Some people are born to make waves, not just in the ocean but in their communities. PADI IDC Staff Instructor Tatiana Geloso, co-owner of Mare Nostrum Diving, a PADI Eco Center, is one of those people. Through her extraordinary work with Marevivo and the Guardian Dolphins program on Ustica Island, she has transformed ocean education into a movement, inspiring children to connect with and protect the sea that surrounds them.
For her dedication to marine conservation, education, and sustainability, Tatiana has been named a recipient of the PADI Ocean Torchbearer Award, an honor presented annually to four PADI Professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in driving meaningful progress within their communities. Her work exemplifies PADI’s Pillars of Change, advancing ocean conservation, fostering dive industry sustainability, and creating positive change for people and humanity.
Tatiana’s mission is deeply personal. From her home on Ustica Island, often called the “Black Pearl of the Mediterranean,” she introduces local children to the island’s Marine Protected Area, fostering a culture of stewardship that has taken root in both young minds and the broader community. As an environmental educator for Delfini Guardiani dell’Isola (Guardian Dolphins of the Island), a Marevivo initiative supported by the MSC Foundation, she has played a pivotal role in educating thousands of students across Italy’s smaller islands about marine conservation and sustainability.
PADI, in partnership with Luminox, is proud to recognize Tatiana’s unwavering commitment to protecting the ocean — one student, one lesson, and one dive at a time.
Tatiana, you continue to make a profound impact on your community. What are you most proud of when you reflect on your work as a conservationist, PADI Professional, and advocate for Ustica Island?
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is earning the trust of the local community. Many parents on the island initially saw scuba diving as a risky activity; yet, over time, they’ve come to trust me with their children, allowing them to explore the underwater world. That shift is powerful; it means they see the value in what I teach.
“Beyond that, when divers visit my dive center and appreciate the environmental responsibility woven into our operations, or when journalists and researchers seek my insights on marine conservation, it reinforces that the work I do has a broader impact. I once had a national TV host call me ‘The Sea Advocate of Ustica Island,’ and while it may have been said in jest, the nickname stuck!”
How has your collaboration with Marevivo and Ustica’s Marine Protected Area shaped your approach to conservation and education, and enabled you to integrate these ideas into the local culture?
“Working with Marevivo and the Marine Protected Area of Ustica has been transformational. Being officially recognized as an environmental educator gave me not only the tools to teach but also the credibility to establish long-term relationships with the local school and community. It’s more than just running programs — it’s about being a role model in daily life.
“This partnership has also reinforced my belief that effective conservation must be woven into the fabric of the community. I live here year-round, sharing the same challenges as the locals — our island empties in winter, lacking essential services like a hospital or structured schooling. Because of that, my message about protecting our home carries weight. Conservation isn’t just a lesson; it’s a way of life.”
How do you ensure that the lessons taught in your programs, such as sustainable fishing or waste management, create lasting habits?
“The real test of conservation education isn’t what happens in the classroom; it’s what happens in daily life. I see it in small but meaningful moments. When I run into children at the pier, they proudly show me how they release fish back into the water after recognizing the species. At the local market, vendors already know not to offer me plastic bags. At the café, I’m only served drinks in glass.
“More importantly, I see the next generation internalizing these values. A mother once messaged me, overwhelmed with gratitude because her son had organized a cleanup of the island’s abandoned playground with his friends. They didn’t ask for help — they just did it. That’s when I know the lessons are sinking in.”
What would you say to PADI Professionals who want to involve children and local communities in conservation efforts?
“Educating the next generation is critical if we want lasting change, but it’s not something to take lightly. Passion for the ocean isn’t enough; you also need to have a passion for working with children. Conservation education carries a responsibility to guide young minds in a way that respects their perspective while gently challenging old habits.
“That said, even if direct education isn’t your strength, you can still be a powerful role model. Leading by example, whether by reducing waste in your dive operation, supporting citizen science, or advocating for marine protection, has a ripple effect in any community.”
How do you see the Guardian Dolphins program evolving, and what role will it play in the future of marine conservation?
“I hope to continue the Guardian Dolphins program for years to come, ensuring that more children on Ustica and beyond develop a lasting connection with the ocean. But my vision extends beyond this program; I want to create a sustainable diving training initiative for young people that focuses on Mediterranean marine conservation, and also develop additional training that equips these future PADI Professionals with the tools to incorporate marine conservation into their daily work. It’s not about turning everyone into marine biologists, but about making conservation a natural extension of what we do as divers. I believe that being a conservationist shouldn’t be a choice; it should be a fundamental part of being a dive professional.”
A Message to the Global PADI Torchbearer Community
“If I could ask the PADI Torchbearer community to do one thing for conservation, it would be this: never miss an opportunity to raise awareness for ocean protection. The ocean needs more than divers who love it; it needs divers who actively protect it. We have more access to information and education than ever before, which means we also have a greater responsibility. You can’t call yourself a passionate diver without being passionate about protecting our ocean planet.”
Tatiana Geloso’s unwavering dedication to conservation is a testament to the power of education, persistence, and grassroots action. Through her work on Ustica Island, she has not only inspired the next generation of ocean stewards but has also demonstrated the profound impact one person can have on an entire community. PADI is honored to recognize her as an Ocean Torchbearer, and we look forward to seeing the waves of change she continues to create.
