Peugeot has joined forces with the French ocean conservation and exploration society Under The Pole.
Deep-sea exploration
The Under The Pole program was founded by Ghislain Bardout and Emmanuelle Périé-Bardout in 2008 in Concarneau, France. It’s focused on the scientific exploration of the oceans, particularly in polar or isolated regions. Currently, Under The Pole is trying to determine if the Mediterranean mesophotic ecosystems (creatures that live between a depths of 30 and 200 metres) can serve as refuge populations against climate change. These studies constitute a major research axis in the coming years to understand the connections between surface and mesophotic populations and to implement appropriate protection measures.
An education partner
Peugeot’s role is as an education partner - so the car maker will be involved in the making of videos dedicated to the behind-the-scenes of the expeditions, explanations of the scientific programs, and exploration techniques.
Peugeot is also working with its Greek importers, Aiglon AE, to support Under The Pole’s current exploration programme in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. In April, 50 children from Pteleos primary school in Greece attended an educational workshop combining beach cleaning, discovery of deep-sea diving equipment, and an explanatory visit of the scientific missions conducted on the exploration boat, the Why. Another day with Greek schoolchildren also took place in June on the island of Fourni.
Boxer vans as support vehicles
Peugeot’s logo will appear on the sails and hull of the Why, and the company will provide two Boxer vans to act as support vehicles for Under The Pole. The first Boxer is used to tow the diving boat and transport all the equipment needed for the four missions of the Mediterranean program. The second Boxer is being used to tow the Under The Pole educational caravan across France for its ocean awareness actions with the general public and especially with schoolchildren. This peripatetic mission has raised awareness among more than 5,000 people over the past 12 months.