by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 2:30 PM ET, Wed February 12, 2025
One year ago, Europe Express, along with its sister companies across the Travelopia Group, kicked off an important partnership with Blue Marine Foundation that was designed support climate action and marine conservation.
In particular, the partnership focused on conserving and restoring ocean ecosystems (which play a vital role in tackling climate change), as well preserving the stunning coastlines that define many of the world’s top travel locations.
With 12 months of this vital effort behind it, Europe Express is reflecting on what has been accomplished to date. And the news is good. Thus far:
- The partnership has made significant progress toward its goal of donating at least £1million between 2024 and 2026.
- Key achievements include 30 hectares of blue carbon ecosystems restored, 12,500 mangrove trees planted, and 113 community members engaged in marine restoration.
“From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, Kenya to Indonesia, these
protected blue carbon ecosystems have the potential to remove and store
thousands of tons of carbon annually,” Europe Express said in a
statement.
The critical blue carbon ecosystems also safeguard
rich biodiversity, including endangered species, while fostering
sustainable livelihoods for local communities through conservation
training and employment, the company added.
“Through our
partnership with Blue Marine Foundation, we are able to support nature
recovery and carbon removal across many places we and our customers know
and love,” Parik Laxminarayan, CEO of Europe Express, said.
“It
gives us the opportunity to help restore the oceans and coastlines that
are central to so many of the experiences we offer,” Laxminarayan continued.
The even better news is that there’s more such efforts on the horizon.
For
instance, a Europe Express-support project underway in Greece is
researching the carbon removal and storage potential of Posidonia
seagrass, which faces threats from anchoring, pollution, and other human
activities.
Using advanced hyperspectral cameras, this
initiative aims to generate cutting-edge data to inform increased
protection of seagrass across the Mediterranean.
“We are
leveraging innovative technology to better understand the climate value
of these ecosystems and enhance marine conservation strategies for the
future,” Maddie Millington-Drake, senior climate project manager for
Blue Marine, explained.
Additionally, a rare sighting of the
endangered Mediterranean monk seal feeding within the project area is
contributing to new conservation proposals to protect the area.
Europe
Express said it remains committed to driving meaningful impact through
this partnership, as does all of the Travelopia Group.
“It is a
privilege to partner with such a pioneering organization in support of
their vital blue carbon and marine restoration work,” Kasia Morgan,
group head of sustainability at Travelopia. “This partnership plays a
vital role in pursuit of our own climate, nature and community goals.”
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