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Reef-World marks two decades of marine conservation: strengthening impact amid coral reef threats

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reef world foundation

Empowering ocean stakeholders to tackle future challenges and ensure the survival of coral reefs and humanity

2024 marks the 20th Anniversary of The Reef-World Foundation’s tireless efforts for global coral reef conservation. The UK charity is the international coordinator of the UN Environment Programme’s Green Fins initiative, known as the leading voice in sustainable marine tourism. Today, Reef-World released its 2023-2024 Impact Report outlining a year of substantive growth and impact in its marine conservation programmes. 

Impact Report Highlights:

  • Impressive improvements in environmental behaviours to protect coral reefs by the marine tourism industry as the global participation of Green Fins increases.
  • Continued capacity building for government and NGO staff to effectively manage marine tourism activities in Asia, Caribbean and Red Sea regions. 
  • For the first time in Green Fins’ 20-year history, tourism operators have achieved ‘Best Environmental Performer’ status by demonstrating the lowest possible environmental impact in their environmental assessments. In 2024, three dive operators achieved this challenging milestone. 
  • Significant increases in global participation of Reef-World’s innovative digital conservation tools.
  • 138 Green Fins dive operator members achieved the strict threshold for PADI Eco Center recognition.
  • Developed four new educational materials and translated two into 16 languages to support the marine tourism industry in achieving sustainability targets.
  • Establishing a new Reef-World Development strategy and recruiting new roles – Development and Programmes Managers. 
  • Reef-World’s board welcomes new Chair and Trustees strengthening organisational leadership. 

Reef-World started as a one-person mission to inspire and empower communities to act in conserving and sustainably developing coral reefs and related ecosystems. Today, the team of 12 continues to meet this mission by inspiring and empowering the global marine tourism community to be exemplary sustainability leaders by using the Green Fins guidelines and tools to simultaneously use and protect the world’s precious reefs. 

In April 2024, the fourth global coral reef bleaching event was confirmed. Reef-World’s work has never been more urgent as the marine environment, and the benefits they provide humanity, continue to be eroded by global threats. The reduction of local threats, like those from the marine tourism industry, is an essential step to ensuring a future where coral reefs survive and continue to support the millions of people who depend on their ecosystem benefits. Reef-World’s work buys time for coral reefs and related ecosystems to be resilient to the impacts of global threats. 

 

“Right now our corals are facing the greatest fight of their existence as the terrifying predictions of the steps towards their complete extinction are starting to come true. But all is not lost, reefs are resilient and they have existed on this planet for millions of years. We must take action now, to buy time for reefs by reducing threats facing them and allowing them to react and adjust to the changing environment they need to survive in.” – Chloe Harvey, Executive Director

Looking Forwards: 

Like coral reefs, the Reef-World team needs to be resilient in the face of the complex challenges of the conservation sector. Reef-World has invested significantly in developing a Culture of Care to ensure the well-being of its team on a daily basis, continuing to be an exemplary employer to enable its team to best achieve the mission for coral reef conservation.

With the foundations of a Culture of Care and organisational development laid, Reef-World is emerging from the end of a natural organisation life cycle, that brings the challenges of growth and scale, stronger than ever. With a new strategy in place to generate much needed resources, Reef-World is excited for the opportunities to leap forward, continue to scale our impact and lean into new innovations and untapped opportunities for marine conservation. 

We continually strive to become a forward-thinking organisation that delivers on our goals and commitments to our stakeholders with fresh approaches and not being afraid of steering away from a “normal approach.” This approach is not only applied to our programmes of work but also internally and carries over to our Culture of Care for our team.” — JJ Harvey, Operations Director

reef world foundation

The Reef-World Foundation is immensely grateful for the continued support of its grant funders: UN Environment Programme, IUCN’s Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility, Adventure Travel Conservation Fund, PADI Aware Foundation, and World Nomads Footprints Program.

Reef-World would also like to express its gratitude to international partners whose vital support has resulted in significant tangible benefits for our work and mission: PADI; Professional SCUBA Schools International (PSS); Explorer Ventures; 1% for the Planet; ZuBlu; Snorkel Venture, GSTC; Dive O’Clock; Seven Dragons; DiveAssure and Eco Beach, without whom these achievements would not be possible.

The full 2023–2024 Annual Impact Report is available on Reef-World’s website.

Blogs

Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 3

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christmas

Welcome to Day 3 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!

Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.

Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…

christmas

Beuchat Voyager XL Travel Bag

info@suuntodm.co.uk / www.beuchat-diving.com/gb / Beuchat Facebook

christmas

The Beuchat Voyager XL travel bag is ideal for diving expeditions or other trips, with practical trolleys and two spacious compartments.

