PADI Aware facts for kids

The PADI Aware Foundation is a special group that works to protect our oceans. It's a non-profit organization, which means it uses its money to help the environment, not to make a profit. They have offices in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.

Their main goal is to help local groups make a difference for the ocean. They do this by working with scuba divers and diving professionals all over the world. These divers are part of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).

How PADI Aware Foundation Started

From Project Aware to PADI Aware

The story of PADI Aware Foundation began in 1989. At that time, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) decided they wanted to help protect the ocean. So, they created something called the Project Aware Foundation.

In 1992, Project Aware Foundation became an official non-profit organization. This meant it was dedicated to helping the environment. Then, in 2021, the name changed to PADI Aware Foundation. This change showed that they were working even more closely with PADI. Together, they made a plan to reach important goals for ocean conservation.

What PADI Aware Foundation Does

Programs to Protect the Ocean

PADI Aware Foundation runs four main programs. These programs are funded by people who donate money. They focus on:

• Cleaning up ocean trash (marine debris)
• Protecting sharks
• Giving money to local groups (community grants)
• Creating special protected areas in the ocean (Marine Protected Areas, or MPAs)

These programs give people and divers tools to help. They can join in activities like "citizen science." This is when everyday people help scientists collect data. They also learn about ocean issues and speak up for the ocean. This can include writing letters or signing petitions. All these actions help make a bigger difference for the ocean.

Cleaning Up Ocean Trash

Dive Against Debris

In 2011, PADI Aware Foundation started focusing on removing trash from the ocean. They asked volunteer divers from all over the world to help. These divers actively remove garbage from the seafloor. This program is called "Dive Against Debris."

It has become the largest underwater citizen science program on Earth. More than 100,000 divers from 117 countries have reported what they found. In 2020, PADI AWARE Foundation even shared their data. They worked with another group, Ocean Conservancy, to analyze coastal trash. This information was published in a science journal.

Protecting Sharks and Rays

Sharks and rays are very important for healthy oceans. They are also important for "shark tourism," where people go diving to see sharks. Protecting these animals is a big part of what PADI Aware Foundation does.

In 2021, the Foundation asked divers to help protect Mako sharks. These sharks are vulnerable, meaning their numbers are decreasing. PADI Aware Foundation worked with other groups to ask governments to stop catching these sharks.

Helping Local Communities and Ocean Areas

PADI AWARE Community Grant Program

In 2021, PADI Aware Foundation joined the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action. This plan supports the United Nations' call to action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, they help with SDG14, which is about "Life Below Water."

To help with this, they started the PADI AWARE Community Grant Program. This program gives money to local groups working on ocean conservation. They also launched the "Adopt the Blue" program. This helps protect specific ocean areas.

Getting Divers Involved

PADI Aware Foundation works with dive leaders and ocean supporters. They get involved through:

• Citizen science: Divers collect data underwater.
• Online eco-network: A community where people can connect and share ideas.
• Interactive conservation map: A map showing where conservation efforts are happening.
• Conservation dive courses: Special courses for divers to learn more about protecting the ocean.
• Letter-writing campaigns: Helping people write letters to leaders about ocean issues.
• Joining environmental groups: Working with other organizations to make a bigger impact.