Coral reefs, often called the “rainforests of the sea,” are some of the most diverse and vital ecosystems on the planet. They support around 25% of all marine life and play a crucial role in the lives of over 500 million people globally—providing food, coastal protection, and income through tourism.
Yet these vibrant ecosystems are under serious threat. Climate change, overfishing, pollution, and careless tourism have triggered mass coral bleaching and widespread degradation. Today, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that more than 80% of reefs are affected, putting their future—and ours—at risk.”
In the face of this, the Green Fins initiative appears to be a source of hope, championing sustainable marine tourism to help protect and preserve coral reefs for generations to come.
What Is Green Fins?
Established in 2004 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and coordinated by The Reef-World Foundation, Green Fins is a global initiative aimed at promoting environmentally friendly diving and snorkeling practices. It provides the only internationally recognized environmental standards for the marine tourism industry, focusing on reducing the negative impacts of diving and snorkeling on coral reefs.
The initiative operates through a comprehensive Code of Conduct comprising 15 guidelines designed to mitigate common environmental threats associated with marine tourism, such as anchor damage, marine life harassment, and chemical pollution. These guidelines are practical and low-cost, making it easier for operators to adopt sustainable practices.
Green Fins supports a growing network of certified and digital members, including dive centers and snorkel tour operators, who commit to following these environmental standards. Members receive training and undergo annual assessments to ensure compliance and foster continuous improvement. This collaborative model not only helps safeguard fragile marine environments but also strengthens the long-term sustainability of the marine tourism industry.
By choosing to dive or snorkel with Green Fins members, tourists contribute to the preservation of coral reefs and support operators dedicated to environmental stewardship. Green Fins empowers both the industry and travelers to make responsible choices that safeguard our oceans for future generations.
Global Reach and Impact
Since its inception, Green Fins has expanded its reach to numerous countries across Asia, the Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Egypt, the Maldives, and more. Over 700 marine tourism operators have joined the network, committing to sustainable practices and undergoing regular assessments to ensure compliance.
Table: Green Fins Global Presence
| Country | Year Joined | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | 2018 | Ceningan Divers in Bali became the first zero-score Green Fins Certified Member in Indonesia, showcasing exemplary sustainable practices. |
| Egypt | 2019 | First Middle Eastern country to adopt Green Fins standards; CDWS trained assessors and implemented nationwide sustainability benchmarks. |
| Vietnam | 2013 | Integrated Green Fins Code into national diving regulations, promoting environmentally responsible diving practices. |
| Jordan | 2023 | Trained 75 dive guides and reached 15,000 tourists in the first year, enhancing sustainable tourism in Aqaba. |
| Philippines | 2004 | Pilot country for Green Fins; ongoing ambassador programs and recognized for low-impact diving operations. |
Training and Capacity Building
Through hands-on training and ongoing support, Green Fins empowers dive guides and operators to adopt eco-friendly practices that protect marine life and habitats.
The Green Fins Dive Guide e-Course
One of the cornerstone offerings is the Green Fins Dive Guide e-Course. This free, online program is tailored for dive professionals aiming to lead environmentally responsible dives. The course teaches the best practices such as effective waste management, avoiding contact with marine life, and utilizing eco-friendly products. Upon completion, participants can opt to purchase a personalized certificate for $25, with proceeds supporting global conservation efforts.
The e-Course is designed to be accessible, allowing dive guides to complete it at their own pace, typically within half a day. It emphasizes the importance of pre-dive briefings and underwater interventions, which research has shown can significantly reduce damage to coral reefs.
Real-World Impact: Vietnam and Indonesia
The effectiveness of Green Fins’ training programs is evident in various regions. In Vietnam, comprehensive training and regular assessments led to a 20% reduction in environmental threats over a two-year period. Similarly, in Indonesia’s Komodo National Park, dive operators have shown significant improvements in their environmental practices, adhering to key principles of the Green Fins Code of Conduct.
Case Study: Komodo National Park
In September 2024, the Coral Triangle Center conducted Green Fins assessments for six dive operators in Komodo National Park: Azul Komodo, Wunderpus Liveaboard, Blue Marlin Dive Komodo, Dragon Dive Komodo, Dive Komodo, and Sea Creatures Diving. These operators demonstrated notable enhancements in their environmental practices, including improved waste management, reduced plastic usage, and better compliance with diving guidelines.
