JREDS - Events - Dive In Campaign

JREDS is the regional representative of "Dive In" campaign.

What is Dive In To Earth Day?

Dive In To Earth Day is an international Earth Day celebration that promotes the active conservation of coral reefs, oceans, and aquatic ecosystems, and raises public awareness of the importance of marine conservation. The vast majority of Earth Day events take place on land, so in order to ensure that the 70% of the planet covered by water is not forgotten, the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), Project AWARE Foundation, and other partners launched Dive In in April 2000.

Dive In activities take place during the month of April, in celebration of Earth Day (April 22).

CORAL is once again coordinating Dive In To Earth Day, with the help of our sponsors and partner organizations. Activities are organized locally by dive shops, community groups, non profit organizations, teachers, scientists and other marine enthusiasts.

For more information on Earth Day, check out the Earth Day Network website.

What kinds of activities take place?

Any marine-related conservation activity will do, whether it's cleaning trash from a beach, installing a mooring buoy, or doing a presentation for your local club or school. Other examples include underwater clean-ups, fish and coral surveys, children's snorkeling trips, or just diving. As long as it helps the aquatic environment and takes place during the April Earth Day celebrations, it's a Dive In activity! Many of the Dive In activities focus on coral reefs, of which 32% may die in the next 30 years if destruction continues at the current rate.

Why should we organize a Dive In Activity?

Because the world's oceans and coral reefs need your help.

Our oceans are facing great environmental pressures from pollution, over-fishing, habitat destruction and other human impacts. Among all marine habitats, coral reef ecosystems are the most threatened. 11% of the world's coral reefs have already been lost, and another 32% will be lost in the next 30 years if human threats are not reduced. We can't afford this loss. Reefs cover less than one percent of the world's oceans, and yet, they provide home and habitat to 25% of all marine species.

By organizing a Dive In activity, you will be part of a global effort to raise awareness about the need to protect the world's coral reefs, oceans and underwater ecosystems. Your activity will also help at the local level by improving the quality of the marine environment near you. Dive In is a great way to get your local community involved in active conservation, and it's a great way for businesses to show clients that you care. It's easy, it's fun and it works.

Who participates in Dive In to Earth Day?

Anyone, anywhere! It's easy, it's fun and it makes a difference.

Dive In activities are organized by divers, marine parks, businesses, community groups, non-profit organizations, teachers, students, fishermen, government officials, scientists and individual community members. If you care about coral reefs and oceans, you are a perfect candidate!

Since 2000, Dive In events have taken place in more than 89 countries and territories around the world.

Do I need to be a diver to Dive In?

No! There are many opportunities for non-divers to participate whether on land or with a snorkel and mask. For example:

1. Help with a beach project or put on a mask to help with a shallow-water clean up.
2. Become a Regional Representative and help spread the word about Dive In in your community
3. Share your love of the ocean by heading out with friends to a marine park
4. Table a booth at an Earth Day event with our downloadable materials.
5. Involve kids and students in Dive In
6. Organize an art contest
7. Visit an aquarium
8. Simply teach your kids, friends and family about the importance of marine life

Who is Responsible for Dive In?

We all are! Dive In To Earth Day is a collaborative effort, bringing together non-governmental organizations, scientists, dive shops, schools and ocean lovers from around the world to help protect our planet's marine resources.

Dive In To Earth Day was launched in 2000 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Earth Day. The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) coordinates the event in partnership with Project AWARE Foundation and with the support of Air Pacific, Earth Day Network, International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN), and West Marine. We also have the support of several Promotional Sponsors who have donated advertisement space and helped promote the event in various ways.

For more information visit http://www.coralreefalliance.org/divein/