Project AWARE’s Dive for Earth Day Draws Volunteers from 60 Countries

Thousands of Project AWARE divers and community volunteers joined in the action during April’s Dive for Earth Day festivities. More than 235 Dive for Earth Day events took place in nearly 60 countries across the globe. From Thailand to Tanzania, China to Canada, Panama to Poland and everywhere in between – Dive for Earth Day was a resounding success.

Each year, during the week of 22 April, divers and water enthusiasts worldwide make a splash for water conservation in partnership with Project AWARE. This year, more than 100 of the 235 organized events consisted of shoreline and underwater cleanups where volunteers collected harmful aquatic debris by the ton. Coral reef monitoring, fish surveys and AWARE Kids activities were also well attended, representing nearly 100 events. Other global Dive for Earth Day festivities included shark monitoring, AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Specialty courses and environmental booths and conferences.

Why Dive for Earth Day? Underwater environments face a myriad of threats. Overfishing, habitat degradation, climate change and pollution are only a few issues pressuring these vast resources. Dive for Earth Day is a chance to do your part locally and focus attention on aquatic issues that are close to divers’ hearts.

Project AWARE appreciates all the hard work and dedication of Dive for Earth Day volunteers. If you missed out, plan to do your part and volunteer in your local area next April. And be sure to remember the environment each time you dive.

Earth Day began in the United States on 22 April 1970 to raise the status of environment issues to the global stage. On the 30th anniversary of Earth Day in 2000, Project AWARE began to help organize dive volunteers and put aquatic issues on the Earth Day map. Since that time thousands of divers in more than 115 countries worldwide have helped protect underwater environments and educate local communities each April.

Project AWARE Foundation is a nonprofit organization working with divers to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Visit http://www.projectaware.org to support your local office and participate in environmental activities to make a lasting difference.

Contributed by Joanne Marston added 2007-05-23