Charting a Sustainable Course: PONANT EXPLORATIONS and OzHarvest Unite Against Food Waste

In an inspiring new alliance, luxury small-ship cruise leader PONANT EXPLORATIONS has joined forces with OzHarvest, Australia’s foremost food rescue organisation, to tackle food waste and champion education on food and sustainability. The three-year partnership, announced by the Asia Pacific division of PONANT EXPLORATIONS, marks a significant step toward giving back to the communities that have welcomed their expeditions for over a decade.

A Partnership Rooted in Community and Sustainability

PONANT EXPLORATIONS has long been synonymous with authentic, responsible travel, with intimate expedition vessels that provide a unique, low-impact way to explore Australia’s spectacular coastlines—from the rugged Kimberley region to Tasmania and even remote Macquarie Island. Their commitment to working closely with local communities is now deepened through this alliance with OzHarvest.

Deb Corbett, CEO of PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP for Asia Pacific, explains the ethos behind their journey:

“PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ concept of small ship adventures evolves around authenticity and connection. Working with local communities around the globe has been at the core of our vision since our beginning. It is only natural we give back as an acknowledgement of their contribution to the humbling experiences we deliver at sea, all around the globe. We look forward to contributing to OzHarvest’s success in creating a sustainable future for many. This alignment is an opportunity for our two organisations to make a great impact.”

This collaborative spirit underscores a shared belief that truly enriching travel experiences are about more than just luxury—a significant part of that experience comes from meaningful engagement with the people and places visited. For PONANT, the journey is as much about the destinations as it is about the interactions that define the very fabric of the regions they explore.

Fighting Food Waste, One Meal at a Time

OzHarvest has long been celebrated for its remarkable work in rescuing food and delivering it to those who need it most. Operating out of Darwin, the organisation already rescues and delivers an impressive 350kg of essential food hampers every week. Its pop-up store in the Jabiru community ensures that even remote communities have access to fresh, nutritious food close to home.

Ronni Kahn AO, founder of OzHarvest, sums it up perfectly:

“Our partnership with PONANT EXPLORATIONS is helping us do just that. Thanks to their support, our team in the Northern Territory can continue getting good food to those who need it most.”

This partnership doesn’t just stop at food rescue—it also extends into education. OzHarvest’s FEAST program, a curriculum-aligned initiative for primary and high school students, offers a hands-on exploration of the environmental impacts of food waste while teaching healthy eating habits. With PONANT’s backing, the FEAST program is set to expand, reaching over 70 schools and more than 4,400 students. For many young Australians, this will mean a deeper understanding of the value of food and the life skills needed to become future change-makers.

The Power of Small Ship Expeditions

For nearly ten years, PONANT EXPLORATIONS has been redefining luxury and sustainability in cruising. Their state-of-the-art vessels are designed for intimate, human-scale voyages, typically accommodating around 200 guests per trip. This deliberate low-capacity approach ensures minimal environmental impact and a more personalised connection with each destination. The new alliance with OzHarvest is a natural extension of this philosophy, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable tourism.

By uniting the world of luxury exploration with proactive community support, PONANT is setting a benchmark in the industry. Their operations in Australia, especially in the iconic Kimberley region and beyond, embrace a philosophy of “leave no trace,” where every voyage is not just about retail experiences at sea but about building long-lasting, positive legacies for the communities they visit.

A Win-Win for Travellers and Local Communities

The collaboration between PONANT EXPLORATIONS and OzHarvest exemplifies how industries can work together to make a genuine difference. Travellers aboard PONANT’s vessels can now not only enjoy a refined and immersive cruise experience but also take part in an initiative that tackles food waste head-on while enriching local communities. Knowing that part of their journey is contributing to a sustainable future adds a new dimension to the luxury travel experience.

For those who have a passion for exploration and a commitment to social and environmental responsibility, this partnership offers an opportunity to connect with local communities and contribute to impactful projects. Whether it’s through food rescue operations in Australia’s Northern Territory or educational programmes in schools, every effort helps build a legacy of sustainability and support for vulnerable communities.

Looking Ahead

As global challenges like food waste and environmental degradation continue to impact communities worldwide, the strategic alliance between PONANT EXPLORATIONS and OzHarvest is both timely and inspirational. It not only provides travellers with a unique and authentic experience but also serves as a reminder that the luxury travel industry can—and should—play a role in driving positive change.

In a world where every journey matters, this partnership is a shining example of how two organisations with a shared love for exploration and sustainable growth can come together to create a lasting legacy. With initiatives that benefit both local communities and the travellers who experience these incredible regions, the future of luxury cruising just got a whole lot brighter.

So the next time you’re planning a voyage, consider a journey that’s more than just a getaway. Embrace an adventure where every meal rescued, every lesson learned, and every community supported contributes to a sustainable future. After all, in travel as in life, it’s the connections we make and the impact we leave behind that truly count.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting partnership and other sustainable travel initiatives that are set to transform how we explore our beautiful world. Cheers to journeys that make a difference!