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Thursday 18 April 2013

Marine Reserve Pass Introduced To Safeguard Sensitive Island Environment



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As cruise passenger visits to the Pacific Islands continue to grow, a special marine reserve pass is being introduced to protect environmental treasures at Jinek Bay at Lifou in the Loyalty Islands.



In line with its commitment to sustainable tourism in the Pacific Islands, Carnival Australia has funded a viewing platform and stairway at Jinek Bay which will give cruise passengers free access to view the coral formations and colourful sea life at the popular cruise destination.

However to help preserve the natural wonders, passengers will need to purchase a newly introduced marine reserve pass -- limited to 200 people for each ship visit -- to enter the water at Jinek Bay.

Unrestricted swimming will still be available at a number of other locations around Lifou. 

“The Jinek Bay initiative is in line with our commitment to island communities to engage in sustainable tourism in the Pacific Islands by minimising our impact on sensitive environments,” Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry said.

“We know that our passengers will embrace the new procedures to help protect Jinek Bay so that it remains pristine for future generations to enjoy its natural wonders.”

Use of the new pass begins with Pacific Dawn’s call at Lifou on Tuesday, April 23, and for Pacific Jewel’s visit the following day. The pass costs $15 per person and can be purchased using P&O Cruises’ pre-cruise reservation system or onboard.

Other Carnival Australia brands calling at Lifou -- Carnival Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises -- have joined the initiative to protect Jinek Bay’s environmental wonders. CCL’s Carnival Spirit is scheduled to call at Lifou on May 4.

Funds raised from the new pass will enable the local community to maintain the beautiful marine area.  During the first 12 months of operation, proceeds of the pass will be used to recover Carnival Australia’s costs for the associated infrastructure. After this initial period, all proceeds from pass sales will go to the local communities for the maintenance of Jinek Bay as an attractive visitor drawcard.

The Jinek Bay initiative was made possible by the excellent cooperation of the Loyalty Islands Province, local communities and the Comite du Wetr.


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