Jumeirah says that the panel discussion entitled ‘Out of Sight is not Out of Mind: Our Collective Responsibility to Preserve our Ocean,’ took place in Dubai, ahead of World Sea Turtle Day on June 16
Jumeirah Hotels, an Emirati luxury hospitality chain, recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP) by hosting a panel discussion on the collective efforts needed to protect the ocean.
In a press statement, Jumeirah says that the panel discussion entitled ‘Out of Sight is not Out of Mind: Our Collective Responsibility to Preserve our Ocean,’ took place in Dubai, ahead of World Sea Turtle Day on June 16.
The statement adds that the panel was attended by a group of global experts, including Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Barbara Lang-Lenton, Director of Aquarium at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and DTRP Lead, Jo Ruxton, Founder and Director of Ocean Generation and Juan Antonio Romero, Mission Blue Scientist, Marine Biologist and filmmaker, who discussed the most pressing challenges facing our ocean today.
The statement adds that the panel underscored that marine conservation is a shared global challenge requiring collaboration among governments, organisations, businesses, and individuals.
It goes on to say that the participants also shared examples of innovative solutions and best practices for ocean conservation, highlighting the critical role of education, awareness-raising and youth engagement in shaping a sustainable future for the ocean.
Razan Al Mubarak
“Over the past 20 years, the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project has demonstrated the powerful role of corporate responsibility in the sphere of environmental care. I commend their ongoing commitment to the health and vitality of marine life, which is crucial for maintaining our ecosystems’ balance,” says Al Mubarak of IUCN.
“I am incredibly proud to celebrate two decades of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project. Not only is it an important milestone for Jumeirah, it is also testament to Dubai and the wider UAE’s efforts in enhancing biodiversity through conservation programmes,” says Lang-Lenton.
“The ocean is also our biggest ally when it comes to climate change, yet we recklessly exploit and damage this fragile ecosystem. By empowering individuals to take collective action daily, we can drive significant positive change,” says Ruxton.
“Education, public awareness, and science are part of bridging the gap between the ocean and us. Providing tangible ways in which individuals can support this cause is also paramount in our mission to preserve and protect these precious ecosystems,” says Romero.
The statement adds that prior to the event, Jumeirah, together with community members, guests and partners, released 63 rehabilitated turtles back into their natural habitat. This included Hawksbills, Green turtles, and Loggerheads, bringing the total number of turtles released by the DTRP to more than 2,175 since its launch in 2004.
Honouring World Sea Turtle Day on Sunday, Jumeirah says a range of sea turtle conservation activities have been organised. In Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island, in partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the National Aquarium, and Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue, hosted an intimate release of 50 sea turtles on its pristine beach.
The statement adds that guests at Jumeirah Olhahali Island in the Maldives will enjoy a mix of complementary and bookable turtle-themed experiences, including a marine talk from the in-house marine biologist, guided snorkelling around Olhahali Island’s house reef, sand sculpture making, sustainable seafood dinners at its all-day dining pool-side restaurant, yoga sessions with turtle inspired poses at Talise Spa, and unique room decorations, all aimed at promoting sea turtle conservation and awareness.
