Sustainable Fun: WhiteWater & KSA's Eco-Friendly Waterpark Collaboration

The plan, developed in partnership with UNICEF and UNESCO, will implement a unique cross- and co-curriculum framework in all schools, provide comprehensive training for principals and teachers, establish the first-ever Education Pavilion in COP’s history, and transform 50% of all UAE schools and campuses to be green accredited.

The ministry will also provide a seven-point framework for schools and universities to become more environmentally friendly and reduce their environmental impact while promoting sustainable practises among students and the wider community.

The plan covers four aspects: schools, learning, capacities, and communities. Since 2019, the ministry has partnered with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to develop a cross-curriculum framework covering all 23 curricula within the country for all age groups, ensuring that students at all levels are exposed to sustainable development concepts.

The ministry has also partnered with UNICEF and the Office for Climate Education to develop a comprehensive training plan that covers all principals and at least one teacher per school. The training plan includes the ‘Educator Voice’ and ‘Children Voice’ initiatives, which aim to empower educators and children to play an active role in addressing environmental challenges.

In partnership with UNESCO, the Education Pavilion at COP28 will provide a base of operations for educating and inspiring the world about the Green Education Partnership. The ministry is also developing a ‘School and University Engagement’ model to promote sustainability in communities, with each emirate having its own unique approach to engaging schools and universities in promoting sustainable development.

The UAE’s Green Education Partnership Roadmap in preparation for COP28 can serve as a model for other countries to adapt globally.

WhiteWater commits to eco-friendly entertainment parks

WhiteWater, a company that designs and manufactures aquatic entertainment, has pledged to make its contribution to the Saudi Vision 2030 programme by making its projects more environmentally friendly. 

The company aims to help deliver more than 600 entertainment attractions in Saudi Arabia by 2030. 

By prioritising sustainability in every step of the process, from feasibility planning to construction, the company hopes to create the most environmentally responsible water parks in the world. 

It has also developed a range of design features that help to mitigate water loss and power consumption, including the use of high-quality resin transfer moulding (RTM) fiberglass. 

The company is also careful in selecting the right equipment for water parks, which can result in a reduction of daily water consumption in parks to just 2-3%. The company uses 3D modelling and proprietary simulations to determine exactly how much water will be used on a water slide to reduce the risk of over-specifying pumps and reduce water loss. 

WhiteWater’s Una deBoer said that companies must choose to allocate time and money to reduce their carbon footprint to avoid accusations of greenwashing.