Uniworld
Boutique River Cruises led by its not-for-profit foundation TreadRight, has
announced a partnership with Venice’s Barena Association to protect and
preserve the fragile ecosystem of the Northern Venetian Lagoon. This includes
the unique wetland environment, flora, fauna and the culture and traditions
surrounding the lagoons.
Aligning with TTC’s net-zero ambition and Climate Action
Plan, TreadRight prioritizes support for nature-based solutions to the climate
crisis while helping local communities become more resilient to climate change.
“We at Uniworld have always understood our role as stewards
of European riverways, we have a great responsibility to protect Venice’s
wetlands and waterways, in addition to showcasing the one-of-a-kind beauty of
Venice to our guests,” says Julie Higgins, Sustainability Officer at Uniworld.
“Barena’s initiative is crucial to the health of the Venetian ecosystems and
aligns with Uniworld’s long-standing commitment to sustainability.”
Barena Association’s flagship project, ‘SOS Barena,’ aims to
protect and restore sections of the intertidal salt marshes in the Northern
Venetian Lagoon, known as ‘Barene.’ The lagoon's unique habitats are rapidly
disappearing through erosion, primarily due to human impact. The grant from
TreadRight will be instrumental in the construction of up to 150 meters of
barriers, called fascines, made with biodegradable material and installed with
the support of local fishermen.
Once installed, sediment will be pumped between the fascines
and the marsh’s edge. These fascines serve to shield the marshes from waves and
help root systems develop in the mud, thereby safeguarding the marsh soil from
further erosion.
In respecting Venice through responsible tourism, Uniworld
offers two itineraries that sail through Venice, including ‘Milan, Venice &
The Jewels of Veneto’ as well as a brand-new itinerary for 2025, the ‘Grande
Italia,’ taking travelers through the vibrant cities of Milan, Venice and Rome.
Throughout the cruise, guests enjoy the luxurious S.S. La
Venezia featuring elegantly designed staterooms and suites outfitted with
Fortuny Fabrics, inspired by Venetian aesthetics, along with butler service in
top suites, premium liquor and fresh local cuisine sourced daily.
The S.S. La Venezia is the only cruise ship currently
sailing in the Venetian Lagoon after the city of Venice banned
large cruise ships from entering the lagoon in 2020 to better preserve the
fragile floating city.
Uniworld has also committed to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER by
transforming exploration into positive change, allowing guests to engage and
give back to the communities, wildlife and land in the destinations they visit.
The brand will offer excursion options on most itineraries
by 2025 – including onboard the S.S. La Venezia in Venice. Guests can partake
in the ‘Rowing Venice’ MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experience, which allows travelers to
learn Venice’s unique rowing style firsthand through a lesson with Row Venice,
a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the tradition and empowering
female rowers, who are significantly underrepresented.
The ’Rowing Venice’ experience promotes Uniworld’s goal of
gender equality while teaching travelers about the culture of Venice in a
sustainable and non-harmful way.
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