The Green Fins Programme

Local Action for Global Coral Reef Health

Background

Coral reefs are facing a severe crisis, with an estimated 50% already lost and up to 90% at risk by 2050. This collapse is a direct threat to global biodiversity and the livelihoods, culture, and resilience of millions in coastal communities. Reef-World is tackling this issue through its Green Fins project. By focusing on the significant impact of the scuba diving and snorkeling industry, comprising millions of participants, Green Fins provides governments, businesses, and individuals with the practical tools and knowledge needed to reduce their environmental footprint. This approach drives scalable, positive change by promoting sustainable marine tourism

About

This project aims to address the issue of coral reef degradation caused by the unregulated growth of marine tourism, specifically the diving and snorkeling industry. Unintentional but damaging operational habits, such as anchor damage, diver contact with coral, and pollution, accelerate reef collapse and compound the effects of climate change.
The project has demonstrated significant success. In the areas where Green Fins is active, to date, we have achieved a 24% overall reduction in unsustainable practices among participating businesses. We have seen strong uptake when made available with The Green Fins program operating in 61 countries and including 346 dive centers as members. Our success highlights the project’s effectiveness in translating education into measurable behavioral change, supporting both conservation outcomes and local economic prosperity. An example of their work includes:
These guidelines (pictured right) to help Green Fins members and other marine tourism operators conduct beach and underwater cleanups in an environmentally friendly way. They also outline how to provide education on marine debris issues during your cleanup event.

Budget

We are seeking funding approx £50-250,000 to deliver the following:
Biodiversity Conservation (e.g. species conservation, restoration of habitats, management of invasive non-native species, fencing etc.),
Engagement and outreach (including Environmental Education),
Capacity Building within organisations or communities ,
Nature-based Solutions (e.g. greener areas, flood mitigation and protection, carbon capture, reef/mangrove restoration

Contributions towards International Targets

Global Biodiversity Framework Targets

The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) sets global goals to protect biodiversity through its targets, most recently updated as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022. These targets aim to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and include goals such as protecting 30% of land and sea areas, restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems, reducing pollution, and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.
1: Plan and Manage all Areas To Reduce Biodiversity Loss, 3: Conserve 30% of Land, Waters and Seas, 8: Minimize the Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity and Build Resilience, 10: Enhance Biodiversity and Sustainability in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, 11: Restore, Maintain and Enhance Nature’s Contributions to People, 20: Strengthen Capacity-Building, Technology Transfer, and Scientific and Technical Cooperation for Biodiversity

Sustainable Development Goals

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. They cover a wide range of issues, including health, education, gender equality, clean water, climate action, and biodiversity. Each goal has specific targets and indicators to measure progress, encouraging countries to work together toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

Life below water

Partners

In order to deliver our Green Fins programmes we work with key stakeholders and partners that include national and local governments and NGOs. Globally, we collaborate with the UN Environment Programme, UN Development Programme, International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and the International Coral Reef Initiative. We have corporate partnerships with industry leaders – the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), PADI Travel, ZuBlu, Dive Assure, and Fourth Element.

Contact us

Please contact us at hello@ukotcf.org

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UKOTCF registered as a limited company in England and Wales No. 3216892 and a Registered Charity No. 1058483.