Life support on Conflict Islands

FROM SAVING TURTLES IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA TO RETURNING KIWIS TO THE FORESTS OF NEW ZEALAND, CARNIVAL AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS A RANGE OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EFFORTS. HERE ARE THEIR SUCCESS STORIES.

There’s a good reason the Conflict Islands are considered a paradise in the Coral Sea. The 21 islands off Papua New Guinea are simply stunning. A visit to this part of the world is a highlight for many cruise passengers.

The islands are more than just a beautiful playground – they are an important nesting site for endangered turtles.

But the islands are more than just a beautiful playground – they are an important nesting site for endangered turtles and P&O Cruises Australia has helped conservation efforts ensure their survival. More than 13,000 juvenile hatchlings have been released into the wild this year alone. P&O’s support for training rangers from local communities to help is key to that success.

Carnival Australia’s commitment is to give back to the destinations it visits. This is done by supporting the communities, culture and environment.

In New Zealand, Princess Cruises is helping restore forests by supporting Bay Bush Action in the Bay of Islands. The work has seen a 120 per cent increase in kiwi numbers, by removing predators to provide a much healthier and safer place for native wildlife to thrive.

“We hope through this partnership we can encourage larger populations of kiwi

Princess Cruises' supporting for forest restoration in the Bay of Islands has seen a 120 per cent increase in kiwi numbers.

More than 13,000 juvenile hatchlings have been released into the wild this year alone.’ and other native birds back into the forest for future generations to enjoy,” said Stuart Allison, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific, Princess Cruises.

One of the most popular shore tours in New Zealand is with Natures Wonders in Dunedin, where guests can see native wildlife up close, including an emerging blue penguin colony, and help fund new habitats for them.

“The sustainability projects we invest in are all about using tourism as a vehicle for regeneration,” said Michael Mihajlov, Carnival Australia’s Senior Director, Destination Management.

More than 13,000 juvenile hatchlings have been released into the wild this year alone.

Another significant achievement in Carnival Australia’s measures to protect the environment is the elimination of single-use plastics such as straws, food packaging and individual shampoo bottles. In fact, 500 million single-use items have been removed across Carnival Corporation’s global fleet since 2018.

Carnival is continually looking for areas for action across its ships – from onboard energy usage, food waste minimisation and more.

“At Carnival Australia, we know that our actions can have positive impacts on the planet, and we are tireless in our pursuit of sailing lightly.

“Our success – and quite literally, our livelihood – depends on doing our part to protect the vibrant marine ecosystems, beautiful communities and scenic spaces we operate in,” said Marguerite Fitzgerald, Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia President.

• Sustainability practices extend to the guest-funded Partnerships run by P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises® and Carnival Cruise Line.