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PONANT introduce a new series of free lectures on Facebook crafted for the adventurous. Each week’s lecture will showcase a PONANT expedition team member, such as Naturalists, Scientists, Photographer, each contributing their areas of specialisation and expertise relative to the destinations or environments being reviewed.Throughout May, the focus will be on the Antarctic region including South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. An opportunity for viewers to learn more about some of the world’s most amazing expedi-tion voyage destinations from the comfort of their home. In addition, viewers are invited to ask ques-tions and submit their own photos to these experts ahead of the lectures.

“I am excited to announce the launch of our inaugural range of virtual expedition lectures to provide travellers, adventurers and travel agents with an opportunity to gain insight into what sets PONANT on another level,” explained Monique Ponfoort, PONANT Vice President Asia Pacific.
“This series of virtual lectures, easily accessible live on our Australia and New Zealand Facebook page, will provide comprehensive information to stimulate mental planning during these restricted travel times. Each week, a specialist guest presenter will draw on his or her expertise, sharing their knowledge and passion with viewers as if they were on a true expedition voyage!”
A WHO’S WHO OF EXPERTS:

Jorge Villamarin – PONANT Expedition Leader.
Join Jorge as he draws on his knowledge of geology, geomorphology, glaciology and history to add additional perspectives to an Antarctic expedition.

Chloe Powers – PONANT Naturalist.
Chloe will share her obsession for the cold, the ice and the importance of the small shrimp-like crustaceans, Antarctic krill.

Lou Paynter – PONANT Naturalist.
With a Bachelor of Science from Monash University behind her and currently studying a Masters in Education majoring in Marine Science and Biology, Lou has a real passion for sharing information and knowledge, and will share the story of Le Commandant Charcot in Antarctica.

Jason Edwards – National Geographic Photographer
Award-winning Australian photographer Jason Edwards has been at the forefront of wildlife and environmental photography and he has taken his storytelling to every continent.

JOIN THE LECTURES:
• One lecture every Thursday starting at 5:00pm AEST / 7:00pm NZST
• The focus in May will be Antarctica and sub-Antarctic regions of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands
• Four Virtual Expedition Lectures per month presented by a team of PONANT Experts
• One lecture this month presented by guest speaker National Geographic photogra-pher Jason Edwards
• Viewers can submit questions to the presenter in advance. Be sure to ‘like’ PONANT’s Australia and New Zealand Facebook page for updates and how to submit questions
• Lectures to be broadcast on PONANT’s Australia and New Zealand Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PonantAU
• Post live presentation, the videos will be available on PONANT’s Australia and New Zealand Facebook page

THE VIRTUAL EXPEDITION LECTURE SERIES
All presentations commence at 5.00pm AEST / 7.00pm NZST
May 2020 – Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands
• Thursday 7 May 2020 – ‘Discovering the Beauty of Antarctica… The White Continent Awaits!’ with Jorge VILLAMARIN – PONANT Expedition Leader
• Thursday 14 May 2020 – ‘Antarctic Food Webs – The Importance of Sea Ice’, with Chloe POWERS, PONANT Naturalist
• Thursday 21 May 2020 – History of Le Commandant Charcot in Antarctica with Lou Paynter – PONANT Naturalist
• Thursday 28 May 2020 – Photography Workshop with Jason EDWARDS – National Geographic Photographer