Ever dived a place in the ocean that is recognized by scientists as one that is vital to the sea’s health?
Well, PADI and “Her Deepness” Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue organization have formally partnered to build public support for those sites, which the two groups call “Hope Spots.”
Hope Spots are about recognizing, empowering and supporting individuals and communities around the world in their efforts to protect the ocean. By activating its global network of divers and dive professionals, the PADI family will further bring attention to marine areas in a worldwide network targeted for enhanced protection.
Mission Blue Executive Director Laura Cassiani says:
“Mission Blue is thrilled to partner with PADI to bring awareness to divers around the world about the value of Hope Spots. Divers are an important voice in the global coalition for greater marine conservation because they know first-hand the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems. We believe deeply that this exciting new collaboration between PADI and Mission Blue will ignite broad support for further ocean conservation in all five oceans. Onward and downward!”
Last November, PADI announced its new social and environmental responsibility program, dubbed “Four Pillars of Change.” The program helps connect members of the PADI community to the ocean causes they care about, specifically on building awareness of important issues affecting ocean health, strengthening dive communities and dive infrastructure, and forming global alliances to engage and mobilize PADI Dive Centers, Resorts, dive professionals and divers to be a global force for good.
President and CEO of PADI Worldwide Drew Richardson says:
“Connecting PADI Divers and Members with the Hope Spots program provides them with actionable opportunities to have a lasting impact on the future of our blue planet. Through our partnership, PADI and Mission Blue hope to educate divers and ignite support for Hope Spots with the long-term goal of formally protecting more areas of our world’s ocean.”
Each month, PADI will showcase a different Hope Spot to give a deeper insight into these vital ecosystems and the need to safeguard them as protected areas. Not only will PADI divers and members learn more about some of the best Hope Spots for diving In the coming months, they’ll have an opportunity to nominate new Hope Spots as well.
With only five percent of the world’s oceans currently under protection, by joining forces with Mission Blue, PADI’s global dive family can help make the goal set forth by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress to protect 30 percent of our world’s oceans by 2030 a reality.
For more info, check out the Mission Blue website at mission-blue.org or the PADI website at padi.com.
