Los Angeles May 21 2013, California - Green Globe announces certification of the JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Over the past few years this luxury resort has demonstrated leadership and innovation in the fields of operational efficiency and globally responsible practices on multiple levels.
Fredrik Reinisch, General Manager at JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort is passionate about the environment and that is reflected across his team and throughout the resort grounds. He said, “Being recognized as a Green Globe organization is high up on our priorities list. As the global recognition for sustainable tourism, this is an award that accurately mirrors our goals and ambitions. Working toward the certification has been a team effort and the greatest realization has been to see the passion from each of the departments as they identify their own ways of engaging with the program, whether it’s working with the local community or developing our own bio garden. Essentially it’s not about meeting the criteria; it’s about going over and above what’s required. Receiving this certification doesn’t mean efforts are now grounded. Sustainability is a long term plan, one which required dedication, teamwork and determination.”
The property introduced a new Aquaponics system - the revolutionary scheme for growing plants by fertilizing them with the waste water from fish in a growing initiative. Aquaponic gardening is a most productive way to grow organic produce, while providing the added benefits of fresh fish as a safe, healthy source of protein. The onsite bio-garden produces a range of fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables for use within several dining outlets at the resort. To fund the garden the dirty oil from the resort’s kitchens is converted into diesel by an external company. The money generated is then used to buy tools and seeds, and pay the gardener. Following best practices while educating all associates is a key aspect at this eco-friendly destination.
The recently awarded “Best Family Resort” at the World Travel Awards is involved in numerous ongoing community activities, as well as specialized projects, such as “Marine Enrichment Activities.” Fish from the resort’s beach was released into the waters of the Arabian Gulf – a response to an authority’s call in the Emirate for a more sustainable utilization of the fisheries. The resort supports the EWS-WWF’s Marine Turtle Conservation Project and sponsors a hawksbill turtle, listed as critically endangered. With their green initiatives in place, the Jebel Ali Golf Resort&Spa recently secured the “Dubai Green Tourism Award” in the 5-star-hotel category.
On an international level, Jebel Ali Hotels works with the “All as One” charity, helping orphaned and destitute children in Sierra Leone with a loving home, education, medical care, and a chance for a better future.
The audit for the Jebel Ali Golf Resort was conducted by Farnek Consulting, lead sustainability experts in the MENA region, and a Preferred Green Globe Partner.
Sandrine Le Biavant, Division Manager, Farnek Consulting, who audited the hotel commented: “There is no doubt that Jebel Ali Golf Resort has totally embraced the concept of sustainabilityand can position themselves as a strong leader in the region. The team has developed a very strong long term Sustainability Management System with a clear vision of their responsibility towards the environment and the community driven by a Green Team to facilitate and maintain all efforts related to sustainability, while taking the right steps to significantly reduce their energy and water consumption with a proper energy and water monitoring and series of energy audits in various areas of the property, also involving their employees and offering their clients the opportunity to join their commitment.”
ABOUT GREEN GLOBE CERTIFICATION
Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe Certification is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, supported by the United Nations Foundation. For information visit www.greenglobe.com.