Green Fins is an internationally recognized set of environmental management standards which dive center operators can follow to help protect the marine environment.
Green Fins first started in Thailand, and has grow to over 400 dive center in six Asians countries. Green Fins is an initiative of the United Nations Environment Programe (UNEP) and internationally coordinated by the Reef-World Foundation.
In April Reef-World launched the Green Fins ‘Toolbox’ which will make it easier for dive and snorkel operators around to world to follow Green Fins comprehensive management approach. The Toolbox was launched at the 2016 Asia Dive Expo (ADEX).
The Green Fins Toolbox is a collection of learning materials designed to support the implementation of the 15-point Green Fins Code of Conduct. Included are guidelines for beach, coastal and underwater clean-ups, underwater photography guidelines and environmental code of conduct briefing cards for dive-masters and dive professionals.
What sets Green Fins apart
Green Fins is the only internationally recognized set of environmental standards for the diving and snorkeling industry and Green Fins members create a network of eco-conscious dive centers leading the way in marine conservation.
What we like about Green Fins Toolbox is that lots of materials are available for free on their website which are clean and simple to understand. You can download the Green Fins handbook and start using the Green Fins toolbox to become a more responsible dive center, or even just to learn the do’s and dont’s of scuba diving.
What works for you
Green Fins is not the solutions for every dive center as it requires substantial time and resources becomes a certified ‘Active’ member. However Green Fins does highlight one very important point, marine conservation and the protection of coral reefs starts with informed dive centers who train and guide responsible recreational scuba divers.
Protecting the marine environment is a group effort which starts with the attitude and behaviors of diving professionals followed by the local dive community. Having personally managed dive centers around the world, I know how important it is for dive operators to ‘set the tone’ and encourage divers and dive guides to act responsibly.
Scuba diving and marine tourism can influence both the environmental and economic sustainability of a local industry. Showing leadership to conserve and protect coral reefs can encourage those around you to get involved and help preserve not only the environment but the success of dive and snorkel tourism.
If you are a dive center operator, visit the Green Fins website to learn more about their eco friend guidelines for diving and how you can get involved. If Green Fins isn’t right for your dive center, you can still make a difference. Start your own beach clean up, create a training program for your staff or ever create your own reef restoration project.
If you have any comments we would love to hear from you. Tell us below what you are doing at your dive center, or as a diver to help protect the marine environment.
