Recently I was made aware of the fact that over 15,000 balloons were scheduled to be released this weekend in Ras Al Khimah (RAK). As a marine conservationist, I was impelled to do something, particularly when I had worked closely with the RAK Environment Protection Authority and RAK Waste in the past and I knew that the good people there would also be concerned.
After contacting the authorities, I was pleased to hear that I was not the only one who had raised concerns and within hours was advised that the balloon release had been cancelled. I thank the authorities for their support and most of all the concerned individuals who also voiced their issues with the release.
Although balloons can look beautiful when they are released , the dark side of balloon releases is that they kill wildlife and pollute important ecosystems. Dolphins, whales, turtles, and many other marine species, as well as terrestrial animals such as cows, dogs, sheep, tortoises, birds and other animals have all been hurt or killed by balloons. The animal is usually killed from the balloon blocking its digestive tract, leaving them unable to take in any more nutrients. The animals can also become entangled in the balloon and its ribbon making the animal unable to move or eat. Sea turtles are particularly at risk because they naturally prey on jellyfish, which balloons can easily be mistaken for.
Balloons can take years to break down, even the so-called “biodegradable” latex ones. This provides plenty of time for them to t initiative, I hope to encourage others to join me in raising awareness of balloon releases through
Education is the key in the fight for the planet, on this issue and all environmental issues. This is one small win for the planet worth celebrating .... just without the balloons!
For information about the impacts of and alternatives to balloons releases, head over to this webpage. Through the Balloons Blow initiative, I hope to encourage others to join me in raising awareness of balloon releases throughout the Middle East.