Building Dive Industry Stewardship and Boosting Revenue through Voluntourism in Coral Restoration
In a year marked by record-breaking temperatures and a global coral bleaching crisis, the resilience of our coral reefs is under siege. With coral reefs in over 70 countries fueling a tourism economy worth over $35.8 billion annually, the vitality of these ecosystems is not only ecological but also crucial for local livelihoods. Amid a 50% decline in live coral since the 1950s, the diving world is feeling the impact. As a result, many interventionist initiatives through coral reef management and coral restoration programs have been on the rise around the world. It's time to bridge the gap between conservation experts and local dive industry stakeholders. This presentation provides networking for businesses eager to support local environmental conservation initiatives and voluntourism within coral restoration through creating marketable experiences for clients and fostering a culture of guardianship that builds a returning customer base and loyal clientele.
Learning Objectives:
- Understanding adaptive strategies for coral restoration amid environmental disturbances
- Discover how dive operators and professional divers can collaborate with restoration groups to support reef restoration efforts
- Learn about a cost-free, open-source network for connecting with established restoration practitioners to boost your engagement in coral reef conservation
- Develop engaging experiences that encourage clients to become repeat active stewards of the environment