Novotel, part of the Accor hospitality group, hosted an expert panel in Warsaw focused on protecting the Baltic Sea from so-called "ghost nets" – abandoned or lost fishing gear that continues to endanger marine life long after it has been discarded.

Held at Novotel Warszawa Centrum, the discussion was organized in partnership with WWF Poland as part of Novotel's global collaboration with WWF France to support ocean conservation through science, education and local environmental projects.

The event opened with footage from WWF Poland's sonar surveys and verification dives, illustrating how specialists identify and investigate areas where ghost nets may be lying on the seabed. These abandoned fishing nets can trap marine animals for years before breaking down into microplastics that further pollute the marine ecosystem.

The Polish project focuses on locating ghost nets using sonar technology, verifying findings through diver inspections and developing practical solutions for collecting and recycling discarded fishing equipment on land.

"Hotels welcome millions of guests every year, giving us a unique opportunity to make ocean protection more visible, understandable and engaging," said Jean-Yves Minet, Global Brand President of Novotel.

Panelists explored the issue from environmental, scientific, communications and hospitality perspectives, highlighting that protecting the Baltic requires both action at sea and systemic improvements in waste management and fishing practices on land.

Speakers also emphasized the growing importance of satellite monitoring, modern data collection and effective public communication in building support for marine conservation. The discussion underscored how partnerships between businesses, NGOs and public institutions can combine expertise and resources to address complex environmental challenges.

According to Sylwia Migdał-Leszczyńska, Marine Ecosystems Protection Specialist at WWF Poland, tackling ghost nets depends on coordinated efforts across multiple sectors.

"Sonar surveys help identify potential locations of ghost gear, while divers verify the findings. Equally important is ensuring that used fishing equipment is responsibly managed on land through cooperation between environmental organizations, the fishing industry, public administration and the waste management sector," she said.

The panel featured representatives from WWF Poland, Novotel Warszawa Centrum and environmental journalist Ewelina Zambrzycka-Kościelnicka, with the discussion moderated by television journalist Anna Lewandowska.

For Novotel, the event also highlighted the broader role hotels can play in promoting sustainable tourism through guest education, responsible food sourcing, waste reduction and environmental awareness.

The Warsaw event formed part of Novotel's global programme marking World Oceans Day. Novotel Warszawa Centrum was one of just 12 hotels worldwide selected to host special guest activations focused on ocean conservation.

The three-year partnership between Novotel and WWF France aims to support ocean restoration through science-based initiatives while helping hotels reduce their environmental footprint and engage guests in sustainability. The collaboration with WWF Poland extends those ambitions locally by addressing one of the Baltic Sea's most persistent forms of marine pollution.