World Ocean Day: PONANT and the Maud Fontenoy Foundation
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Because it’s important to reach new generations and make children aware of environmental protection issues from an early age, PONANT has joined forces with the Maud Fontenoy Foundation to help run its Ocean Explorers club for children. In total, this summer, 17 cruises will offer children aged four to 13 a program of activities dedicated to the ocean protection theme.
Raising awareness about ocean protection from a young age
The Maud Fontenoy Foundation will provide PONANT animation teams with educational kits, activity sheets, and videos on ocean protection. The program includes hands-on activities (drawings, giant coloring world map...), introductory meditation sessions...
Starting in 2023, educational workshops will also be set up on topics such as the water cycle, biodiversity, astronomy and geology. Between July and August 2022, a total of 17 cruises hosting the Ocean Explorers club will be offered aboard the ships Le Lyrial, Le Bougainville, Le Jacques Cartier, Le Bellot and Le Ponant. Maud Fontenoy herself will be present this summer aboard Le Lyrial, during a journey to the heart of the Greek islands.
Excursions and conferences
Children aged four to 13 will have the opportunity to participate in excursions, such as water activities, beach and swimming, treasure hunts and visits. For larger groups of children, a nature guide will join the team of animators and will offer a conference on wildlife and flora.
Welcome kit
Throughout the year, on all the company's ships and journeys, children will receive a welcome kit consisting of water bottles, pencils and games, as well as a book by Maud Fontenoy adapted to each age group and carrying key messages dear to the foundation.
The Maud Fontenoy Foundation
For over 20 years, Maud Fontenoy has been fighting for the preservation of the environment, specifically focusing on oceans and coastlines. Her mission is to inform and raise awareness among as many people as possible about the protection of the planet. In 2008, the sailor founded the Maud Fontenoy Foundation. Committed both in France and internationally, she carries out awareness-raising actions for ocean protection targeting the general public and younger generations, with the support of scientific partners and the Ministry of National Education, for which she is tasked with educating about the sea and reviving sea classes. Each year, over 700,000 children benefit from her programs.