JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort, in association with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, has played host to a Tourism Environmental Training initiative that was organised in line with the Green Economy initiative of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The workshop took place at Jebel Ali Golf Resort, which was, only last year, awarded the Dubai Green Tourism Award, an award presented within the hospitality sector in order to encourage environmentally-friendly initiatives and practices. The workshop included high-end speakers from all around the world, who discussed the factors affecting tourism and sustainability, as well as possible strategies and solutions.

JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort took this opportunity to introduce their new “green” concept with the unveiling and explanation of the new Aquaponics system - the revolutionary scheme for growing plants by fertilising them with the waste water from fish in a growing initiative. Aquaponic gardening is an amazingly productive way to grow organic vegetables, greens, herbs, and fruits, while providing the added benefits of fresh fish as a safe, healthy source of protein. On a larger scale, it is a key solution to mitigating food insecurity, climate change, groundwater pollution, and the impacts of overfishing of our oceans. The Aquaponics systems are completely organic. They are four to six times more productive and use ninety percent less water than conventional gardens.

Fredrik Reinisch, General Manager of JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort, is fully backing any new initiative that can contribute to saving the environment. “I’m proud to be called an eco-friendly destination, and I strongly encourage the whole team to do all they can to aid our cause. This training was another step in the right direction and sets an excellent example of different organisations working together for the greater good.”

Executive Chef, Nicolas Smalberger, was also on hand to provide the attendees with samples of organic and sustainable eco-friendly food, using ingredients that are grown within the resort bio garden.