Green Globe announced certification of Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, United Arab Emirates. Set on the island haven of Sir Bani Yas, just off the coast off Abu Dhabi in the Arabian Gulf, the property is recognized for its environmental, social, and cultural sustainability policies and achievements.

The Desert Island Resort & Spa aims to minimize the use of water through installation of sink aerators and low-flow showers and toilets and to reduce energy consumption by at least 10 percent annually in line with Anantara Group requirements – for example through energy-efficient lighting and mindful use of air conditioning. A waste management plan is in place, and the property also promotes local cultural awareness among guests.

Christian Zunk, General Manager at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, said: “We are actively engaged in our adherence to the Green Globe Standard for Sustainable Travel and Tourism. This recognition highlights Anantara’s sincere commitment to operating in an environmentally, socially, and culturally responsible manner. “Our yearly Guest Satisfaction Survey score remains well above the industry average and shows that our commitment to the environment and the service we provide exceeds guest expectations. Without restricting their comfort in any way, Anantara’s environmental culture also extends to communication on sustainability issues with our guests.”

The Desert Island Resort & Spa conducts regular awareness training on activities that increase its environmental impact, and on its own responsibilities towards environmental conservation and sustainability. It also supports local environmental campaigns.

Green Globe Certification’s CEO, Guido Bauer, said: “For the Desert Island Resort & Spa, little things count, such as turning off taps, using only the absolute necessary amount of water for cleaning, or turning off unnecessary lights, as well as computers and other electronic appliances when not being used. These practices are passed on to employees, guests, and other parties involved.”

Mr. Bauer added: “The resort also knows about its responsibility to contribute to sustaining its beautiful surroundings and the endangered species on the island. Employees pass the importance of environmental awareness on to guests when organizing nature and wildlife drives and walks or snorkeling expeditions.”

As a working wildlife sanctuary, Sir Bani Yas Island offers great opportunities to encounter endangered animals and explore diverse topography. Desert Island Resort’s Nature & Wildlife Drives invite guests, who will be accompanied by an expert guide, to step behind the scenes and gain a unique perspective on the work that goes into caring for the several thousand animals, including giraffes, cheetahs and striped hyenas that call the Arabian Wildlife Park their home.

The Arabian Wildlife Park takes up approximately half the size of the island and provides an authentic environment for wild animals to freely roam, while the island remains a unique experience for visitors. Arabia’s largest wildlife reserve was established in 1971. Thanks to decades of intensive conservation work and ecological investment, it is now home to thousands of animals and several million trees and plants. Animals that can be found on the island include gazelles, deer, giraffes, dolphins, and sea turtles, as well as around 30 species of mammals, including a variety of antelope and one the world’s largest herd of endangered Arabian oryx. Many of the more than 100 individual species of wild birds on the island are indigenous to the region.