The Ministry of Environment and Water has announced that the educational campaign it launched earlier this week at Abu Dhabi International Airport which tackles the issue of illegal elephant ivory trade, has drawn strong participation from travellers.

The campaign, which will run until August 13th was organised in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Customs and Abu Dhabi Airports, as well as the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

The campaign showcases samples of previously confiscated elephant ivory in the market according to public demand, in order to enlighten travellers about the importance of wildlife as well as the threats the elephant species are being exposed to. Informative reading material are also distributed as part of the programme.

Aisha Al-Abdooli, Director of Awareness and Education Department, said that the campaign aims to promote awareness regarding the legal requirements of ivory trade amongst travellers. "This effort is in line with the national initiatives adopted this year directed towards advancing environmental education in the effort to cultivate the community's commitment to enhancing sustainability and safeguard the environment. The Ministry was eager to launch awareness campaigns all year round to boost environmental awareness among tourists, which is an essential component of the UAE's green objectives," she said.

The illegal elephant ivory trade campaign was organised to address the increasing incidents of illegal trade in live animals, ivory, leather products, wood and sandalwood among other crucial natural resources, and was developed to ensure that the UAE will meet its objectives of establishing bio-security and environmental safety within the country in accordance with established international treaties.