PADI® and Project AWARE® are joining forces for a week packed full of conservation activities around the world, 15-23 September 2018. A global first, AWARE Week is designed to bring together divers all over the world to be a voice for the ocean and act for change. Project AWARE and PADI believe in the power of people to help address threats facing our ocean today and that large-scale transformation starts with individuals acting locally for global impact.

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Dive professionals and the global dive community are encouraged to lead or take part in AWARE Week activities and courses focused on tackling ocean pollution, creating awareness for vulnerable shark and ray species, and empowering local communities to take positive actions for the protection of fragile aquatic environments, fins on and fins off.

“Each and every one of us can take action to protect the ocean,” says Danna Moore, Director of Global Operations for Project AWARE. “AWARE Week puts the power of positive change in the hands of PADI Dive Centers, Resorts, Instructors and Divers, bringing together the passion for ocean adventure with the purpose of marine conservation.”

Coinciding with International Coastal Cleanup Day on 15 September, AWARE Week marks the perfect time to focus on making a difference in the health of the underwater environment. PADI-endorsed specialty courses such as the newly revised Project AWARE Specialty, Dive Against Debris® Specialty, and AWARE Shark Conservation Diver Specialty courses will help dive leaders around the world empower student divers and their local communities to protect the ocean. Whether it’s becoming a debris activist, saying no to single-use plastics or making responsible seafood choices, no action is too small to protect the ocean. AWARE Week provides the tools and inspiration to educate and encourage positive actions.

“The PADI organization has a long-standing commitment to ocean health and, together with PADI Members around the world, we have the reach and influence to mobilize millions of divers to get involved in real solutions to drive change,” says Drew Richardson, President and CEO of PADI Worldwide and Project AWARE Chairman of the Board. “In support of our Pillars of Change and deep-rooted partnership with Project AWARE, AWARE Week serves as a reminder that we can all be a powerful catalyst for change by staying informed, getting engaged, initiating conversations and educating others about the issues.”

How can you help? During AWARE Week, PADI and Project AWARE invite PADI Dive Centers, Resorts and Professional Members to run AWARE Week initiatives focusing on conservation-minded practices, teaching AWARE Specialty courses and conducting Dive Against Debris surveys®.

Leadership is needed to educate and empower more divers to become ambassadors for the ocean. Join PADI and Project AWARE in protecting the ocean planet. Learn how you can host or join an AWARE Week event in your local community at www.padi.com/awareweek.