Royal Caribbean and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have this week announced a five year global partnership to help conserve the planet’s oceans. By setting measurable sustainability targets, the cruise line and the organisation will help to reduce the carbon footprint of the former and raise awareness of ocean conservation to millions of people around the globe.
The cruise giant has targeted a number of ambitious but achievable sustainability targets through to 2020, reducing environmental impact and improving their sustainable sourcing strategy. At the very heart of this partnership is the endeavour to help raise awareness amongst Royal Caribbean guests of WWF’s strategies, and open discussions on how the planet’s population can protect our great oceans.
Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd explained: “Our mantra at Royal Caribbean is ‘Continuous Improvement,’ and this partnership with WWF represents a great opportunity to make a big step forward in meeting our special responsibility to protect the oceans. It is also gratifying to see that our determination to make a meaningful difference is shared by our employees and our guests. This new partnership aligns all of us at RCL with WWF’s mission to conserve the world’s oceans. Together we are setting aggressive goals and together we will start implementing them right away.”
Perhaps the more ambitious target of this partnership is Royal Caribbean attempting to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 35% before 2020. Additionally the cruise line is looking to improve its rate of responsibly sourcing wild-caught seafood.
Carter Roberts, WWF-US President and CEO, added: “The threats that are facing the ocean are greater than ever – in the last 30 years, some ocean wildlife populations have declined by nearly 50 percent. If we are going to reverse the downward trends, we must take serious steps to repair, restore and protect the oceans. This initiative centres on two core concepts: first, committing to specific and measurable targets to reduce carbon emissions, increase sustainable sourcing and build destination stewardship; and second, comprehensively engaging their millions of travellers to learn about the ocean and then act to help save it.”
Royal Caribbean has also revealed plans to donate $5m (£3.5m) to WWF as a philanthropic donation during the course of the partnership.
The partnership is just a part of Royal Caribbean’s ongoing dedication to helping preserve the oceans we all enjoy holidaying atop.
Image credits: Christopher Michel, Rennett Stowe
