Since 2021, our Blueprint for Ocean Action has supported global sustainability agendas through its goal to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. However, the ability to create meaningful change begins at home through local communities that stand together for ocean conservation.
Take Barbados, for example, where collective action builds hope for a healthier planet. From removing debris to training future ocean protectors, this Caribbean community is turning grassroots passion into global impact — while inspiring other nations to do the same.
In this blog, we take a closer look at how Barbados – and its dedicated network of Ocean Torchbearers™ – is harnessing the power of community to become one of PADI AWARE Foundation®‘s leading ocean conservation success stories.
Connecting Communities, Saving the Ocean
In August 2024, seven PADI Dive Centers joined forces with independent PADI Professionals and freedivers to organize Instructor Training Workshops and the annual Barbados Dive Fest. During the week-long celebration of the ocean, activities included:
- Water Awareness Programs
- Try dives and experience dives
- Conservation tips
- Marine life surveys
- A photography competition
What’s more, divers collected 708 pieces of marine debris during 19 Dive Against Debris® surveys. Over 40% of this was plastic – helping tackle one of the biggest threats to marine life.
By harnessing our shared responsibility to save the ocean, initiatives like Dive Fest strengthen connections between the Barbadian community, divers, and conservationists. United by the goal of making these events a success, the result is a movement of engaged and passionate Ocean Torchbearers who continue to celebrate wins long after the festival ends.
Empowering Future Ocean Protectors
People are more likely to protect what they can see and love. This makes divers and swimmers ideal advocates for marine life and ocean conservation. However, in Barbados, more than 80% of the population doesn’t know how to swim.
Each summer, a unique Water Awareness Program seeks to overcome this barrier by teaching 100 kids how to swim. To date, 425 children have taken part, thereafter gaining confidence to explore the ocean safely. Six teens have since gone on to earn PADI certifications and participate in Dive Against Debris surveys.
“Every child who participates in the PADI AWARE® swim program is given the opportunity to not only become a future dive professional but an ocean guardian in Barbados,” says Andre Miller, owner of Barbados Blue.
Indeed, by nurturing a love for the underwater world from an early age, PADI AWARE and its partners connect children with their coastal doorsteps, sparking curiosity and care for ocean conservation that will carry forward into future generations.
The Power of Community in Local Ocean Conservation
With support from PADI AWARE and founding partner Blancpain, Barbados has fully embraced Adopt The Blue™, the world’s largest network of ocean conservation sites. Connecting PADI Mission Hubs with local communities extends their efforts to rid the ocean of marine debris, protect vulnerable species, restore coral reefs, and tackle the effects of climate change.
Disaster Recovery
Divers are the world’s eyes and hands beneath the waves. Recently, after Hurricane Beryl, the Barbadian community mobilized to assess reef damage and remove debris. In doing so, they benefited from using standardized PADI AWARE tools, like Dive Against Debris and Habitat Impact Surveys. This helped the government decide where resources were best placed to restore critical ecosystems – without using costly or damaging methods.
Coral Bleaching Surveys
The Adopt The Blue network also contributes to global research that shapes conservation plans. For instance, a 2023 collaboration between PADI AWARE Foundation, Barbados, and four other countries supplied NOAA Coral Reef Watch with data about coral bleaching from 51 surveys, demonstrating the power of community-driven citizen science.
Ocean Conservation From Barbados to Beyond
By teaming up with governments and community leaders, PADI AWARE Foundation bridges the gap between people and policy. This brings Barbados closer to its 30×30 target of protecting 30% of its marine ecosystems while setting an example for other small island nations.
Of course, every region’s needs are unique. So, PADI AWARE’s strategy includes tailored plans that help grow blue economies in harmony with ocean conservation efforts.
Looking ahead to 2025, PADI AWARE Foundation plans to build on its success in Barbados and beyond, fueled by the unwavering commitment of the global Torchbearer community to protect what they love and create positive ocean change.
Be Part of the Ocean Torchbearer Community
Ocean Torchbearers are at the heart of PADI AWARE’s missions. They are passionately committed to restoring the blue planet we call home.
Join the Torchbearer community, and you’ll become part of a powerful movement to take local action for global impact. Whether it’s signing a petition to protect endangered species, planting corals, or removing debris with your local PADI Mission Hub, every action counts.
Other Ways You Can Support Global Ocean Conservation:
- Dive with Purpose at PADI Eco Centers
- Travel with Purpose using PADI Travel®
- Dive into Adopt The Blue sites
- Enroll in AWARE Conservation courses
- Get a PADI AWARE Certification Card
- Support the Race to 100
