167 A new birdwatch tower at Josiah’s Bay will help protect the British Virgin island’s most diverse bird habitat Photo: British Virgin Islands Ports Authority FEATURE developed the cruise terminal at the Port of Kaohsiung as a certified green building and is investing in installing onshore power supply at Kaohsiung and the Port of Keelung, coming online by 2026. TIPC also implements the Environmental Ship Index Incentive Program, which rewards cruise lines for exceeding environmental standards. A new birdwatch tower is set to be opened at Josiah’s Bay, Tortola, in time for the 2025-2026 season, overlooking the British Virgin Island’s most diverse bird habitat. The tower will form part of a new complex by the Humane Society of the British Virgin Islands, also featuring a petting zoo, gift shop and adoption centre, all of which can be visited by cruise guests. The Falkland Islands Tourist Board, meanwhile, is investing in the Falkland Islands Environment Strategy, a plan focused on biodiversity protection, waste management and renewable energy. The strategy includes initiatives like the Green Seal Scheme certification scheme for assessing the sustainability of tourism businesses and a new Environment Trust, which will fund carbon reduction and land recovery products. Bodrum Cruise Port in Turkey is focusing on the economic sustainability of the cruise industry for the local region. The port is aiming to promote sustainable careers in the maritime industry by partnering with Marella Cruises to offer local students a chance to explore customs areas, pilotage and Marella Discovery 2. The students were able to engage with crew onboard the cruise ship to learn more about maritime careers while gaining hands-on learning about cruise operations. The efforts of both ports and cruise lines to make their operations sustainable is essential to ensuring that passengers can continue to enjoy outstanding destinations around the world during cruises. Such experiences are irreplaceable – and may even help motivate guests to become more sustainable themselves, suggests Hamer. “Recent independent research with the University of Tasmania found that participation in our science and education programme fundamentally shifts guests’ attitudes towards Antarctica,” he says. “Before their voyage, guests tended to describe the continent in simple, physical terms, but after their experience, their language became far more diverse and reflective. Many guests reported a heightened sense of responsibility and introspection. The study concluded that the HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) programme not only increases knowledge but also fosters a deeper emotional connection and concern for Antarctica’s protection.” SUPPORTING SUSTAINABILITY A number of other stakeholders in the maritime industry are helping cruise lines to sail their itineraries more sustainably. Horizon Air Freight, Delver Agents and Swift Marine provide end-to-end logistics for cruise and expedition operators. Delver – which is the first UN Global Compact signatory on Tierra del Fuego, Argentina – leads Ushuaia’s Maritime Recycling Programme, turning shipboard waste into new resources. Swift developed Navigator, a cloud platform which offers real-time carbon dioxide dashboards and optimised routing for the three companies. Horizon supports reforestation through Trees for the Future, while Swift supports the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association’s beach clean-up projects and Sailors’ Society crew welfare initiatives.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=