Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has launched a new
Animal Welfare and Conservation Policy and an #Etihad4wildlife social media
competition as part of the airline's ongoing efforts to promote wildlife
conservation.
The policy establishes best practice for excursions offered by Etihad
Holidays involving animals, and also outlines new criteria for the carriage of
endangered and threatened species, hunting trophies containing any animal
parts, shark fins and live animals intended for use in scientific research,
which will not be permitted on aircraft. The policy also sets out commitments
to the Declaration of the United for Wildlife International Taskforce on the
Transportation of Illegal Wildlife Products, to which Etihad Airways became a
signatory in March 2016 at an official ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Six
equity partner airlines followed suit in April and June to support efforts to
prevent the growing trade in wildlife products.
To mark World
Animal Day, Etihad Airways is running a social media competition until 6
October, to win a trip to Sri Lanka, including flights, hotels, tours and
transfers. To be in with a chance of winning, entrants should share their best
travel photos of animals in the wild using the #Etihad4wildlife hashtag on
Instagram and Twitter.
Peter Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said:
“Our airline is committed to the welfare and protection of wildlife. Our new
policy has been developed over several months to minimise our ‘animal
footprint’ and will ensure that we continue to meet the highest standards of
animal welfare. By hosting the #Etihad4Wildlife campaign online, we also hope
to raise awareness among our guests of the important issue of wildlife
conservation.”
On 10 October, Etihad Airways will host a discussion on wildlife within
the airline industry with Will Travers OBE, President of the Born Free Foundation
and internationally renowned wildlife expert. The Born Free Foundation has
provided technical assistance in developing the airline’s new policy by
offering best practice criteria on holiday activities that involve viewing or
interacting with animals. Etihad Holidays has reviewed its offerings in
accordance with the Association of British Travel Agents’ (ABTA) Global Welfare
Guidance of Animals in Tourism.
In addition, the airline is supporting the Born Free
Foundation’s Travellers’ Animal Alert – an online tool that gives
holiday-makers around the world an opportunity to raise concerns about any
cases of animal suffering encountered on their trips. Guests who wish to
support the charity in the air can purchase a bracelet, featuring a silver
African lion charm, or donate their Etihad Guest Miles when on the ground.
Staff from Etihad
Airways take part in an event to mark World
Animal Day at the company’s
headquarters in Abu Dhabi
Staff from Etihad Airways
are seen using virtual reality kits to learn
more about wildlife conservation
efforts on World Animal Day.
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