PADI is committed to investing in our ocean, the future of the dive industry and in our dive communities around the world. In the face of rising threats to our ocean and the growing role divers can play in helping to restore a balanced ocean ecosystem.
On Earth Day, PADI and PADI AWARE Foundation announced their joint blueprint for ocean conservation, commencing the PADI Decade of Ocean Action, joining the United Nations’ universal call for a Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically supporting the implementation of SDG14 – Life Below Water. By connecting the PADI conservation blueprint to the international agenda for sustainability, we take meaningful actions that help advance the global agenda designed to create a healthier people and planet.
To achieve the goals established under the blueprint, the PADI organization will engage and activate the growing global PADI Torchbearer community – millions of active and engaged divers, 128,000+ PADI Pros, and more than 6,600 PADI Retailers and Resorts and growing – on an unprecedented scale to provide human resources that participate broadly and locally in ocean-saving initiatives.
Through an ever closer relationship, PADI and AWARE combine a global network of over 6600 dive centers with three decades of tried and tested conservation advocacy. This puts us in a position of great influence and responsibility when it comes to looking after the blue planet that has given us so much.
Over the next 10-years, the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action will work to:
1. Rid the Oceans of Marine Debris
Goal: Reduce marine debris by 50% in targeted countries through partnerships and PADI AWARE’s Grant Program.
We’ll achieve this goal by:
- Mobilizing Torchbearers as citizen scientists to collect and report marine debris
- Funding 100 grantees in targeted countries through PADI AWARE Community Grant Program
Support this goal: Grab your mesh bag and make #EveryDiveASurveyDive!
2. Protect Endangered and Vulnerable Marine Species
Goal: Protect 20 vulnerable shark and ray species by developing in-country conservation campaigns.
We’ll achieve this goal by:
- Deploying 10 in-country shark and ray conservation campaigns with funding to 100 grantees
- Ending catches of Endangered Mako sharks in the Atlantic by 2023
Support this goal: Sign AWARE’s Mako Shark Petition, then write, tweet and tag your representative! Learn more here.
3. Reduce and Offset the Carbon Footprint of the Diving Industry
Goal: Achieve carbon neutrality across the PADI organization and fund seagrass and mangrove habitats to offset carbon.
We’ll achieve this goal by:
- Mobilizing PADI Torchbearers to restore, protect and fund 100 seagrass and mangrove habitats and offset carbon emissions
- Achieving a 50% carbon reduction of PADI supply chain operations by 2025
Support this goal: Head to The Ocean Foundation’s SeaGrass Grow Calculator to offset your footprint, or donate to the program through PADI Travel.
4. Accelerate Coral Reef Recovery and Restoration
Goal: Restore 5% of coral reef habitats through citizen science programs and project funding.
We’ll achieve this goal by:
- Achieving 30,000 citizen science surveys on key coral reef habitats for restoration
- Providing project funding to 100 grantees to restore 10 iconic reefs by 2025
Support this goal: Do your part to raise the environmental standards of our industry and prevent accidental damage by adopting Green Fins Standards.
5. Multiply the Number of Marine Protected Areas
Goal: Protect 30% of the ocean through partner collaboration and expansion of Adopt A Dive Site®.
We’ll achieve this goal by:
- Mobilizing 50% of PADI’s global dive shops to Adopt A Dive Site® by 2023
- Establishing new Marine Protected Areas in 20 countries by 2026
Support this goal: Add your support to the PADI x SeaLegacy 30×30 Campaign, a cross-industry collaboration of watersports organizations and conservation organisations. Learn more here.
