A sea of change: The role of hospitality in ocean conservation

Sea turtles are a visible symbol of ocean biodiversity and play an integral role in maintaining the health of the world’s marine ecosystems. However, along with more than 800 other aquatic and coastal species this ancient mariner is under threat from warming seas and marine pollution destroying its natural habitat.

Plastic waste is a huge issue for the gallant sea turtle, with shocking statistics showing that 19 to 23 million tonnes of plastic, equivalent to the weight of 2,200 Eiffel Towers, find their way into our oceans and other bodies of water every year.

The ocean-climate nexus and its impact on marine life is a topic of critical importance not just to the global hospitality industry, who recognise that a healthy ocean and a high-quality experience go hand-in-hand, but to local businesses and communities whose livelihoods depend on it.

The need for pathways to sustainable marine and coastal tourism have never been greater and with so many beachfront hotels and resorts across the world it’s imperative that as an industry we are responsible and proactive stewards of these biomes. Under the ocean and out of sight, cannot be out of mind.

Time is of the essence and the hospitality sector has an important role to play in helping address some of these challenges. With mindful adjustments, hotel operations can be transformed into forces for good within fragile marine ecosystems, from eliminating single-use plastics and reducing energy consumption and food waste, to making positive contributions to biodiversity.

As a member of Dubai Holding, we share the responsibility to support the UAE’s vision to achieve sustainable economic development whilst preserving the environment. At Jumeirah Group, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint, connecting people, cultures and communities to protect the places we call home.

For the last 19 years, we’ve championed the plight of the sea turtle through the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, nursing sick and injured creatures back to health and returning them to their natural habitat. More recently, we’ve also embarked on a coral regeneration programme, aimed at fostering resilient reef ecosystems that are vital for maintaining biodiversity.

We’ve also put a much heavier emphasis on protecting our shores, phasing out single-use plastics and replacing them with eco-friendly alternatives, stocking our rooms with organic amenities, moving to electric transportation, using artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce food waste and opting for local and sustainably sourced or hydroponically grown produce for our restaurants.

But what is abundantly clear in the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and as we look ahead to COP28 and its ambition to unite the world in climate action, is that we all need to come together for the greater good. It’s incumbent upon us all – individuals, businesses, and governments alike – to join forces in driving conservation and sustainable practices. And for the hospitality industry, that means working in partnership with our peers to address the challenges and make changes that matter.

Initiatives like the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and the Sustainable Markets CEO taskforce for Hospitality and Tourism, both of which we are fully committed to at Jumeirah, will be important in driving that agenda and shaping a prosperous and responsible hospitality sector that gives back to each destination more than it takes.

World Sea Turtle Day: Call to protect oceans

It is also very encouraging to see the commitment to sustainable progress and cross-sector collaboration at the highest levels throughout the UAE. Whether it’s through active participation in the Global Ocean Alliance – an international partnership to protect 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030 – creation of mangrove conservation areas, or the establishment of Marine Protected Areas by the Emirates nature – WWF – ensuring that important habitats are protected from climate change and human activity – this is a nation that’s clearly dedicated to the good of tomorrow.

So, on World Sea Turtle Day we find ourselves at a decisive moment in shaping the future of our planet. More than just a tribute to turtles, it’s a call to action to help protect the delicate balance of life in our oceans and in all of Earth’s precious ecosystems.

We need to work together to act to tackle the global issues affecting our planet and its people for a more sustainable and inclusive world for all. Each of us has a role to play, not just today, but every day. It is our shared responsibility and, indeed, our shared privilege. I don’t think there is anything more pressing and important than that.