As we head into 2025, it’s important to pause a moment and look back at the 2024 Pillars of Change accomplishments. The PADI organization did a lot, and no effort was a solo accomplishment – each resulted from thousands of PADI Members and Divers being mindful to contribute what we can where we are in the moment. They are examples of how all of us, making millions of small differences separately, make big differences together. This thinking is part of the ethos and drive that unite the PADI organization in bringing hope and positive change to the world and people’s lives.

To touch on just a few milestones and accomplishments last year, among others:

Ocean Conservation

• Partnered with NOAA Coral Reef Watch in the Second Coral Bleaching Project
• 42 percent year-over-year increase in certified PADI AWARE Dive Against Debris divers
• To date, more than 2.4 million pieces of debris removed and 35,000-plus entangled marine animals released – 23,690 pieces and 385 animals during AWARE Week alone
• Supported Global Plastics Treaty with Dive Against Debris data and more than 14,500 Ocean Torchbearer signatures
• Striving for more Marine Protect Areas, to date 2,610 Adopt the Blue sites in 115 countries
• To date, $700,000 US grant funding for more than 80 ocean conservation and outreach projects
• With PADI AWARE involvement, ongoing and advancing protection for threatened species, such as Maldives prohibition on long-line fishing to reduce threat to sharks and rays

Dive Industry Sustainability

• Over 100 PADI Eco Centers in 33 countries now committed to reducing their effect on the environment – a 22 percent impact reduction according to Green Fins data
• More than 10 billion potential media reach messaging regenerative diving and positive ocean change, include Fast Company recognizing PADI operators as sustainable business leaders through PADI’s listing as one of the Most Innovative Companies of 2024

People & Humanity

• 53 PADI Adaptative Services Facilities established in 21 countries
• First Adaptive Diving Week, with 2.8 billion potential media reach messaging ocean access to promote the healing power of diving and wellness
• 10th annual PADI Women’s Dive Day – worldwide, now 40 percent of diver-level certifications are women

If there is a downside to looking back at 2024, it’s that it raises the bar for what we need to do in 2025. But that’s no surprise, because we’ve raised it every year for more than a decade – and together, we’ve always cleared it the next year – and we’re already on our way to doing so again.

So, thank you for making a difference in 2024, for the one you’re already making in 2025, and for your loyalty and support of PADI.

Sincerely,

Drew Richardson
PADI CEO and President

The post Straight Talk From PADI CEO: Pillars of Change Accomplishments appeared first on PADI Pros.

President’s Desk, conservation, PADI CEO, people and community, Pillars of Change, sustainabilityPADI Pros