Catalyst for Change
Sometimes, tackling a herculean task requires a monumental effort; other times, it calls for thousands of small deeds. In the case of safeguarding the ocean and the citizen science program Adopt the Blue™, both are true. Two giants in their respective industries—scuba diving and watchmaking—are joining forces to significantly increase the number of marine protected areas (MPAs) around the world and directly support the ambitious 30x30 initiative, which seeks to protect 30 percent of Earth’s oceans, fresh water and land by 2030. None of it would be possible, however, without the help of PADI’s global community of members, divers and “ocean torchbearers” (those who have taken PADI’s “Save the Ocean” pledge).
In an era where our planet’s oceans face unprecedented threats, the collaboration between PADI®, PADI AWARE Foundation™ and Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Blancpain—the Swiss company is the world’s oldest watch brand—stands as a beacon of hope and action.
At the heart of this multiyear, multimillion-dollar partnership is the Adopt the Blue program. Launched in 2022 by PADI and PADI AWARE, with Blancpain’s support, Adopt the Blue aspires to establish the world’s largest network of conservation sites that will safeguard crucial marine habitats and species on the brink of extinction. The vision of Adopt the Blue transcends traditional conservation efforts by fostering an extraordinary global movement fueled by meaningful local actions. By enabling PADI members and the wider diving community to actively participate in ocean conservation, the program builds a robust network of environmental stewards dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems.
Courtesy of PADI AWAREAdopt the Blue empowers divers to work together to establish the world’s largest network of conservation sites.
Adopt the Blue: More Than a Flashy Slogan
The inception of Adopt the Blue is rooted in the urgent need to address the numerous threats facing our oceans—ranging from marine debris and climate change to the degradation of coral reefs and the endangerment of vulnerable species. The PADI AWARE Foundation, under the guidance of director Danna Moore, has outlined a bold vision: “Our goal is to create a minimum of 10,000 Adopt the Blue sites, working with local communities and PADI operators to accelerate local conservation efforts where they are most needed, and to actively contribute toward protecting 30 percent of the ocean by 2030.” This ambitious target underscores the program’s potential to galvanize global action and foster significant environmental impact.
Launched in 1953, the Fifty Fathoms is the first true diver’s watch. Created by Blancpain CEO Jean-Jacques Fiechter, an avid diver, to meet the needs of underwater exploration, it was chosen by diving pioneers and combat diver corps around the world as a professional timekeeping instrument. With its water resistance, robust doubled-sealed crown, self-winding movement, contrasting dark dial with luminescent indications, lockable rotating bezel and anti-magnetic protection, the Fifty Fathoms became an indispensable instrument for divers on their underwater missions.
These key signature elements that established the Fifty Fathoms as the archetypal diver’s watch continue to define the identity of such timepieces for the entire watch industry. Bearing witness to the past while simultaneously looking firmly to the future, contemporary Fifty Fathoms models incorporate modern in-house movements renowned for their robustness and reliability. They feature numerous technical innovations derived from Blancpain’s longstanding experience in the field of diving, its risks and its imperious necessities.
The Fifty Fathoms has played an essential role in the development of scuba diving and thus the discovery of the ocean world. It has enabled Blancpain to forge close links with the ocean community that have been consistently strengthened for more than 70 years. The Fifty Fathoms is the catalyst for Blancpain’s commitment to ocean conservation, known as the Blancpain Ocean Commitment.
Courtesy of PADI AWAREPADI members and local dive communities play a key role in the Adopt the Blue program.
To allow species regrowth and recovery, there is a global target to set aside 30 percent of the ocean as protected MPAs. At present, about 6 percent of the world’s national jurisdiction oceans (noninternational waters) are protected. Diving is a nonextractive activity that benefits from and brings the public in contact with MPAs.
The program does not require Adopt the Blue sites to be divable, which means that PADI dive centers, resorts and instructors can identify any underwater site in the world that is important to them. These sites could contain an iconic habitat or species, such as mangroves, shallow-water seagrass beds, nursery sites or breeding grounds, but can also include sites that are of economic benefit to local communities, as they all contribute to PADI’s overall vision to restore balance between humanity and the ocean. Once the sites are adopted and listed on the Adopt the Blue platform, PADI AWARE will coordinate the appropriate local, regional and national conservation efforts.
