As the world increasingly embraces eco-friendly practices, PADI is at the forefront, leading a revolution in sustainable diving. Our initiative, PADI Eco Centers, is rapidly becoming the gold standard for environmentally conscious dive operations. This is your invitation to join an elite network of dive shops committed to preserving our oceans.
Riding the Wave of Change: The Rise of Eco Diving
The launch of the PADI Eco Center designation has already made significant waves. Just eight months after its introduction, Conde Nast Traveller recognized eco-diving with PADI as the #2 travel trend for 2024. The magazine went on to say PADI Eco Center credentials and conservation courses are “helping guide how we see the world in 2024.”
Our initiative has not only gained media attention but has also sparked a global conversation about regenerative travel. This is evidenced by the fact that the theme of regenerative travel garnered a reach of 4.2 billion for PADI PR in 2023.
With more than 100 PADI Eco Centers listed on the PADI Dive Shop Locator, and nearly 200 more working to achieve their eco store designation by Earth Day, PADI Members across the globe are providing a solution for divers looking for dive adventures that give back to the ocean and operate sustainably.
And, PADI will continue to find additional ways to support PADI Dive Centers & Resorts across the globe that are focusing their conservation efforts in a clear and unified direction towards long-term sustainability.
This April, we’re amplifying our efforts with the GoEco! marketing campaign, spotlighting PADI Eco Centers across our digital marketing channels and connecting eco-minded divers and travelers with them. Consumers will find GoEco! messaging on the PADI website and social media channels. There will also be a designated PADI Travel booking portal for sustainability-focused adventures, created to support PADI Eco Centers.
Why PADI Eco Centers? The Future of Diving is Green
In 2022, PADI’s long-term partner, The Reef-World Foundation, released a pivotal study, “Sustainability in a Recovering Travel World,” which revealed a striking fact: 95% of divers prefer sustainable operators, yet often struggle to identify them. Responding to this demand, PADI, in collaboration with The Reef-World Foundation, established the PADI Eco Center designation. This prestigious credential is more than a badge; it’s an award to recognize those who exhibit a continued commitment to ocean conservation efforts, aligning with the goals of the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action and the global agenda for ocean protection.
And, PADI Eco Centers are already having an impact. Based on the data uploaded by PADI Members to the new digital Green Fins hub, Green Fins has seen a 22% decrease in the environmental footprint of those PADI Members, which translates to a reduction of direct environmental impact. This tells us that PADI Eco Centers can have a positive impact on the marine environment where Members are taking action at their operation.
Interested in Becoming a PADI Eco Center?
Becoming a PADI Eco Center is a journey of commitment and dedication to environmental excellence. Here are the three criteria PADI Operators must meet to qualify:
- Participation in the PADI AWARE Adopt the Blue™ program
- Be an active Green Fins Member
- Demonstrate an exemplary level of environmental performance, through the above programs
These requirements were selected to advance the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action and provide impactful ways for consumers to make both sustainable choices with tourism operators and lifestyle choices that benefit our shared blue planet. They integrate the core values of conservation and dive industry sustainability across the entire PADI network. We recommend operators give themselves at least 12 months to meet the minimum standards required for this designation.
Once I Meet the Criteria for PADI Eco Center, Do I Need to Apply?
No. Once you meet the above criteria, recognition as a PADI Eco Center is automatic. Your listing on the PADI Dive Shop Locator will include your new designation, and you will gain access to the PADI Eco Center digital marketing toolkit. If you believe you qualify but haven’t been recognized, contact your Regional Manager.
A Note on the PADI Green Star Award
As we embrace this new chapter with the PADI Eco Center designation, we have officially sunsetted the Green Star program, and no new applications were accepted in 2023. However, the efforts of past Green Star recipients are not forgotten. If you’re a Green Star awardee, you’re already on the path to becoming an Eco Center, and special assistance is available to PADI Green Star Award recipients working towards PADI Eco Center status. For any existing PADI Green Star Award recipients, all efforts involved in achieving this award are recognized through the Green Fins assessment. Please reach out to your Regional Manager for further guidance on this transition.
Becoming a PADI Eco Center is more than an achievement; it’s a statement to the world about your commitment to our oceans. It’s a promise to offer sustainable dive adventures that resonate with eco-conscious divers globally. Embrace this opportunity and be part of a movement that’s reshaping the future of diving, especially with the upcoming launch of the GoEco! campaign. Click the links below to get started on the first two criteria or contact your regional team today to start your journey towards becoming a PADI Eco Center.
