07 Apr 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NAUSICAA's 2017 programme supports Sustainable Tourism
2017 has been declared the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development by the General Assembly of the United Nations. NAUSICAA, (the French National Sea Experience Centre) is fully supporting the initiative and has made it a key subject in a number of presentations, talks and special events in 2017. Each month, NAUSICAA will focus on a different aspect of the topic and invites visitors to learn more about sustainable tourism through its agenda, events and press trips.
Based in Boulogne-sur-Mer on the Opal Coast, Hauts de France, NAUSICAA is uniquely focused on the exploration of the marine environment. With giant aquariums and using the latest technology, NAUSICAA creates an entertaining, educational and scientific setting for discovery.
Here's what's coming up:
April - Marine mammals. Along the coastline of the Hauts de France region you can see more than 20 species of marine mammals including seals, dolphins and even humpback whales. In April NAUSICAA will put citizen sciences in the spotlight to encourage observation and living in harmony.
6-23 April: 26th Festival of Sea Imagery. A rare chance to see some of the world's most stunning underwater images, admire the wealth of the ocean and gain insight into the importance of preserving it.
15 April: Grand Easter egg hunt. Gather at Le Noirda beach in the charming fishermen's village of Audresselles and help collect conservation data by searching for “mermaids' purses” in a ray egg hunt.
May: NAUSICAA will highlight sustainable tourism and eco-responsible holidays on the Opal Coast. With coastal nature reserves, a regional country park, a marine park, Cap Gris Nez and Cap Blanc - two areas of environmental interest, plus the Somme Bay, this is a region of exceptional natural beauty.
8 June: World Oceans Day. NAUSICAA, is a founding member of establishing this crucial awareness day, and will in particular highlight the level of plastic pollution in the oceans through a range of events, workshops and meetings.
July-August: The Tropics. An exhibition aiming to present ways in which everyone can make a contribution to sustainable tourism.
Throughout the year sustainability will be a permanent showcase in the tropical Mangrove area of the museum. The areas will also welcome new animals such as land hermit crabs, Atlantic mudskippers and Kaho stick insects.
PRESS TRIPS
NAUSICAA is pleased to invite you to learn more about sustainable tourism through a series of press trips, either on request or by joining organised events:
13-15 April or 15-17 April: Learn about sustainable tourism on the Opal Coast with a visit to NAUSICAA which will focus on sea lions and marine reserves. You will also meet the seals along the coast and take part in a Grand Easter egg hunt - a ray egg hunt. At the same time you will get the opportunity to discover the lush green Saint-Omer region. Visit the town with an electric bike or by segway and enjoy floating on the Audomarois marshes in a traditional barge. Discover the rich fauna and flora, history, architecture and the customs of one of the last remaining farmed French marshlands.
1-2 May: Visit NAUSICAA with a focus on sea lions and marine reserves and of course the seals along the coast. The trip will also include a visit to the Parc du Marquenterre in the heart of the National Nature Reserve of the Bay of Somme, one of the most beautiful bays in the world. It is a great opportunity for some outstanding bird watching.
2-3 June: The Ocean as a playground. Enjoy the sandy beaches get active with some truly sustainable activities such as sand-yachting on the Opal Coast
Please send requests for information and applications for press trips to:
pressoffice.uk@atout-france.fr
Website: www.nausicaa.fr
Ends
For further information please contact
Sarah Engel, Press Officer, Atout France
Tel. 020 7061 6640
