The Project AWARE Specialty program is a nondiving program designed to familiarize divers and nondivers with the plight of aquatic ecosystems around the world. It also describes what individuals can do to help protect aquatic resources. Thus, the goals of this course are to familiarize participants with: • The role Project AWARE Foundation plays in protecting aquatic ecosystems worldwide. • The importance, and the interdependent nature, of aquatic ecosystems. • The pertinent issues concerning the environmental status of underwater environments, such as pollution, fisheries and coastal zone management. • Information needed to take specific actions to help conserve underwater environments. Because of intimate familiarity with the underwater world, divers and snorkelers are the natural ambassadors for the aquatic environment. Today they are some of the strongest supporters of programs and initiatives such as: a. Volunteer monitoring. b. Underwater and beach cleanups. c. Marine parks and protected areas. d. Legislative actions to support sustainable fi sheries and protect endangered habitats and species. In 1989 PADI introduced Project AWARE (Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibility and Education) as an environmental ethic campaign to harness each diver’s potential as an advocate and protector of the underwater environments . the Project AWARE Foundation, a registered, nonprofi t organization that involves divers and water enthusiasts in projects and activities to conserve underwater environments. The Foundation also supports research, education and conservation projects through its established grant program. Since the nonprofi t designation in 1992, Project AWARE has created an international presence with offi ces in Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland . Project AWARE is dedicated to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action alsoProject AWARE partners with divers and water enthusiasts to protect aquatic environments around the world and involves divers and nondivers in environmental projects, activities and campaigns working toward global conservation solutions.Project AWARE emphasizes environmentally sound approaches to dive practices , dive operations and dive skills. These include: mooring buoy use, responsible boating and diving practices, buoyancy control, proper techniques and equipment placement for underwater photography, responsible wreck diving guidelines and dive training programs including this program.Also Implements initiatives to expand diver participation in conservation activities and data collection including global underwater cleanups, coral reef monitoring, shark sightings and identifi cation, environmental education and advocacy andEmpowers children to get involved in environmental solutions through its AWARE Kids program .