Protecting the Mediterranean with the WWF sailboat: The Blue Panda
The project
OceanNature
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 tonsof plastic are discharged into the Mediterranean Sea every year
25
%of the world's maritime traffic transits the Mediterranean
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.
News from the charity
Recent result
- Since 2019, 7 months of sailing have been completed and 5 to 6 countries have been visited each year.
- Since 2019, several thousand people and children have been educated through visits to the Blue Panda. In 2024 in France, several hundred schoolchildren climbed aboard in Marseille and Toulon. It was also an opportunity to produce podcasts on board to reach a wider audience Podcast Gardiens de la Med.
- The Documentary Rorqual, dedicated to the work carried out in the North-West Mediterranean to protect fin whales, made 2.3 million views (RORQUAL).
- 8 studies have been carried out in Marine Protected Areas in 4 different countries to strengthen the protection of these marine parks
- A Stop Plastic Pollution and StopOilDrilling campaign has been launched in 6 countries: nearly 20000 petitions signed and 9000 people made aware.
Why 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.
Action regions
France
International
Sustainable development goals
