MIAMI, March 24, 2026 – Carnival Corporation & plc has announced a multi-year partnership with Conservation International aimed at supporting the restoration of mangrove forests and other coastal wetlands across the Caribbean.
The initiative is centred on a three-year grant that brings together the world’s largest cruise company with a global conservation organisation to protect coastal ecosystems that play a critical role in environmental stability and local livelihoods.
Partnership targets restoration of coastal ecosystems
The collaboration will focus on safeguarding and restoring mangrove forests and broader coastal wetlands, which are recognised for their role in protecting shorelines from storms, absorbing carbon emissions and supporting marine biodiversity.
According to the announcement, these ecosystems have been affected by severe weather and other environmental pressures. The programme will support natural regeneration while strengthening research and monitoring efforts.
Community engagement is also a core element of the initiative. The partnership aims to ensure that local populations who depend on these environments benefit from long-term conservation outcomes, with projects designed to align environmental protection with social and economic resilience.
Support for nature-positive businesses and livelihoods
In addition to ecosystem restoration, the programme will provide targeted support to small and micro-enterprises that rely on natural resources, with a focus on enabling nature-positive businesses across the Caribbean.
These include ecotourism operators, fishers and artisans whose livelihoods are closely tied to coastal ecosystems. Through collaboration with local partners, Conservation International will deliver technical assistance, training and mentoring, alongside access to small grants to support sustainable practices.
The approach reflects a broader effort to connect conservation initiatives with community development, ensuring that environmental programmes contribute to both ecological and economic sustainability.
Funding supported by guest participation
Funding for the initiative will be provided by Carnival Corporation, alongside guest participation programmes across its cruise brands, with additional supporting programmes expected to be introduced over time.
These include Holland America Line’s “On Deck for a Cause” events, where guests take part in organised walks to raise funds, as well as the “Keep the Change” programme, which allows guests to donate a portion of casino winnings.
These initiatives form part of a wider strategy to involve guests in sustainability efforts while supporting conservation projects in destinations visited by the company’s ships.
Sustainability strategy aligned with 2030 goals
The partnership builds on Carnival Corporation’s broader sustainability framework and supports its 2030 sustainability objectives.
Across its operations, the company continues to focus on reducing fuel consumption and emissions, while advancing circular economy practices through reducing, reusing and recycling materials. It also emphasises collaboration with communities in the destinations it serves, supporting cultural preservation and environmental protection.
Josh Weinstein said the partnership provides an opportunity to work alongside communities in biodiverse coastal regions, supporting local innovation while helping to protect natural environments.
From the conservation partner’s perspective, the initiative is positioned as a way to strengthen ecosystem resilience while delivering long-term benefits for both people and nature.
Industry significance and destination impact
The Caribbean remains one of the most important regions for global cruise operations, hosting some of the industry’s most visited ports and destinations. The focus on mangroves and coastal wetlands reflects the growing emphasis within the cruise sector on destination stewardship and environmental responsibility.
These ecosystems are widely recognised as essential to coastal protection and biodiversity, making them a key priority for conservation efforts in regions heavily reliant on tourism and maritime activity.
For the cruise industry, initiatives such as this highlight the increasing integration of sustainability into operational and destination strategies, particularly in areas where environmental health is directly linked to long-term tourism viability.
Source: Official announcement by Carnival Corporation & plc on 24 March, 2026
