PADI and Swiss watchmaker Blancpain announced this week they are joining forces to work toward increasing the number of marine protected areas (MPAs) around the globe over the coming decade.
The organizations unveiled their collaborative partnership at the 9th Annual World Ocean Summit.
According to PADI Worldwide President and Chief Executive Officer Drew Richardson:
“Blancpain and PADI have rich histories rooted in exploration and ocean conservation, inspiring both organizations to become powerful catalysts of planetary change. Protecting our oceans is not only core to our ethos, but critical for our very survival. The world must pull together to stem the urgent crisis in our ocean and we have an immense opportunity to bring about change. We’re proud to work alongside such a prominent partner who shares our optimistic outlook on the future and a deep commitment to further empowering our global community to seek adventure and save the ocean.”
At the heart of their initiative is the flagship citizen science program, “Adopt the Blue,” in which 6,600 registered PADI dive centers and resorts will be activated to develop the largest network of marine protected areas on the planet, enabling millions of PADI recreational divers to proactively engage in marine conservation at every opportunity.
Another keystone of the partnership is the formation of the “Blancpain/PADI Community Grant,” which funds critical conservation efforts in local communities. These grants will drive both ocean preservation as well as indigenous community support, serving as a force for good for both humanity and ocean.
Blancpain President & CEO Marc Hayek said:
“With our almost 70-year legacy of the Fifty Fathoms diving watch, Blancpain has developed not only a passion – but a deep commitment to our oceans. We’re extremely proud of the role we’ve played in advancing global marine protection efforts and we are thrilled to be collaborating with PADI – and its community of divers – to bring about even more positive change.”