The oceans face unprecedented challenges, from marine debris and habitat destruction to climate change. Yet amidst these threats, a powerful partnership between PADI and Blancpain offers a beacon of hope. Together, through innovative programs like Adopt the Blue™, they are driving bold action to protect our planet’s most precious resource.
This collaboration unites PADI’s global dive community and conservation expertise with Blancpain’s legacy of ocean stewardship. Their shared mission? To safeguard 30% of the ocean by 2030 through the creation of the world’s largest network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Adopt the Blue: A Movement for Marine Conservation
Launched in 2022, Adopt the Blue is one of the most ambitious citizen science initiatives ever undertaken in the ocean. It empowers PADI dive centers and divers — known as “mission hubs” and “ocean torchbearers” — to adopt underwater sites of ecological or economic significance. These sites, ranging from coral nurseries to seagrass beds, contribute to PADI’s broader conservation goals by addressing threats like species endangerment, habitat destruction, and climate change.
Drew Richardson, CEO and President of PADI, sums up the vision:
“The future of our blue planet has never been more dependent on our innovation, decisions, and actions. Together with Blancpain, we aim to protect marine ecosystems for generations to come.”
Through this global initiative, PADI and Blancpain aim to establish 10,000 Adopt the Blue sites by 2030, forming a vast network that contributes critical data to inform the creation and management of MPAs. These efforts align with the 30×30 goal, a global initiative to conserve 30% of Earth’s marine and terrestrial habitats by 2030.
Blancpain: A Legacy of Ocean Commitment
Blancpain’s commitment to ocean conservation runs deep, stemming from the launch of the Fifty Fathoms — the world’s first modern diving watch — in 1953. This iconic innovation marked the beginning of the brand’s close relationship with the ocean, which continues today through the Blancpain Ocean Commitment (BOC).
BOC focuses on three pillars:
- Beauty: Highlighting the fragile beauty of marine ecosystems to inspire global awareness.
- Knowledge: Supporting scientific research to inform conservation strategies.
- Protection: Advocating for the preservation of critical habitats and species.
Marc Hayek, CEO of Blancpain, has been instrumental in advancing the brand’s conservation mission. A life-changing encounter with a whale shark inspired Hayek to support impactful ocean initiatives. Under his leadership, Blancpain has backed over 40 scientific expeditions, including Pristine Seas, which helped double the surface area of protected ocean through governmental commitments.
Blancpain also pioneered citizen science projects, such as the Whale Shark Project in 2003 with PADI AWARE. This initiative engaged divers worldwide in creating a photo database of whale sharks, generating critical data to protect these majestic creatures.
PADI: A Global Force for Conservation
For nearly 60 years, PADI has empowered millions of divers to explore, steward, and protect the ocean. Through its PADI AWARE Foundation™, PADI advances marine conservation by mobilizing its vast global network of 6,600 dive centers and more than 128,000 professional members.
Adopt the Blue is the centerpiece of PADI’s Blueprint for Ocean Action, a roadmap tackling marine debris, vulnerable species, coral restoration, and climate change. With Blancpain as a founding partner, this program connects local actions to global conservation goals, providing the tools and data needed to create lasting environmental change.
By integrating scientific research, community engagement, and advocacy, PADI and Blancpain’s partnership turns small-scale efforts into large-scale impact. For example, Adopt the Blue sites collect valuable data on ecosystem health and emerging threats, helping governments meet their 30×30 commitments.
Citizen Science and Local Action
Citizen science is at the heart of the PADI and Blancpain partnership. Every dive with a PADI center becomes an opportunity to contribute to global conservation efforts. Adopt the Blue enables divers to document species, monitor habitat health, and support restoration projects.
The program also connects PADI centers with local communities through the PADI Community Grant Program, supported by Blancpain. These grants empower coastal NGOs and dive centers to tackle conservation challenges while supporting sustainable livelihoods. By linking conservation with economic benefits, the program ensures long-term success for both people and the planet.
Why 30×30 Matters
Protecting 30% of the ocean is more than an environmental goal — it’s a lifeline for marine ecosystems. MPAs allow habitats to recover, species to thrive, and ecosystems to build resilience against climate change. Yet only 6% of the world’s oceans are currently protected.
Adopt the Blue aims to bridge this gap. By leveraging the power of PADI’s global network and Blancpain’s resources, the program scales up local conservation efforts into a unified global movement.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Blancpain’s long-standing support for initiatives like Beyond the Surface, Pristine Seas, and the Ocean Photographer of the Year amplifies the impact of its partnership with PADI. Together, they are creating a new era of ocean stewardship that combines innovation, action, and advocacy.
This collaboration is more than a partnership — it’s a call to action. PADI divers are at the forefront of this movement, turning their passion for the ocean into measurable conservation impact.
As we move closer to the 30×30 goal, every dive, every site adopted, and every community empowered brings us one step closer to a healthier ocean. Join us in protecting the blue planet for future generations.
Together, PADI and Blancpain are proving that hope, backed by action, can create lasting change.
