The Desert Vipers, a DP World ILT20 cricket team, are proud to announce their partnership with JA The Resort, the jewel in the crown in the JA Resort & Hotels portfolio; a collaboration that highlights their shared commitment to sustainability, environmental conservation and community engagement.
As part of this agreement, JA The Resort becomes a partner to the Desert Vipers for the third season of DP World ILT20 and beyond. This collaboration is a natural fit, given JA The Resort’s holistic approach to sustainability. The renowned JA The Resort has led the way in implementing sustainable practices, reducing its carbon footprint, and actively engaging its employees, guests, and the local community in these efforts.
This partnership introduces new sustainability initiatives, including the JA The Resort’s and Jebel Ali School “BioBlitz” event. Held on the JA The Resort the event brought together 39 families, students, community members, Desert Vipers players and environmentalists to explore and document the area’s biodiversity. The event successfully identified 100 species and made 304 wildlife observations, fostering a greater understanding of local ecosystems and promoting conservation. Such events reflect the shared vision of both JA The Resort and Desert Vipers to make a meaningful environmental impact while inspiring future generations to take action for nature and biodiversity.
A key element of this partnership is the Desert Vipers’ commitment to the Sports for Nature Framework. This initiative, launched by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), International Olympic Committee (IOC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, aims to deliver transformative action for nature in sports by 2030 and beyond. As the first professional cricket team to sign this groundbreaking initiative, the Desert Vipers are setting a global benchmark for environmental stewardship within the sports community.
“Desert Vipers launched their franchise putting sustainability at the core of their brand values, operations, and partnerships. They are also our first cricket organization and first sports team from the Middle East to join the Framework. I know the Desert Vipers will be a great addition to our Sports for Nature signatory community, and hopefully will serve as an ambassador to the cricket community to educate and inspire action for nature.” Meredith McCurdy, Programme Leader, Sports for Nature. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
This commitment resonates deeply with player Wanindu Hasaranga, the Desert Vipers’ star all-rounder. An avid wildlife photographer, Hasaranga shares the team’s passion for nature and conservation. Ahead of achieving his milestone of 300 T20 wickets in Desert Vipers’ crushing defeat of Sharjah Warriors in last week’s DP World ILT20 fixture, Hasaranga showcased his photography of leopards in his home country, Sri Lanka, to students from Jebel Ali School ahead of the results of the BioBlitz being unveiled. It came as no surprise to those present that the impressive student sustainability leaders emerged victorious in the final analysis.
All turf sport has an intimate connection to nature and the outdoors, meaning that environmental stewardship will form an important strand of the Desert Vipers’ future sustainability strategy. Grass is key for carbon sequestration, supports biodiversity, provides natural habitats and creates cleaner air. In turn, physical exercise is part and parcel of human health and wellness. In this way, the Desert Vipers believe that sport is dependent upon and connected to nature and recognises its importance in safeguarding the future of cricket.
Stuart Gibb, Group General Manager, JA Sports at JA Resorts & Hotels, said: “Partnering with the Desert Vipers cricket team marks a further continuation and growth of our relationship, and we look forward to supporting the team’s journey. Sustainable practices are woven into the fabric of our operations here at JA The Resort where we enjoy expansive green spaces right at the foot of the development of the new Jebel Ali Palm. Telling our story through the lens of Desert Vipers’ day to day experience of using The Resort as their team base will both demonstrate our leadership in sustainability in hospitality to cricket fans all over the world and highlight JA The Resort as Dubai’s premier destination for sports teams. “
Matt Bailey, Head of Strategy, Desert Vipers, said, “Today I feel prouder than ever to be a Viper as we enter a long-term agreement with JA The Resort. This has been our home since the beginning of our DP World ILT20 journey in early 2023, and our players and staff are so happy here. Our ambitions in sustainability are well documented, and I think that nature and biodiversity is a critical but often-underserved space in many sustainability strategies. The BioBlitz event that we held at the resort this week with the amazing students from Jebel Ali School, in conjunction with Nature Wave shows me how powerful a connection with nature can be. Our all-rounder superstar, and keen amateur photographer, Wanindu Hasaranga showcasing his work was an incredible experience for the children”.
This partnership demonstrates the Desert Vipers’ core value of sustainability in its brand and business. By aligning with JAThe Resort and supporting the Sports for Nature Framework, the team continues to set a global standard for sustainability leadership in sport.