We are big fans of sustainable diving. No, it doesn’t mean a special effort or sacrifice our expectations as divers. But diving coincides with the only time we humans can get to know the underwater world. It doesn’t matter if we are on vacation, enjoying our leisure time, or even working in the diving industry. Only diving can we really know 70% of the natural wealth of our planet, which is under the sea.
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20/01/2022For that reason, we dive in the Caribbean Sea. We are aware that we are witnesses to reefs, biology, and a unique life cycle. The protagonist of sustainable scuba diving is nature. A sport designed for and to enjoy without our presence hurting it.
Not everyone has learned to practice sustainable diving. Not everyone knows of divers’ contributions. Not everyone is aware that we should start with our behavior to minimize the impact of humanity on nature.
But that is not what is so disheartening. It is witnessing coral bleaching. It is finding garbage while diving. It is to see animal populations dwindle and do nothing to prevent it.
Yes, we can practice sustainable diving, we have to do it, and this article shows how the diving industry can contribute to this.
Sustainable Diving and The Go Green Initiative
As we discussed in the article Green Diver Do’s and Don’ts and Best Practices You can learn the skills of sustainable diving quickly.
It is just about internalizing a simple behavior code. The dive operators’ responsibility is to share it, make it known to our clients, and inspire them by our example in sustainable diving.
This is the goal of Dressel Divers’ Go Green project. It is 4 years old this year.
During this time, Dressel Divers has shown its commitment to the planet with actions that go beyond sustainable diving.
Sustainable Scuba Diving and Social Commitment: The Go Green Principles
a) Sustainable diving starts by complying with the law
Limitations on the number of boats, eco-fees, and marine park permissions are just some of the examples. Complying with current legislation is the first and most basic way to show our commitment to sustainable scuba diving. Dressel Divers dives and practices snorkeling in numerous protected marine parks and biosphere reserve regions in three different countries. It would not be possible if our commitment to sustainable scuba diving was built just by good intentions.
b) Following social commitment guidelines
Diving while protecting and conserving the reef has been part of Dressel Divers’ philosophy since its inception. Our way of working is based on environmentally friendly guidelines.
We recognize that we are not perfect, there is still a lot of work to do and aspects to improve, but we are on the way.
c) We show the sustainable diving code of conduct
If you have ever visited Dressel Divers facilities, surely you have seen our code of conduct, as well as on social networks and the Go Green section of our website. If you still don’t know them. The 8 Go Green principles of sustainable diving are the following:
- We inform about the local fauna and flora.
- We help to perfect finning techniques and buoyancy to avoid damage to the reefs
- We do not feed the animals.
- No contact: we do not manipulate, touch, or remove any animal, plant o thing from the water.
- We collect possible waste/garbage that we find during the dives.
- We help animals that are in trouble due to human actions.
- We do not get too close to the animals or make them feel trapped to avoid creating unnecessary tension.
We use biodegradable sun cream.
d) A Team Committed to Sustainable Scuba Diving
From the CEO to the staff filling cylinders, the entire Dressel Divers team is committed to the philosophy of sustainable diving. But most of all, our Instructors and Dive Masters are. They have the responsibility to act as role models, and they strive to do so.
e) The Go Green Manifesto Against Plastics is More Than Words.
The manifesto has 5 key points: 1) Think globally, act locally against plastic in the ocean. 2) Consume responsibly. 3)Promote green and circular economy best practices through recycling. 4)Enjoy nature and our ocean responsibly. Follow sustainable diving practices. 5) Participate in initiatives against plastic waste.
At Dressel Divers, we avoid as much as possible non-reusable plastics. An example of this is the Green bottles that can be reused as many times as necessary. On all our bases you can find special containers to separate the garbage. It makes recycling easier. We have promoted and participated in several initiatives to collect plastics and garbage; both under the water, on beaches, and in natural pools.
f) Sustainable Diving Put into Action.
Go Green develops environmental actions in the Caribbean area, such as:
– Coral transplants in Bávaro and Bayahibe.
– Participation in several collaborative coral nursery maintenance projects in different parts of the Caribbean.
– Scientific research collaborations about coral spawning.
g) Beyond sustainable diving
Dressel Divers dive centers follow principles of sustainability based on respect for the people and nature around us. We aim to have a positive influence on the local environment.
We know that our commitment to sustainable scuba diving is not enough. That’s why we offer professional development opportunities to the local population, contribute to the local economy, and work to make optimal use of natural resources, save energy, recycle, and act effectively for the environment. For example, currently, we support local organizations to help them realize their social and ecological goals.
Are you joining Dressel Divers in sustainable diving?