Large XL travel bag designed to meet all your travel needs, whether it’s a diving expedition, a scuba-hunting trip or any other adventure. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Here are the characteristics of the VOYAGER XL-BEUCHAT bag:

Big storage capacity

  • Volume: 130 L
  • Dimensions: 75x47x39 cm
  • Weight: 3,6 KG
  • Thanks to its large capacity, you can transport your equipment and personal items efficiently and comfortably when you’re on the go
Protection
  • Beuchat Shell Case: semi-rigid, thermoformed EVA protective shell that combines lightness with extra protection for the contents of the bag during transport, handling and rolling.
  • Padlock eyelets
Practical
  •  Molle system for attaching external accessories
  •  Inside mesh side pocket
  •  Two separate large interior compartments
  •  Backpack straps
  •  Telescopic pole
Durability
  • Made in  Ripstop, 600 denier and 1000 denier nylon/PVC: lightweight, highly resistant fabric
  • Zipper protection for central compartment: shifted inwards to prevent rubbing on the ground
  • Replaceable trolley wheel

info@suuntodm.co.uk / www.beuchat-diving.com/gb / Beuchat Facebook

christmas

AP Diving BCDs

sales@apdiving.com / www.apdiving.com / AP Diving Facebook  / AP Diving Instagram / AP Diving TV

christmas

Here’s some more inspiration & top-end gift ideas for the diver in your life…

Treat them (or yourself!) to a brand spanking new BCD from the AP range? Maybe a new Commando, Tekwing or Explorer? Or one from our lightweight Travel range – the Travelwing or Escape?

AP BCDs have been the gold standard for UK and northern European divers for over 40 years. They are designed by divers for divers, built to last and built for adventure and honed to perfection over the years by listening to what divers actually want.

From now until Xmas you can grab a 10% discount on any AP BCD. (see below for details)
Check out the AP BCD pages online for the full story:

https://www.apdiving.com/shop/en/bcd-open-circuit/bcds.html

GRAB A SEASONAL DISCOUNT on any AP BCD, AP Ratchet Reel or AP Surface Marker Buoy!

Enter the Voucher Code AP-XMAS-24 at the checkout online to get 10% off.

Offer ends 19th Dec. Last postage dates vary with the carrier and destination. If in doubt, please check with the AP office 01326 561040 for up-to-date delivery information.

sales@apdiving.com / www.apdiving.com / AP Diving Facebook  / AP Diving Instagram / AP Diving TV

christmas

SlipIns Swimsuits

Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook  / SlipIns Instagram  / SlipIns Pinterest

christmas

The SlipIns Swimsuit is the perfect surf suit. Even in the heaviest surf or wipeout, the suit stays put. It is fabulous for all water shorts like snorkelling, paddling, kayaking, swimming or just lounging.

This tight-fitting, tailored lycra swimsuit offers 4-way stretch for maximum comfort. stretchy, breathable, fast-drying fabric with the worlds best sun protection is the most comfortable suit you will ever put on.

SlipIns are:

*Ultimate 50+ UPF sun protection
*Blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays
*Quick dry, breathable lycra fabric
*Flattering fit

Save 10% on your order if you mention you saw this ad in Scubaverse in your order note!

SAVE YOUR SKIN…WEAR OUR SKINS

Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook  / SlipIns Instagram  / SlipIns Pinterest

christmas

Icelandic Wool Gloves, Socks & Blankets
by KUBI

sales@KUBIstore.com / www.KUBIstore.com / Varma on KUBIstore / KUBI on Facebook / KUBI on Instagram

christmas

KUBI have worked closely with a quality manufacturer in Iceland to bring you a range of products made from very hardy & warm wool produced in the country.

We offer a range of Socks & Blankets, as well as our very popular Thermal Gloves from Iceland.

Socks are available in Icelandic Wool & Angora Wool in a mixture of colours & sizes to suit your requirements for winter.

We also stock the luxurious Icelandic brushed wool blankets, ideal for wrapping yourself up and snuggling in on a chilly evening.

Not forgetting as well, our outstanding Icelandic Wool KUBI Gloves, the most popular in our range
Ideal gifts for everyone this Christmas with – The Warmth of Iceland!

sales@KUBIstore.com / www.KUBIstore.com / Varma on KUBIstore / KUBI on Facebook / KUBI on Instagram

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Blogs

Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 2

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christmas

Welcome to Day 2 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!

Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.

Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…

christmas

The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Suit
by Liquid Sports

info@liquidsports.co.uk / www.sharkskin.com / Sharkskin Facebook / Liquid Sports Facebook

christmas

The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof one-piece full suit offers complete protection from the cold, sun, and marine stingers. It is designed to replace a wetsuit in warmer waters or to be worn under an existing wetsuit for extra warmth in colder waters. The 4-way stretch material is comfortable and less buoyant than neoprene, reducing the amount of weight needed, making scuba diving or snorkeling more comfortable.

The chest zip design provides greater flexibility in the torso and reduces water flow. The large cargo pocket on the thigh can be used to store accessories in an easily accessible and secure design.

