PONANT cements itself as a world leader in sustainable tourism - Green Marine certification and support for GARRAHAN Foundation PONANT has cemented its position as a world leader in sustainable tourism, recognised for the second year in a row with Green Marine certification, an achievement which comes of the recent announcement of the company’s support for the Argentinian GARRAHAN Foundation, both significant accomplishments which demonstrate PONANT’s ongoing dedication to environment preservation. First attaining the US-based environmental certification in 2020 as the first international cruise company to do so, PONANT has most recently achieved an average of 4.5 out of 5 and level 5 (leadership and excellence) for six of the eight indicators. The initiative recognises all those in the maritime industry who undertake to measure their environmental performance every year and reduce their ecological footprint. Green Marine has identified and addresses priority issues through a number of performance indicators. Assessed on a scale of 1 to 5, they are practices and technologies that have a direct impact on the environment including underwater noise, pollutant air emissions (SOx and PM), greenhouse gas emissions (CO2), invasive aquatic species and management of residues and oily discharges. 2021 saw a new indicator introduced also being ship recycling for which PONANT achieved 5/5. PONANT’s General Manager Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific Deb Corbett said of the accomplishment “PONANT laid the groundwork for sustainable operations many years ago and this repeated achievement, particularly as we were the first international cruise company to achieve such certification, reflects our universal adoption of practices and technologies respectful to the environment and confirms the company’s position as a leader in sustainable tourism.” As part of the company’s global commitment to the environment, the PONANT Foundation also aligned with the GARRAHAN Foundation, which collects and resells aluminium cans and plastic bottle caps, donating recyclable waste accumulated on board its ships on their return from cruises to Antarctica. Funds generated by the recycling program are used to purchase and repair equipment at the Garrahan Paediatric Hospital, train health teams and help fund after care homes for sick children and their families. A win-win initiative, it combines environmental protection and support for the most disadvantaged, contributing to better waste management in the region, a Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, so dear to PONANT, having operated luxury expeditions to Antarctica from the area for over 20 years. ABOUT GREEN MARINE Founded in 2007, the North American Green Marine environmental certification programme is the result of a concerted voluntary effort by the shipping industry to exceed current regulations. What makes Green Marine unique is its collaborative approach and participation by environmental and governmental groups in developing and continuously revising the criteria. In total, the programme has over 75 supporters. ABOUT THE GARRAHAN FOUNDATION The Garrahan Foundation supports education and research, human resources training and continuing development courses. It encourages solidarity between the different sectors involved in the health of children and adolescents in Argentina. In partnership with the Garrahan Paediatric Hospital and hospitals in other provinces in the country, it is open to anyone wishing to join their efforts to support its projects. Solidarity is one of its founding principles ABOUT THE PONANT FOUNDATION For over 30 years, PONANT has been taking guests to the most secret places on the planet where nature reigns supreme. This choice brings with it responsibilities towards the environment and the indigenous people encountered on expedition cruises. Not only does it take its profession and commitment to promote sustainable tourism seriously, PONANT also wants to further its efforts in areas that are close to the company’s heart. That is why the PONANT Foundation was set up in 2019 to protect the oceans and polar regions and encourage exchanges between peoples. Its aim is to support projects focusing on research, awareness-raising and conservation. |
ABOUT PONANT
Created in 1988, by officers of the French Merchant Navy, PONANT has created a new style of cruising, under the French flag, through a unique conception of sea travel blending a pioneering spirit, French-inspired hospitality and a commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. Accessing exceptional territories aboard small-capacity luxury ships featuring refined design, on which the art of living and excellent cuisine take pride of place: such is the promise of a unique and authentic PONANT voyage. In collaboration with the IHU (Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire) Méditerranée Infection of Marseilles, one of the world's leading centres in the field of infectious diseases, PONANT has developed a protocol with “anti-Covid” precautions based on health standards that exceed international regulations. For more information, visit au.ponant.com |