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.
In 2021, PADI and PADI AWARE Foundation® announced their joint Blueprint for Ocean Action, 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, 126,000 PADI Pros, and more than 6,600 PADI Dive Centers 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 6,600 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 focus on several key goals. Read on to find out what these are!
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 Ocean Torchbearers as citizen scientists to responsibly collect and report underwater debris found on the marine bottom in all types of aquatic environments.
- Funding grantees in targeted countries through the PADI AWARE Mission Hub Community Grant Program.
Support this goal: Grab your mesh bag and Dive Against Debris® to join the world’s largest citizen science movement to rid the ocean of marine debris. Learn more here.
2. Protect Endangered and Vulnerable Marine Species
Goal: Reduce the number of sharks and rays threatened with extinction by 25%.
We’ll achieve this goal by:
- Deploying in-country shark and ray conservation campaigns with funding to PADI AWARE grantees.
- Launching a Global Shark and Ray Census. With the support of Swiss prestige watchmaker, Blancpain, a worldwide citizen science program that will enable Ocean Torchbearers to record shark and ray sightings to help develop suitable conservation measures.
Support this goal: Learn more about issues impacting sharks with the AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty Course or donate to PADI AWARE Foundation to support the Vulnerable Species Program. Learn more here.
3. Reduce and Offset the Carbon Footprint of the Diving Industry
Goal: Achieve carbon neutrality across the PADI organization and restore blue carbon habitats.
We’ll achieve this goal by:
- Mobilizing Ocean Torchbearers to restore, protect, and fund seagrass and mangrove habitats and offset carbon emissions.
- Achieving a 50% carbon reduction of PADI supply chain operations by 2025.
- Creating a more environmentally responsible dive industry through the PADI Eco Center program, which aims to create more sustainable business practices and initiatives at each dive center across the world. Learn more here.
Support this goal: Support local actions for global impact by donating to support PADI AWARE Community Grantees or connect with your PADI Dive Center or Resort to see how you can get involved in local programs.
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 grantees to restore iconic reefs.
Support this goal: Monitor the health of coral reefs through the Adopt the Blue program. Connect with your PADI Dive Center or Resort to see how you can get involved. Or support PADI AWARE Community Grantees working to protect and restore local reefs by donating to PADI AWARE Foundation.
5. Multiply the Number of Marine Protected Areas
Goal: Protect 30% of the ocean through the Adopt the Blue™ Program.
We’ll achieve this goal by:
- Mobilizing PADI’s network of global dive shops to Adopt the Blue.
- Increasing the number of Marine Protected Areas in countries around the world, together with our partner Blancpain and the global dive community.
Support this goal: Turn your passion into preservation and connect with your PADI Dive Center to see how you can support their Adopt the Blue site. Learn more here.
Join the Ocean Torchbearer community to stay up to date on conservation developments and turn your passion into purpose for a healthier future. Join us at https://www.padi.com/conservation/save-the-ocean-pledge.
Special thanks to Blancpain, official partner of the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action and founding partner of the PADI MPA Program, Adopt the Blue™ and the Global Shark & Ray Census.
