Training agency PADI has announced what it calls the PADI AmbassaDiver Summit, a first-of-its-kind gathering that it says will bring together its most influential divers, storytellers, ocean advocates and celebrities on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR).
The event is being hosted from 30 November to 8 December 8, in partnership with Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) and Tourism & Events Queensland (TEQ) across Cairns and the GBR in Queensland. An expected 14 AmbassaDivers are expected to attend in recognition of PADI’s 60th anniversary and the “150th anniversary of Cairns as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef”, says the agency.
As Earth’s largest living structure and one of its most important marine ecosystems, the reef “serves as a living classroom for exploration, conservation and ocean stewardship,” says PADI, while the Wet Tropics Rainforest makes tropical north Queensland the only place where two UNESCO Natural World Heritage sites exist side by side.
“For 60 years, PADI has empowered people to discover the transformative power of the underwater world and become advocates for its protection,” explains PADI CEO Drew Richardson. “This AmbassaDiver Summit is about passing that torch to the next generation of storytellers, explorers and change-makers.
“By bringing together these influential voices on the Great Barrier Reef – one of the world’s most iconic marine ecosystems – we have an opportunity to inspire millions of people to join us in seeking adventure and saving the ocean.”
AmbassaDivers lined up for the Australian summit meeting include TV personality Captain Jason Chambers, Japanese musicians Luv K Raft, mermaid Brandee Anthony, Chinese ocean film-maker and conservationist Doudou, Indian content creator Aakash Malhotra and Filipino conservationist Cha Ocampo.
PADI AmbassaDivers are scuba divers with large followings on social media, and those attending the summit will be expected to share their experiences with those followers and, it is hoped, extend their reach as influencers in the process.
Australian initiative
“This is our third global reef initiative supported by the Australian government and provides another opportunity to demonstrate how tourism can play a positive role in conservation and regeneration of the world’s best-managed reef,” says Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen.
“The summit will give influential divers and ocean advocates a first-hand experience of the reef and the industry’s commitment to protecting it.
“Visitors contribute directly to the Great Barrier Reef’s health through the Environmental Management Charge, while operators continue their proactive approach to managing environmental and social impacts, with programmes such as carbon-reduction measures and certification.”
The summit will include liveaboard diving expeditions, educational reef dives, Indigenous cultural experiences, conservation initiatives and leadership sessions focused on the future of diving and ocean advocacy, says PADI.
Following their summit, the AmbassaDivers are set to continue exploring other GBR regions through hosted experiences in Townsville North Queensland, the Whitsundays and Bundaberg Southern Great Barrier Reef.
