Following the success of previous events, The Reef-World Foundation - the international coordinators of Green Fins - will again be leading a series of Sustainable Diving events at ADEX Singapore (11-14 April 2019) and will be presenting the Green Fins Award to the Green Fins member with the lowest environmental impact.

As part of ADEX’s BlueGreen360 Awards, the prestigious Green Fins Award will be presented to the dive centre with the lowest recorded environmental impact of the 500-strong network of Green Fins members. Impact is demonstrated by an assessment of business practice conducted within the last 18 months.

The Sustainable Diving Events, which return to ADEX thanks to popular demand, are designed to change the way the industry works and break down barriers to implementing environmental practices. These free events are relevant to representatives from all segments of the diving industry. This year’s topics will cover technologies supporting sustainability, viable access to sustainable products, the impact of engaging local communities to support a dive operator’s sustainability quest and how businesses can effectively market their environmental policies to attract more customers.

The Sustainability Think Tank is a private discussion where dive industry leaders will share intel, successes, concerns and challenges, and work together to map out a pathway towards adopting ocean-conscious business models. It will take place from 10.00-12.00 on Friday 12 April 2019 in Room 311, Suntec Expo & Convention Hall Level 3 (directly beneath the main hall). The event will be led by Reef-World, hosted by UW360 and supported by Blue Ocean Network, Coral Triangle Centre and ZuBlu.

The Sustainability Dialogue is a public Q&A which will take place from 10.15-12.15 on Saturday 13 April 2019 on the Main Stage in the ADEX main hall. Attendees will hear from a panel of seven industry leaders showcasing the steps they are taking towards industry sustainability; in particular, the reduction of ocean plastics. This will also include an overview of key highlights from the Think Tank and a debrief of takeaway messages from that discussion. The Dialogue will be chaired by the UN Environment, organised by Reef-World, hosted by UW360 and supported by Blue Ocean Network. The panelists are:

  • Adam Broadbent, co-founder and CEO of ZuBlu; a travel platform helping scuba divers and marine enthusiasts discover and book their next underwater adventure in Asia

  • Cassian Bellino, sustainbility management trainee at the Six Senses luxury hospitality group, which has a strong focus on sustainability and wellness

  • Jim Standing, founder and director of Fourth Element; a brand that reflects a passion for diving and a growing need to preserve the ocean environment for future generations

  • John Thet, CEO of Asian Geographic Magazines, which celebrate Asia's diversity and covers issues including the environment, science, exploration, travel and heritage

  • Mik Jennings, Commercial Manager at Blue O Two - liveaboard and resort-based scuba diving specialists - and diving liveaboard operators Worldwide Dive and Sail

  • Paul Tanner, Asia Pacific Territory Director at PADI

  • Rosie Cotton, Owner and General Manager of Tioman Dive Centre in Malaysia

Chloe Harvey, Director at The Reef-World Foundation, said: “The businesses involved in this honest discussion about the challenges they face in their switch towards sustainability are changing the way the industry works. As a result of previous Sustainable Diving events, training agencies are launching new international environmental programmes, liveaboard companies are purchasing plastic recycling machines, and international hotel chains are committing to strategies for plastic-free futures. The best bit is they are being rewarded with access to newly invigorated market segments, higher rates of return customers and fantastic online reviews. Sustainability for the future of our industry is profitable, environmentally sound and socially balanced. If you love the ocean and are concerned about the future of your business, get on board or get left behind.”

For more information, please visit www.reef-world.org / www.greenfins.net or come and meet The Reef-World Foundation team on stand P24 at ADEX.