Inspirational locals steal world green tourism show

It may have been opened by someone almost older than God, but the young dynamic professionals at World Green Tourism outshone their global elders at every turn.

An inspiration himself and never shy of controversy, Maurice Strong ‘The father of sustainability’ accepted the first World Green Tourism award and set the scene for last week’s World Green Tourism event.

Although nearly 100 world experts had jetted in to talk about the sustainable tourism global scene, their massive carbon footprint could have been saved as the local UAE sustainable tourism people demonstrated their understanding of the subject in unimaginable depth.

The keynote session was introduced by Her Exellency. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak who, as the Secretary General of Abu Dhabi’s Environment Agency amongst her many other supporting roles in local, African and global environmental agencies, leads Abu Dhabi’s environmental organization. She is responsible for championing environmental sustainability, conserving biodiversity, protecting groundwater and ensuring that the country’s economic vision is achieved in a way that protects Abu Dhabi’s natural heritage and maintains a good quality of life for all: “now and for the future”.

A big job by any standards but, even for a polished global professional, her presentation was focused, inspirational and full of understanding and content -describing her agency’s role in tourism and delivering many insights. Her MSc in Public Understanding of Environmental Change from UCL and BA in Environmental Studies and International Relations from Tufts University attest to Razan’s academic background.

She was followed by the ‘Green Sheikh’. H.H Sheikh Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Ali Al Nuaimi, from the neighboring state of Ajman, a member of the ruling family of the Emirate of Ajman in the United Arab Emirates and known as the “Green Sheikh”, is taking his message of holistic living to the world, inspiring people of all ages, religions and backgrounds.

What could be more inspirational than the picture of the Green Sheikh teaching his son about the principles of sustainability lived through their own lives?

Later in the day, the conference heard Ibrahim Awad, the Managing Director of Seventh Sense Environmental Consultancy.  Ibrahim and his team have been working to support prestigious clients such as the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority establishing and implementing world leading sustainable tourism initiatives, such as the Abu Dhabi Green Hotels Program.

Society day brought a swathe of young, passionate social entrepreneurs including Ali Alsaloom, an Emirati National from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Ali's passion for travel and his interest in cultural studies was ignited by his opportunity to travel with his father, an academic and avid traveler.

Ali became a Pioneer and first Emirati in the tourism Industry, who stepped out of the comfort zone of a secure job and became an Entrepreneur in the field of Cultural Tourism. He took his faith in his own hands and launched his omnibus corporate identity – Maestro Commercial Enterprises., recently honoured by His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

Ali’s latest achievement? His first steps in the world of publishing. “Ask Ali: A guide to Abu Dhabi” and “Ask Ali : A guide to Dubai” – self published, self distributed cultural insider guides.

Society Day was a demonstration of the commitment and understanding of young people in the UAE to create a sustainable tourism industry in the Emirates – and there was no more fitting tribute that a young voice from Africa – British entrepreneur Amy Carter James who is building a vibrant social enterprise in Mozambique, educating and feeding local kids, helping fight against AIDS, delivering world class hospitality – and all through sustainable tourism. 

The UAE has just celebrated its 40th birthday – its understanding of sustainable tourism and its practices as evidenced by World Green Tourism are certainly not middle aged!

Valere Tjolle
Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Get your copy at a special offer price: HERE