The Adventure Dive Club
Living with the Ocean
Concept
The "Green Fins" project aims to develop a network of environmentally friendly dive operators operating according to eco-friendly principles. Through its various activities the project will also lead to improved monitoring of coral reefs and enhanced public awareness.
The project is initiated and coordinated by the East Asian Seas Regional Coordinating Unit (EAS/RCU) as part of the effort to increase public awareness and management practices that will benefit the conservation of coral reefs and reduce unsustainable tourism practices. "Green Fins" was introduced to local dive network leaders from Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia at the "The Planning Workshop for "Green Fins" Local Network Leaders" in 2004.
The participants agreed on the "Green Fins" membership Code of Conduct and Mission Statement as well as guidelines for environmentally sustainable diving and snorkeling.
To evaluate the project and the adherence to the Code of Conduct, three types of assessments have also been prepared, namely, (i) a twice yearly dive operator self assessment; (ii) guest assessment of the dive operator and (iii) a twice yearly network leaders assessment.
Green Fins Code of Conduct |
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Mission: "To protect and conserve coral reefs by establishing and implementing environmentally friendly guidelines to promote a sustainable diving tourism industry."
2. Display adopted Green Fins agreement for dive operators. 3. Adhere to Green Fins 'Friendly Diving and Snorkeling guidelines' and act as responsible role model for guests. 4. Participate in regular underwater cleanups at dive operator selected sites. 5. Participate in the development and implementation of a mooring buoy program, and actively use moorings, drift or hand place anchors for boats. 6. Prohibit the sale of corals and other marine life at the dive operation. 7. Participate in regular coral reef monitoring, and report coral reef monitoring data to a regional coral reef database. 8. Provide adequate garbage facilities on board facility's vessels and deal with responsibly. 9. Operate under a "minimum discharge" policy. 10. Abide by all local, regional, national and international environmental laws, regulations and customs. 11. Provide guests with an explanation of Green Fins 'Friendly Diving and Snorkeling Guidelines' in pre-dive briefings (UNEP Multilingual pre-dive briefing handouts, multimedia, posters, videos). 12. Provide training, briefings or literature for employees and guests regarding good environmental practices for snorkeling, diving, boating, marine wildlife interaction, and other marine recreation activities. 13. Provide staff and guests with public awareness and environmental materials (books, pamphlets, fish ID books, etc). 14. Provide guests with information on local marine protected areas, environmental rules and regulations. 15. Promote strict "NO TOUCH" policy for all reef diving and snorkeling.
The network of dive operators in Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines, are implementing the project, with one leading organization in each country. The leading organizations are responsible for expanding the network in their respective countries and to produce educational and public awareness materials and certificates. The EAS/RCU coordinates the project activities and is responsible for the dissemination of the produced materials and follow up activities. Please contact: Thailand: Mr. Niphon Phongsuwan Indonesia: Mr. Adit Nur Iman Philippines: Mr. Scott Sharpe
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