PADI and National Geographic Pristine Seas join forces to protect the oceans - video

PADI and National Geographic Pristine Seas have formed a partnership. Their goal is to protect at least 30% of the oceans by 2030. All through the creation of new marine protected areas (MPAs).

In 2020, Enric Sala, founder of Pristine Seas and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, approached PADI with the idea of joining forces to protect the ocean. The idea is to combine his vision of a proven track record of creating MPAs with the global reach of the PADI community.

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PADI dive centres and centres are key elements in their local economies, and their guiding role, together with the influence and expertise of Sala and his team at National Geographic Pristine Seas, can be a catalyst for lasting change. All with the aim of restoring balance and sustainability to the marine ecosystem.

Ocean conservation benefits everyone, especially the diving sector. We are delighted to be working with PADI and all their dive centres around the world. We also want to support the conservation of popular dive sites around the world – Sala said.

Support from PADI centres

The partnership was initiated with the aim of a global study and economic evaluation of the diving industry. The creators want to measure the economic benefits of the dive industry for local communities. All using data from dive centres and PADI centres in 186 countries. In collaboration with scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Simon Fraser University, the analysis will be submitted to the governments of many countries. Among other things, it will show how the creation of MPAs can create jobs and significant results for local economies.

PADI will engage the 6600 dive centres and resorts that are at the heart of the mission. All to provide the data necessary to complete the survey. The information gathered through PADI Mission Hub participation will be an integral part of it. The whole will be used to influence local and national authorities to establish marine protected areas and protect the marine environment for divers and other stakeholders.

Without a doubt, PADI centres play a key role in our action plan. Each PADI operator brings unique insights, local knowledge and passion to our ocean. As a united force, the PADI community in partnership with National Geographic Pristine Seas will provide an unprecedented global voice influencing long-term ocean conservation – said Drew Richardson, president and CEO of PADI Worldwide.

Over the past 12 years, Pristine Seas has completed 32 expeditions around the world and helped create 24 marine reserves. This has contributed to the protection of over 6.5 million square kilometres of ocean, an area more than twice the size of India.