The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof range is an enhanced version of the standard Chillproof range. This range incorporates Titanium Far Infrared (FIR) nano-technology into the fabric, which retains your body’s heat, improves circulation, and enhances metabolic function. The T2 Chillproof range is 100% windchill proof and has the same thickness as the standard Chillproof range, but provides the warmth equivalent to a 4-5mm wetsuit. This makes it a great substitute for a wetsuit in warmer waters or an extra layer of insulation in colder waters. The Titanium nano-particles reflect and retain the Far Infrared heat energy emitted from our bodies, effectively keeping us warmer and increasing blood flow for better metabolic function and recovery.

christmas

AP Diving Ratchet Reels

christmas

Treat yourself or your dive buddy to one of our best-selling AP Ratchet Dive Reels this Xmas. Unique benefits include:

  • The line is totally encased, preventing snagging or tangling – common problems with open reels.
  • Both reels are lightweight and sit comfortably in the palm of the hand or pocket.
  • High-visibility, positively buoyant, Dyneema line – stronger than steel.
  • Simple switch to change between ratchet and free-running modes.
  • The cases are glass reinforced polymer – rugged and extremely light.
  • Ideal as both an SMB deployment reel and a navigation reel.

The APD90 90m reel – £127.20
https://www.apdiving.com/…/90m-ratchet-pocket-reel.html
The APD45 45m reel – £60.62
https://www.apdiving.com/…/45m-racheted-pocket-reel.html

*GRAB A SEASONAL DISCOUNT on AP Ratchet Reels, Surface Marker Buoys and BCDs!*

Enter the Voucher Code AP-XMAS-24 at the checkout online to get 10% off.
Offer ends 19th Dec. Last postage dates vary with the carrier and destination. If in doubt, please check with the AP office 01326 561040 for up-to-date delivery information.

sales@apdiving.com / www.apdiving.com / AP Diving Facebook  / AP Diving Instagram / AP Diving TV

christmas

The Diver & the Cook
A book published by Dived Up Publications

info@divedup.com / www.DivedUp.com / Dived Up Facebook / Dived Up Instagram / Dived Up tiktok

christmas

A ship lost. No survivors. A grim recovery mission begins, pushing a team of commercial divers well beyond their comfort zone. Braving treacherous conditions, Nico van Heerden single-handedly combs the cramped, debris-strewn, zero-visibility Jascon 4 shipwreck searching for any sign of the lost crew.

Then, in a scene akin to a horror movie, while exploring a small, isolated compartment, Nico feels a tap on his shoulder. Could someone have survived underwater for over sixty hours?

The Diver & the Cook is the incredible true story of a seemingly impossible underwater rescue. Told first-hand, with authentic images and detailed reconstructions, veteran filmmaker Lasse Spang Olsen brings this gripping tale to life.

An unprecedented operation, this story provides a unique perspective on the dangers and challenges faced by divers, showing the importance of teamwork and communication in high-risk situations. An incredible survival story against all odds, with an equally surprising aftermath.

Available now from online retailers and direct from DivedUp.com

info@divedup.com / www.DivedUp.com / Dived Up Facebook / Dived Up Instagram / Dived Up tiktok

christmas

Suunto Ocean Dive Computer

info@suuntodm.co.uk / www.suunto.com / Suunto Diving Facebook / Suunto Diving UK Facebook / Suunto Diving Instagram

christmas

Made in Finland with 100% renewable energy, the Suunto Ocean is tailored for an active lifestyle, from exploring the depths below surface to conquering the heights above. Featuring multiple dive modes, wireless tank pressure support and extensive set of alarms for scuba and freediving; more than 95 default sport modes, GPS, barometer, offline maps and advanced training features for sports; and finally on-wrist heart rate with activity tracking for daily use, this device ensures you stay in tune wherever you’re exploring.

Featuring a large, vibrant color display, the Suunto Ocean ensures exceptional readability and usability in all conditions.

Dive enthusiasts will appreciate its dive modes for scuba and even technical diving, including nitrox and the Suunto Bühlmann 16 GF algorithm. Additionally, freedivers and snorkelers will find dedicated dive modes to suit their needs. Pairing seamlessly with the Suunto Tank POD before diving allows users to monitor tank pressure, gas consumption, and remaining gas time directly from their wrist. To enhance safety during dives, the Suunto Ocean offers an extensive selection of customizable audio and vibration alarms.

info@suuntodm.co.uk / www.suunto.com / Suunto Diving Facebook / Suunto Diving UK Facebook / Suunto Diving Instagram

Scuba Travel Gift Vouchers

christmas

Looking for the perfect gift that will make a splash this holiday season? Consider giving the gift of adventure with our Scuba Travel Gift Vouchers! Whether your loved ones are seasoned divers or curious beginners, these vouchers open the door to unforgettable underwater experiences.

Our gift vouchers can be used for a variety of scuba trips, from liveaboards to resorts worldwide , ensuring there’s something for everyone.

This Christmas, give the gift of exploration and adventure.

Purchase a Scuba Travel Gift Voucher today and let your loved ones embark on their next great underwater journey!

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