In an exciting development for the world of sustainable diving, Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have set a new precedent for environmental stewardship in the Caribbean. By securing a Green Fins digital membership across their entire portfolio (on all eight of the Caribbean islands on which they operate), they’ve become the first resort company to embrace this vital conservation management approach. This milestone underscores a significant commitment to protecting our oceans and promoting sustainable scuba diving and snorkeling practices.

Green Fins, a program implemented by The Reef-World Foundation in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme, offers a blueprint for reducing the environmental impact of marine activities. Through a set of environmentally friendly guidelines, the initiative aims to protect coral reefs, ensuring that the beauty and diversity of underwater ecosystems can be preserved for future generations.

Michael Clarke, Corporate Director of Watersports for Sandals Resorts International, emphasized the deep connection Caribbean communities have with the ocean. “Here in the Caribbean, the ocean is a part of our everyday lives, and the health of our underwater ecosystems plays a role in the livelihoods of our friends, families, and neighbors,” said Clarke. By joining Green Fins, Sandals and Beaches pledge to safeguard and rejuvenate marine resources, allowing guests from around the globe to marvel at the Caribbean’s underwater jewels while contributing to the prosperity of future generations.

At the core of this achievement is the active participation of staff across Sandals’ and Beaches’ PADI Dive Centers in creating and implementing action plans aligned with the Green Fins Code of Conduct. These plans enhance the resorts’ existing conservation efforts, such as invasive species management and promoting reef-safe sunscreen, alongside educating snorkelers and scuba divers on eco-friendly practices before they ever get in the water.

Katie Thompson, PADI Global Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, highlighted the strategic partnership with Sandals and Beaches as pivotal in advancing PADI’s mission to cultivate ocean ambassadors. Thompsom added, “Their scale and shared commitment to a healthier future helps advance our mission to create more ocean ambassadors who can go out and not only explore but also protect the ocean. We proudly continue forward on this important journey with Sandals and Beaches and celebrate them as the first PADI Resort Company that can boast 100% Green Fins status.” This collaboration not only fosters exploration and protection of the ocean but also positions Sandals and Beaches as leaders in the PADI community.

Moreover, Sandals and Beaches actively participate in the PADI AWARE Foundation’s Adopt the Blue program. This initiative involves adopting a dive site to maintain its cleanliness through ocean clean-ups and ecosystem monitoring, demonstrating a proactive stance in marine conservation.

JJ Harvey, Operations Director of The Reef-World Foundation, praised Sandals and Beaches Resorts for setting a benchmark in sustainable tourism. “We are thrilled to see Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts leading the way in sustainable tourism for resort companies, leaning on Green Fins as a benchmark for environmental standards with the organization’s unique resources and monitoring mechanism to measure performance,” stated Harvey. With Green Fins, the resorts can leverage a globally recognized eco-standard for diving and snorkeling, showcasing their environmental commitment.

The significance of sustainable practices in diving is further highlighted by a Reef-World survey, which found that over 80% of divers prefer operators that prioritize marine life conservation. Sandals and Beaches Resorts not only meet this demand through their PADI-certified dive centers but also contribute to the growth of the PADI Ocean Torchbearer movement, fostering a community of conservationists through sustainable diving experiences and courses.

As Sandals and Beaches Resorts lead the way in sustainable tourism, they offer a compelling model for other PADI Dive Resorts to follow. Achieving Green Fins membership and working towards PADI Eco Center status not only enhances a resort’s appeal to eco-conscious travelers but also plays a crucial role in the global effort to protect our oceans. This initiative is a call to action for dive resorts worldwide to join the movement towards a more sustainable and regenerative approach to marine tourism.

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Conservation, Industry News, caribbean, Green Fins, PADI Eco Center, Reef World FoundationPADI Pros