This year will be a very special Earth Day as it marks the 45th anniversary of the worldwide event, held on April 22 each year. Under the global theme “It’s Our Turn to Lead”, Project AWARE supporters are showing their support for environmental protection by taking on amazing challenges to help us lead the fight against marine debris and protect imperilled shark and ray species.

Divers are passionate ambassadors for ocean protection who never miss an opportunity to show their dedication and commitment to ocean conservation.

We're consistently impressed by the ideas, stories, and generosity of our supporters. When it comes to the protection of more than 70% of the Earth's surface, their imagination and creativity has no limit!

To kick off our Earth Day celebrations, we’re shining a light on three amazing AWARE supporters who are going to great lengths to raise funds and awareness for the plight of our oceans in the run-up to Earth Day.

See how they're embracing this year's Earth Day theme “It’s Our Turn to Lead” by taking on challenges to make a difference for our blue planet.

Kat Jumps for Ocean Conservation

For many, a holiday to South Africa is a relaxing getaway but for Kat, it’s all about adventure. On March 21st, she travelled to this popular destination to take a break from her busy job as Sales Executive and embark on a conservation project at the Shamwari Game Reserve. During her spare time, Kat is planning to participate in a sponsored bungee jump off Bloukrans Bridge, a 210 metre drop, to raise funds in support of Project AWARE.

"Yes, I am a little bit crazy! I will be doing all this for a charity that, as a scuba diver and lover of animals, is very close to my heart."

Kat's Bungee Jump is on 28th March – You can be part of her big jump too!,Click here to support Kat’s South African Bungee Jump.

Lesley Makes a Special Birthday Gift

On March 19, Elwyn, the owner of Elwyn Harper Diving Equipment, celebrated his 65th Birthday. Lesley Harper and her team are throwing a birthday party for him on 28th March. Wanting to celebrate Elwyn's big day by highlighting his love and passion for the ocean, Lesley contacted Project AWARE.  Now, when Elwyn’s friends ask for gift ideas, they are encouraged to make a donation to Project AWARE. Lesley explains, "We felt it was a much better option than Elwyn ending up with lots of bottles of whiskey and wine. As most of our guests are or were divers, Project AWARE is a cause close to our hearts."

Make Elwyn’s big day even more special. Check out Elwyn's justgiving.com page to make a gift that gives back to the ocean.

Natalie Gets Swimming to Protect Sharks

From Monday, March 30 to Friday, April 3, Natalie will swim 1.5 kilometers a day in support of Project AWARE’s global Finathon®. “I know I can easily swim one mile, but I have never attempted to do that back to back over two days - let alone five! The biggest challenge will be mental, so any donations I receive to help me overcome that hurdle will be greatly appreciated!” says Natalie. She's already very close to hitting her target. “When I reach that magical number I will increase my distance to swim 2 kilometers a day” she adds.

Can you help her reach her target? Follow her training blog on finathon.org - It’s an exciting read!

What will you do for our blue planet this Earth Day? You can do anything to raise funds and awareness for ocean protection. The only limit is your imagination. Make it as easy, challenging, fun, or crazy as you want! After all, the worst thing you can do is nothing. Check out Project AWARE’s Fundraising Ideas Guide to get started with your own challenge and stay tuned for more Earth Day actions as we get closer to April, 22nd.

Photo courtesy of Face Adrenalin - "Face Adrenalin Bloukrans Bridge Bungy"