Blog
The Blue Nature Alliance is proud to introduce our new Partner Spotlight Series, featuring in-depth conversations with our partners committed to catalyzing the conservation of 18 million square kilometers of ocean. The series will explore the goals and aspirations driving the Alliance’s philanthropic partners.
Our first interview is with Wassim Daoud, Head of CSR and Sustainability for Ponant.
What is Ponant?
Wassim Daoud: Ponant is a cruise company based in Marseille, France. We specialize in luxury expedition cruises. Ponant operates a fleet of small to medium-sized ships designed for exploring remote and exotic destinations around the world. The company is known for its high-end service, gourmet cuisine, and expert-led excursions, offering passengers the opportunity to discover some of the planet's most pristine and hard-to-reach regions, including the polar regions, remote islands, and cultural hotspots. Ponant emphasizes sustainability and environmental stewardship in its operations, aiming to minimize its ecological footprint while providing guests with unforgettable travel experiences.
What are Ponant Foundation’s priorities?
Wassim Daoud: Ponant Foundation is dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity. This includes supporting initiatives aimed at preserving coral reefs, marine mammal habitats, and other critical marine environments. The foundation may fund research projects, conservation efforts, and educational programs focused on marine conservation.
Why was Ponant Foundation inspired to support the Blue Nature Alliance?
Wassim Daoud: The Alliance’s dedication to conserving and protecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity around the world is strong aligned with Ponant Foundation’s priorities. We also appreciate that the Alliance operates on a global scale, collaborating with governments, NGOs, local communities, and other stakeholders to establish and manage marine protected areas (MPAs) in diverse regions. And we value the Alliance’s collaborative approach, including its emphasis on bringing together diverse stakeholders to achieve shared conservation goals.
What is Ponant Foundation’s greatest hope for marine conservation?
Wassim Daoud: Our hope for marine conservation revolves around achieving significant and lasting improvements in the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems worldwide. We hope to contribute significantly to the conservation of marine biodiversity, protecting species ranging from iconic marine mammals like whales and dolphins to crucial habitat-forming organisms such as coral reefs and seagrasses. And we seek to foster increased awareness, engagement, and stewardship of marine resources among local communities, stakeholders, and the general public through education and outreach initiatives.
How you engage Ponant's passengers in environmental awareness and conservation efforts during its cruises?
Wassim Daoud: Ponant offers educational lectures and programs on board led by experts in marine biology, ecology, and conservation. These sessions cover topics such as marine wildlife, ecosystems, climate change, and sustainable practices.
In what ways do you collaborate with local communities and indigenous groups in the regions Ponant visits to ensure sustainable tourism practices?
Wassim Daoud: Ponant's approach to collaborating with local communities and indigenous groups revolves around fostering mutual respect, supporting local economies, conserving natural and cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable tourism practices that benefit both travelers and host communities. These efforts are integral to our commitment to responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
How do you measure the success of your marine conservation initiatives?
Wassim Daoud: Ponant and French National Research Centre are developing a new methodology to measure the conservation initiatives impacts on nature and communities. New KPIs are created and will be tested in 2024. They will be more largely used in 2025.