The Aldabra Clean-Up Project, largely sponsored by luxury cruise company Ponant, began a beach cleaning project in the Seychelles today. The two groups have partnered together to fight plastic pollution in the Aldabra Atoll and raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation.
Launched in May 2018, the Aldabra Clean-Up Project is a collaboration between The Queen’s College, Oxford and the Seychelles Islands Foundation. According to the Seychelles Islands Foundation’s website, twelve volunteers, six Oxford graduate students and six local Seychellois, will spend five weeks cleaning the beach, with all waste to be sent to Mahé for proper disposal.
Ponant will provide the resources to collect and remove washed-up plastic waste as well as introduce its own beach clean-up excursions on its cruises. The Aldabra Clean-Up Project will additionally research the major environmental threats plastic waste poses for these types of ecosystems and then identify best practices for reducing marine pollution.
Ponant offers luxury expedition cruises to remote destinations around the world. It is currently working on producing the first exploration vessel that will surpass the ecological standards set by international regulations. Le Commandant Charcot will sail under the power of liquefied natural gas to reduce its emissions. Ponant expects the ship to launch in 2020 and to officially receive it in 2021.
Related Stories
Ponant to Offer New Cruise to Costa Rica, Panama in 2020
PONANT Lays Keel for Eco-Friendly Polar Exploration Ship
Ponant Takes Delivery of First Explorers-Class Ship, Le Lapérouse
Hurtigruten Orders New Hybrid Powered Ship, Set to Debut in 2021