NEWS - Emirates Diving Association

NEWS
Project AWARE Foundation
Scuba Divers Tackle Marine Debris Issues Worldwide
Divers protect underwater environments during Project AWARE’s International Cleanup Day, 25 September 2010
Take the plunge for
International Cleanup Day
It’s hard to picture six million tonnes of debris entering the ocean in one year. In fact, that’s
what happens each and every year – harming wildlife and underwater environments. But
on International Cleanup Day, 25 September, Project AWARE Foundation will be joined
by passionate underwater volunteers in 100 countries, using their unique skills to remove
harmful marine debris and collect data necessary for change.
Mark your calendar to participate. Register an underwater cleanup event, volunteer for a cleanup
near you or donate to Project AWARE Foundation and support the efforts of volunteer dive
teams across the globe at www.projectaware.org.
Last year, more than 30,000 AWARE Divers and volunteers from 92 countries documented
and removed harmful litter surfacing with more than 91,000 plastic bottles and nearly 79,000
plastic bags. In total, the weight of all debris collected equaled the weight of 44 orca whales or
222 small cars.
The pinnacle cleanup event of the year, International Cleanup Day, is held each September in
partnership with the Ocean Conservancy. But underwater cleanup efforts don’t just end in
September. Project AWARE and dedicated dive volunteers tackle the devastating impacts of
marine debris year round.
“Removing and documenting the debris found underwater, is the first step to resolving the
marine debris crisis and dedicated dive volunteers play a key role in providing a more complete
understanding of these issues,” states Director, Project AWARE Foundation, Jenny Miller
Garmendia.
All underwater cleanup data contributes to the Global Marine Debris Index prepared by the
Ocean Conservancy and is also recognized in the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP) report “Marine Litter: A Global Challenge”. The Global Marine Debris Index is the
world’s only state-by-state, country-by-country breakdown of what’s littering our oceans and
waterways. These reports help identify the sources and possible solutions to marine debris
worldwide.
“Understanding where the debris comes from and how it ends up in the ocean is essential
to addressing pollution at the source. Combined with behavior change, improved packaging
and waste management, it’s possible to begin to reverse these trends,” adds Miller Garmendia.
“Collectively we’re building a sustainable future and supporting the prevention of marine debris
in the long-term.”
Take action on International Cleanup Day this
25 September at www.projectaware.org.
Project AWARE Foundation, a registered nonprofit
organisation, works in partnership with
divers to conserve underwater environments
through education, advocacy and action. To get
involved in environmental activities and make a
lasting difference visit www.projectaware.org.
In 2009 Project AWARE released the
International Cleanup Day Report 2009
(available in 7 languages). The 20 page report
details Project AWARE’s Marine Debris
Campaign and recognizes the ongoing efforts
of divers and volunteers across the globe.
http://www.projectaware.org/assets/209_
cleanupreportmarch2010.pdf
Help make
clean water
a reality
Photo by Marlies Lang – Egypt
Photo courtesy of Greenpeace/Carè Marine Photobank
25th September 2010
Photo courtesy of Palm Divers
Register your cleanup event, collect data and support conservation.
www.projectaware.org
© Project AWARE Foundation 2010. All Rights Reserved.
16 EMIRATES DIVING ASSOCIATION, SEPTEMBER 2010 SEPTEMBER 2010, EMIRATES DIVING ASSOCIATION 17