Related Reading: The Next Generation of Black Women in Marine Science
Courtesy of PADI AWAREConservation actions on the local level add up to form a global movement.
Inside the Blueprint for Ocean Action
Since its beginning, the Adopt the Blue program has served as the connective tissue propelling PADI’s Blueprint for Ocean Action, the organization’s road map that underpins all local conservation efforts on marine debris, protection of vulnerable and endangered species, restoration of coral reef systems and addressing climate change.
These local actions, when replicated and scaled up, are designed to drive global impact and provide critical data sets that can inform and influence the decision-making of governments and stakeholders around new and existing MPAs. By leveraging the extensive network of PADI’s “mission hubs”—which includes 6,600 dive centers and resorts, and more than 126,000 professional members worldwide—the program is designed to coalesce local actions into a formidable global movement.
“Over the years, we have been consistently amazed by the passion and readiness of the diving community to take action where and when it’s needed,” says Moore. “With the scale and support of our mission hubs, divers and ocean torchbearers will be able to help countries meet their ocean conservation commitments as well as drive forward the creation of coastal MPAs.” This collective endeavor is designed not only to address immediate conservation needs but also contribute to the broader objective of safeguarding 30 percent of the ocean by 2030.
Courtesy of PADI AWAREAdopt the Blue supports the ambitious effort to protect 30 percent of the world’s oceans.
Advocates for Ocean Exploration and Conservation
Blancpain, the strategic partner of the PADI Blueprint for Ocean Action and the founding partner of the PADI MPA Program, brings a legacy deeply intertwined with ocean exploration and preservation. This alliance is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a powerful union of expertise and resources dedicated to protecting our blue planet. Together, PADI, PADI AWARE and Blancpain are committed to creating the largest inventory of MPAs globally, a testament to their shared vision and dedication to the ocean.
Blancpain’s connection to the ocean runs deep. It is a legacy that began in 1953 with the introduction of the Fifty Fathoms, the world’s first true diver’s watch. This milestone marked the beginning of Blancpain’s enduring relationship with the ocean community, a relationship characterized by a steadfast commitment to ocean conservation for more than 70 years.
PADI’s partnership with Blancpain amplifies the reach and impact of Adopt the Blue, leveraging the brand’s historical commitment to oceanic exploration and conservation. Together, PADI and Blancpain are not only preserving marine habitats but also inspiring a new generation of divers and ocean advocates to take proactive roles in conserving this vital resource for future generations. The collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication of these stakeholders offer a promising path forward in the fight to preserve our blue planet.
“Blancpain and PADI have rich histories rooted in exploration and ocean conservation, inspiring both organizations to become powerful catalysts of planetary change,” says Drew Richardson, president and chief executive officer of PADI Worldwide. “Protecting our oceans is not only core to our ethos but critical for our very survival. The world must pull together to stem the urgent crisis in our ocean, and we have an immense opportunity to bring about change. We’re proud to work alongside such a prominent partner who shares our optimistic outlook on the future and a deep commitment to further empowering our global community to seek adventure and save the ocean.”
Related Reading: The Jewish Ocean Conservation Group Every Diver Should Know About
Courtesy of BlancpainBlancpain president and CEO Marc Hayek (left) and PADI president and CEO Drew Richardson.
Blancpain, a Tradition of Innovation Since 1735
Founded in 1735 in the Swiss Jura, Blancpain is known as the world’s oldest watch brand. Loyal to its tradition of innovation and confirmed by countless horological complications invented over the years, the Manufacture is constantly pushing the boundaries of watchmaking to take this art to places it has never been before.
Exploration and preservation of the world’s oceans is at the core of Blancpain. With its legacy of the Fifty Fathoms—the first true diver’s watch—extending over 70 years, Blancpain has been alongside the explorers, photographers, scientists and environmentalists who treasure this precious resource. With that affinity has come a determination to support impactful initiatives dedicated to the oceans.
To date, Blancpain has financed more than 40 major scientific projects and expeditions, celebrated its role in significantly extending the surface area of marine protected areas around the world, and presented several award-winning documentary films, underwater photography exhibitions and publications. This dedication to supporting ocean exploration and preservation is called Blancpain Ocean Commitment.
Click here to learn more about the Blancpain Ocean Commitment.