For instance, Dragon Dive Komodo actively participates in beach clean-ups and has integrated sustainable practices across its operations, from reducing single-use plastics to responsible waste management. Azul Komodo, as the only PADI Eco Center™ in Komodo, has partnered with Green Fins to implement the Global Coral Bleaching Response Toolkit, enhancing reef monitoring and promoting sustainable diving practices.
Real-World Experiences: Voices from the Field
Real-World Experiences: Voices from the Field
- Chloe Harvey, Director at The Reef-World Foundation, reportedly expressed pride in supporting the protection of Red Sea coral reefs through the introduction of the Green Fins initiative in Egypt. She noted that Egypt became the first country in the Middle East and the 11th globally to adopt the program. Harvey highlighted Egypt’s longstanding influence on global diving practices and emphasized the importance of collaborating with the local diving community to lead sustainability efforts within the industry. She also shared that her personal journey into diving began in Egypt at the age of 12, an experience that significantly shaped her life and influenced the development of the Green Fins program as a whole.
- Abdullah, the manager at Red Sea Dive Center in Jordan, shared his experience with the Green Fins program. He mentioned that after signing up for the membership, he received substantial support from the Green Fins team. He observed the thoroughness of the assessment process and the various activities conducted on assessment day. This experience convinced him of the program’s value in environmental conservation, and he expressed pride in being part of it.
- Robert Scales, co-founder of Ceningan Divers in Indonesia, emphasized their commitment to sustainable diving. He noted that their journey towards conservation excellence has been marked by continuous improvement and innovation. Since 2018, they have focused their efforts on achieving conservation excellence, consistently ranking in top positions. Their initiatives include transitioning to more efficient boat engines, adopting natural solutions for gear cleaning, and promoting reef-safe sunscreen. These efforts have culminated in achieving a zero-impact score in the Green Fins assessment, making them one of only two dive operators globally to reach such a milestone.
Digital Transformation: The Green Fins Hub
The Green Fins Hub caters to both Certified and Digital Members. Certified Members receive in-person assessments and training, while Digital Members conduct self-evaluations and manage their sustainability journey online . This approach allows operators worldwide to participate, regardless of their location.
PADI, a leading diver training organization, has partnered with Green Fins to provide its 6,600+ members access to the Hub, promoting the adoption of sustainable practices across the diving industry . This collaboration aims to make sustainable diving and snorkeling the norm, thereby improving the health of coral reefs globally.
Actionable Advice for Divers and Snorkelers
1. Choose Green Fins-Certified Operators
Opting for dive centers certified by Green Fins ensures adherence to environmentally responsible practices. These operators follow a strict code of conduct aimed at minimizing the ecological impact of diving and snorkeling activities. By supporting such businesses, you’re contributing to the preservation of marine ecosystems.
2. Practice Responsible Diving
Maintaining proper buoyancy is crucial to avoid unintentional contact with marine life and coral reefs. Divers are encouraged to refrain from touching or collecting marine organisms, as this can disrupt delicate ecosystems. Adhering to responsible diving practices helps protect the underwater environment.
3. Use Reef-Safe Sunscreens
Traditional sunscreens often contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to coral reefs. Instead, choose mineral-based sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to damage marine life . Brands such as Stream2Sea and Thinksport offer reef-safe options.
4. Reduce Plastic Use
Single-use plastics pose a significant threat to marine environments. Divers and snorkelers can mitigate this by bringing reusable water bottles, bags, and containers. Minimizing plastic waste helps protect marine species from ingestion and entanglement.
5. Engage in Environmental Education
Participating in marine conservation training programs enhances awareness and promotes sustainable practices. Organizations like Conservation Diver offer courses on ecological monitoring and reef restoration. Staying informed empowers individuals to make environmentally conscious decisions.
Learn More: The 5 Oceans of the World & How We Can Protect Them
Conclusion
The preservation of coral reefs is a shared responsibility that requires concerted efforts from governments, businesses, and individuals. Green Fins exemplifies how collaborative action and sustainable practices can lead to tangible environmental benefits.
By supporting initiatives like Green Fins and making conscious choices in our marine activities, we can contribute to the protection and restoration of these vital ecosystems, ensuring their survival for generations to come.
