The Emirates Group wants to play its part in supporting and preserving biodiversity.
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in Australia are examples of the group’s focus on protecting fragile ecosystems and supporting for sustainable tourism in very different parts of the world. Both conservation reserves protect valuable ecosystems and provide unique experiences for visitors from around the world.
The Emirates Group funds the operations of the 225 square kilometer Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, an inland desert habitat that has been protected by government mandate since 2003. This is the largest piece of land that Dubai has dedicated to a single project, with the aim of preserving Dubai’s unique desert environment for future generations to enjoy. The reserve plays an important role in ecological research, actively collaborating with local and international universities. The findings and results of the research studies help to enhance knowledge of the desert ecosystem, gather scientific data about rare and endangered desert species, monitor the balance and preserve the natural environment.
The reserve is also a focal point for conservation programs aimed at restoring the populations of some of the UAE’s wildlife, such as the Arabian gazelle, sand gazelle and Arabian oryx. Since their reintroduction at the reserve, the antelope species have thrived and their populations significantly increased, prompting studies to explore the possibility of relocating some oryx and gazelle species to other protected areas in the region.
In 2018, more than 285,000 people visited the reserve, through Arabian Adventures, various Emirates partner tour operators and the Al-Maha Desert Resort.
Emirates has also been supporting the protection of Australia’s wildlife and plant life for more than 10 years, through the conservation-based Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in New South Wales. It was the first luxury resort in the world to receive an internationally-recognized carbon-neutral certification from New Zealand- based CarboNZero, after undergoing a comprehensive greenhouse-gas emissions assessment. The resort also conducts regular research to identify opportunities and challenges for conservation of endangered species. Efforts have also been underway to help restore vital vegetation and promote treeplanting, which have helped to re-establish vital habitats for bird populations, which are essential for their long term survival.
Using its brand power to raise awareness of the illegal trafficking of endangered wildlife, Emirates decorated four of its A380s with special wildlife decals. Since then the aircraft have flown millions of kilometers to 48 cities in 29 countries during close to 6,000 flights taking this important message around the world and promoting conversation and wildlife preservation.