Terra – Expo 2020 Dubai’s Sustainability Pavilion – hosted its one-millionth visitor on Saturday and celebrated its impact on people’s sustainable lifestyle habits…reports Asian Lite News
The pavilion demonstrates the damage being done to the planet, and ways everyone can make a difference before it is too late. The message is hitting the mark, with 95 percent of visitors making a pledge towards positive change, with promises ranging from meat-free days, to swapping cars for public transport.
The millionth visitor was Dubai resident Santhosh Fernandes, who was at Expo 2020 Dubai with his wife Sheetal, children Seona, 11, and Seana, six, and friend Tushar Kawli. They were presented with a basket of gifts, including a meal at Terra’s plant-based rooftop restaurant, Mudra.
Santhosh said: “This was the first pavilion we visited, so it is a lovely surprise! It was really interesting to look around Terra and it made us think. We are definitely going to make some changes to our lives, especially when it comes to using plastic.”
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All of Saturday’s visitors were given packets of Ghaf seeds – the UAE’s national tree, and a symbol of tolerance – and volunteers performed a dance routine to add to the celebratory atmosphere.
World Wildlife Day will be celebrated at Terra on Thursday (3 March) to raise awareness and highlight the UAE and Expo participants success stories.
Meanwhile, the organisers of the Expo 2020 Dubai on Sunday confirmed that face masks are optional for visitors while in outdoor areas at the Expo.
“Expo 2020 Dubai Covid-19 preventive measures will continue to include the mandatory wearing of masks indoors,” read a statement issued by organisers of the expo.
While event organisers do not mandate the wearing of masks at outdoor public areas, guests and staff are encouraged to continue to do so at popular entertainment venues with large attendance, Khaleej Times reported.
“Health and safety remains a key priority, with stringent rules in place across the site,” the statement added.
All visitors ages 18 and above must show either proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result taken within the previous 72 hours, while on-site measures include mask-wearing for visitors, staff and participants, and PCR testing facilities for Country Pavilion staff, frontline workers, and entertainers.
