What is PADI AWARE? A global movement to protect our oceanic environments

Uniting scuba divers worldwide in a bid to protect our oceans, the PADI AWARE Foundation is a nonprofit that champions marine conservation. Through their partnership with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), they engage both professional and recreational divers to drive initiatives that safeguard marine ecosystems across the globe.

By supporting grassroots efforts, the PADI AWARE Foundation fosters meaningful change, one dive at a time. It champions initiatives to remove marine debris, protect wildlife and preserve oceanic environments through citizen science programs and education awareness.

In this article, discover everything you need to know about PADI AWARE, including its flagship projects and the programs it supports. We'll also highlight some of the organisation's partner resorts to help you plan a sustainable and conservation-focused dive vacation.

The PADI AWARE Foundation’s story began in 1989 when the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) first spearheaded action to protect the world's oceans. Recognising the threats facing marine ecosystems, PADI established Project AWARE as a nonprofit dedicated to ocean conservation. For nearly 30 years, the organisation has been empowering divers to make a difference and encouraging others to do the same.

In 2021, Project AWARE rebranded as the PADI AWARE Foundation, which channels the passion of the diving community into scalable solutions for ocean protection. By uniting divers and dive businesses under a shared mission, it continues PADI's longstanding commitment to defend the underwater world for future generations.

Through its four evergreen programs - marine debris, shark protection, community grants and Marine Protected Areas - the PADI AWARE Foundation is taking important steps to preserve our oceanic environments. At the same time, it is facilitating opportunities for the dive community to participate in citizen science programs, education initiatives and advocacy campaigns.

PADI AWARE's flagship programs

In 2011, the Foundation launched its flagship Dive Against Debris program, rallying volunteer divers worldwide to help remove trash from the seafloor. The response was tremendous - over 100,000 divers from 117 countries signed up, creating the largest underwater citizen science movement on the planet.

Protecting sharks and rays (species critical to shark tourism) is also a top priority for the organisation. In 2021, the Foundation rallied divers to advocate for safeguards for vulnerable Mako Sharks. Working alongside shark partners and allies, the Foundation pushed governments to enact a prohibition on catching these threatened species.

More recently, the PADI AWARE Foundation pledged support to the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action. It was in response to the United Nations’ worldwide call for a Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Specifically, the pledge backs the implementation of SDG14 – Life Below Water. To advance this commitment, the organisation launched the PADI AWARE Community Grant Program and the Adopt the Blue program, both bolstering their efforts around Marine Protected Areas.

At its core, PADI AWARE connects a passionate community of dive leaders and ocean advocates through creative online channels. This includes an interactive eco-network, a dynamic conservation map and immersive conservation dive courses.

Together, they mobilise grassroots action through letter-writing campaigns and by joining forces with environmental NGOs. By combining their voices, these marine life activists are amplifying lobbying efforts for ocean protection policies.

PADI AWARE partners

PADI also partners with committed dive shops and eco-friendly dive resorts through the 100% AWARE program. With each new diver certification, these shops pledge financial support to fund PADI AWARE's conservation initiatives. It's a win-win partnership that engages new divers in ocean advocacy from their very first lessons.

To date, more than 200 dive centres across 86 countries have contributed to the 100% AWARE program, providing vital funds to help remove marine debris, protect endangered marine species and restore coral habitat.

Through camaraderie and coordinated efforts, the PADI AWARE community is taking important strides in a bid for lasting change while inspiring others to join the movement to protect our blue planet.

How to get involved in PADI AWARE programs

There are lots of ways you can get involved in PADI AWARE Foundation projects, either as an individual or by collaborating with dive centres and resorts. 

By participating in initiatives such as Dive Against Debris, Adopt the Blue and AWARE Week events, you can make a significant impact on ocean health. This can involve participating in activities run by dive shops and resorts or reporting data directly through the PADI AWARE app. 

Additionally, you can support the PADI AWARE Foundation through donations and fundraising activities or take the Save the Ocean pledge with the Ocean Torchbearers community. This is an easy way to stay informed about the latest events and happenings, such as conservation courses, citizen science opportunities and policy advocacy campaigns. 

Support PADI Aware Foundation grantees

Each year, the PADI AWARE Foundation provides funding to support grassroots ocean conservation projects taking place across the globe. Many of these are run by dive shops and resorts, which are taking important steps to support their marine environments at a local level.

To be eligible for a grant, applications must show that they support PADI’s Blueprint for Ocean Conservation and fall under one of five categories:

• Vulnerable Species Protection

• Marine Debris

• Marine Protected Areas

• Coral Reefs

• Climate Change

  
  

One simple way you can support their efforts is by diving with or staying at one of the PADI AWARE Community Grantees. These dive shops and resorts have been vetted by PADI, ensuring your money is supporting responsible and sustainable dive operations. Some of our favourites include Mike’s Dauin Beach Resort in the Philippines, Ocean Ventures in Fiji and Iguana Divers in Costa Rica.