Ajman tourism body goes plastic-free
- 11 Sep 2019
Sohaila Ahmed, Staff Reporter
Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) has reinforced its commitment to the environment by banning the use of plastic utensils in its departments and divisions in response to the Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment’s campaign to encourage responsible consumption for a sustainable future, which was launched on the occasion of Earth Day.
This move is also in line with UAE Vision 2021 and Ajman Vision 2021, which underline the importance of a happy society that contributes to the creation of a green economy.
As part of this initiative, ATDD will replace the plastic items that were used in ATDD’s offices with other biodegradable materials in the interests of protecting and conserving the environment. ATDD will also continue to work with its tourism and hotel partners to promote sustainable environmental practices.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, ATDD Director General, said, “The Government of Ajman is particularly interested in enhancing sustainability in the tourism sector; it is one of the main axes of Ajman Vision 2021. ATDD has decided to ban plastic implements to keep pace with government trends in this regard and to raise community awareness about the importance of reducing our impact on the environment.”
Jawaher Salem Al-Matrooshi, Director of Supporting Services Department in ATDD added, “At ATDD, we are keen to launch, sponsor and support multiple initiatives and projects aimed at preserving the environment in an effort to promote sustainable development on an ongoing basis. This is one of the ATDD’s leading strategic objectives.”
The Department of Tourism Development, in cooperation with its partners in the government and private sector, is making a great effort in promoting environmental practices. It has launched the Ajman Award for Sustainable Tourism (Madama), which aims to encourage partners within environmental practices that contribute to reducing water consumption and energy, ultimately promoting the adoption of environmentally friendly practices.”
Sustainability within the tourism sector is of particular interest to the Government of Ajman, and is one of the main pillars of Ajman Vision 2021, which focuses on enhancing the sustainability of the Emirate by conserving natural resources and adopting innovative best practices.
