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Protecting the Mediterranean with the WWF sailboat: The Blue Panda

The project

OceanBiodiversity
Since 2019, the Blue Panda has sailed every year to raise public awareness of the Mediterranean's environmental challenges, engage decision-makers in ecosystem protection and carry out scientific work, in particular for the protection of large cetaceans, the development of Marine Protected Areas and the fight against "ghost" fishing gear.
Action regions
France
International
10
%
of known species live in the waters of the Mediterranean, which represent less than 1% of the surface area of the oceans.
600 000
metric tons
of plastic are discharged into the Mediterranean Sea every year
25
%
of the world's maritime traffic transits the Mediterranean

Solution

The Blue Panda has multiple objectives.
 
1) Connecting the general public to the Mediterranean and its treasures of biodiversity, and raising awareness about the threats to them, is a step toward fostering individual awareness and action. The Blue Panda raises awareness among local communities during its port calls—particularly among young people—and publicizes the challenges and solutions.

2) The Blue Panda conducts scientific missions to improve the knowledge needed for protection and to advocate for its recommendations among local and national decision-makers. Field missions also enable the development of concrete conservation solutions, such as locating and removing fishing nets lost at sea.

3) The Blue Panda, a WWF ambassador in the Mediterranean, is involved in specific campaigns to secure commitments and decisions that are crucial for the Mediterranean.

News

Use of the money

Funds are needed for maintenance of the boat, financing of the permanent professional crew of 3 sailors, equipment needed for the missions and costs while sailing such as costs for port calls.
Each mission also requires teams professional (scientists, divers, videographers...) and dockside events costs organization.

Some of the Blue Panda's flagship missions:
- The protection of large cetaceans.
- The development of Marine Protected Areas.
- The fight against "ghost" fishing gear. This latest project aims to protect Mediterranean marine species and ecosystems by locating and, if necessary, removing abandoned fishing nets, which constitute the deadliest form of marine plastic waste.
logoWhy does Novotel like this project?

The oceans are the world's largest carbon sinks. They are the foundation of the planet's equilibrium, regulating the climate and protecting marine wildlife and habitats. Balance has long been a core value at Novotel. The priority given to protecting the oceans is in line with our ongoing commitment to all forms of balance.

Sustainable development goals
marine