PADI has launched two sustainability initiatives designed to empower tourists to travel with a purpose and create positive ocean change from abroad and from home.
Launching both their PADI Eco Center credentialing program and Save the Ocean Pledge this past Earth Day, the dive training agency says it is continuing to provide impactful ways for consumers to make both sustainable choices with tourism operators and lifestyle choices that benefit our shared blue planet.
According to Julie Andersen, director of global brand for PADI Worldwide:
“We are committed to protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030, which is fueled by creating like-minded partnerships, mobilizing our PADI Mission Hub Members, re-envisioning the way people travel and encouraging daily changes we all can make for a better – and healthier – planet.”
Last year, the Reef-World Foundation released their study “Sustainability in a Recovering Travel World,” which found 95% of divers are looking for sustainable operators when booking a trip, but often struggle to book with confidence.
In response to this, PADI, in collaboration with the foundation, has established PADI Eco Centers, a credential awarded to those who exhibit a continued commitment to conservation efforts that support both the goals and objectives of PADI’s Blueprint for Ocean Action and the global agenda to protect the ocean.
Andersen says:
“The PADI Eco Center credentials designate our members who exemplify environmental stewardship in their operations. The ultimate goal is to connect ocean lovers with sustainability leaders in the dive industry through a rigorous verification that gives travelers the confidence that their tourism dollars are going to make a positive impact.”
And Reef-World Foundation Executive Director Chloe Harvey adds:
“PADI Eco Centers represents the strongest backbone for environmental action and protection ever to have been spearheaded within the global diving industry, and we’re really proud to be partnering with PADI on this initiative. Operators achieving the designation will have had to really work for it by making lasting and impactful changes to their daily operations to protect the marine environment.”
Additionally, PADI launched a new “Save the Ocean Pledge” that’s esigned to unite “Ocean Torchbearers” who share a love for the blue and a desire to protect it for generations to come. The pledge is a commitment of five actions to take regardless of where in the world you are exploring.
Andersen explains:
“Our conservation mission is driven by people taking unified conservation actions at a local level. By taking the Save the Ocean pledge and joining forces with the Ocean Torchbearer community, anyone can join us in growing the swell for a more hopeful future.”
To sign the Save the Ocean pledge, visit padi.com/conservation/save-the-ocean-pledge.
