Discarded plastic waste in our oceans and waterways is a worldwide problem and potentially one of the major pollution issues of the modern day, threatening marine life, local industry, access to safe water, and the health of our oceans and waterways.
Initiatives are being put into place around the world to address this issue, and Scenic operations in South East Asia are working with local communities and our guests to be part of the global push to reduce plastic waste.
“Asia has potentially one of the biggest issues in terms plastic waste of anywhere in the world”, said Scenic General Manger, Asia, Mr Phil Jordan. “However, with the support of our guests and other partners in the tourism sector, Scenic is taking steps to be part of the solution. Although on a small scale, our programs in Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia are already seeing results”.
Scenic guests cruising the Irrawaddy in Myanmar and the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia are given the option to purchase a reusable water bottle to use throughout their journey – reducing the amount of disposable single use water bottles being used – one of the primary sources of plastic waste in these waterways.
“We provide filling stations throughout the ship and work with our local partners to ensure there are water filling stations at all of our on shore stops such that guests can refill their water bottles as they need to”, said Mr Jordan.
All funds from the purchase of these reusable bottles are put back into local community projects. Since the inception of this program and with the support of our guests, Scenic has funded 100% of the cost of two projects in South East Asia – the provision of clean running water to the Chiro Community in Kampong Cham in Cambodia; and the construction of new sanitation blocks in Yandabo Village in Myanmar.
We would like to thank you again for the funding of the project. We wanted to let you know that your contribution is making a huge difference in the life of more than 400 persons living in the community. Indeed, the situation was truly precarious right now for the villagers and it was urgent to find a way to get the project started as soon as possible. Volunteers at Chiro
“As an industry that is so reliant on healthy waterways, it is essential that we are actively involved in our local regions in a meaningful way as opposed to just ticking the boxes”, said Mr Jordan.
“In addition to the reusable bottles we are implementing a paper straw policy and will be moving away from the small plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles commonly used throughout the tourism industry – small steps but every little bit helps”.
.jpg){kind=tracking}
