RCI partners with WWF

ROYAL Caribbean Cruises Ltd has inked a five-year global partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to set sustainability targets aimed to reducing RCL’s environmental footprint.

As part of the agreement, RCL has contributed $5 million to WWF’s global oceans conservation work and the pair will collaborate to raise awareness about ocean conservation among the cruise line’s more than 5m guests.

RCL’s 2020 sustainability initiatives include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 35% and sourcing 90% of wild-caught seafood by volume from certified sustainable fisheries.

In the cruise line’s North America and Europe operations, the goal is to responsibly source 75% of its farmed seafood.

By 30 Jun, RCL plans to set additional goals regarding seafood traceability and will also announce further targets regarding RCL’s destination stewardship.

Targets on a sustainable sourcing strategy, and sustainable tour operations platforms are in the works.

“This partnership with WWF represents a great opportunity to make a big step forward in meeting our special responsibility to protect the oceans,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and ceo, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Fain said the “aggressive” goals will start to be implemented “right away”.