into the Arabian Sea.
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 | | Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant |
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