Just a few weeks ago, together with the Project AWARE team, our partners and collaborators, I was putting the final touches to our 2020 roadmap and an ambitious 5-year plan for ocean protection. Today, just like many of you, our future looks much different than we planned.   

Like us, you are probably focused on the health of your loved ones, friends and neighbors. Like us, you are probably worried about the financial future and the livelihoods of those around you. We hope that, like us, you are also seeing the strength of our community of dive and ocean leaders to inspire and connect us all in times of adversity.

That is the new roadmap now in front of us at Project AWARE – growing the vital human connection that our community needs during this difficult time. That means the organization will shift our resources and focus to work alongside our supporters to engage in online forums and create conservation actions conducive to this changing environment. As a collective movement, we will find new ways of mobilizing the world to connect the passion for ocean adventure with the purpose of marine conservation.  Our goal is to listen to our community’s needs and ideas to build a future together, despite the uncertainty of the present. Count on us to be with you navigating through this storm.

We understand that the outbreak is affecting regions and countries differently, and some individuals and communities may decide to still conduct Dive Against Debris® surveys, take part in fundraising events, or hold in-person events to support our conservation work. We thank you for your support but do urge everyone to assess their situation individually, take precautions and follow the recommendations and advice from their Government, local Health Authorities, and the World Health Organization. We all want to help protect the ocean but remember, the health and wellbeing of yourself and those around you are paramount at this time.

In times of uncertainty, remember that we connect people to the ocean because the ocean connects us all. As a powerful global community, we know we can shift our passion, energy, and creativity when we work together. We look forward to working closely with you as a valued member of the Project AWARE community, continuing to unite around our shared passion for the ocean.

Our thoughts are with all our partners, supporters and ocean friends across the world. Stay safe. Stay connected.

Danna Moore,
Project AWARE Director
Global Operations

Photo helping hand by santosh verma on Unsplash