Dubai releases 63 turtles for Turtle Rehabilitation Project’s 20th anniversary

Dubai: Jumeirah marked the 20th anniversary of its Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP) by hosting an important discussion about protecting the ocean. The panel, called ‘Out of Sight is not Out of Mind: Our Collective Responsibility to Preserve our Ocean’, featured experts like Razan Al Mubarak, Barbara Lang-Lenton, Jo Ruxton, and Dr. Juan Antonio Romero. They talked about the big challenges facing our oceans today and stressed the need for everyone – governments, organizations, businesses, and individuals – to work together to save them.

Razan Al Mubarak praised the project’s efforts over the past twenty years, highlighting the importance of corporate responsibility in environmental care. Barbara Lang-Lenton, reflecting on the anniversary, expressed pride in the project’s contribution to enhancing biodiversity. She emphasized how crucial it is to protect marine life, especially with the growing impact of tourism on coastal areas.

Jo Ruxton talked about the importance of connecting people to the ocean and educating them about its significance. She stressed that everyone needs to understand how essential a healthy ocean is for our survival and for fighting climate change. Dr. Juan Antonio Romero emphasized the urgent need for action and increased awareness to protect and preserve our oceans.

Also read: World Bank encourages climate-resilient irrigation to transform lives

Before the event, Jumeirah released 63 rehabilitated turtles back into their natural habitat, bringing the total released by the DTRP to over 2,175 since 2004. Among them was Barney, a Hawksbill turtle who recovered from an injury and was returned to the ocean. Activities were organized across Jumeirah properties for World Sea Turtle Day, including turtle releases in Abu Dhabi and turtle-themed experiences in the Maldives.

Jumeirah Al Naseem introduced a turtle-inspired stay experience to support the DTRP’s efforts, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity. This dedication to preservation aligns with Dubai’s vision for development and its strong culture of corporate social responsibility.