In the run-up to World Ocean Day, we are calling on our community to highlight the many ways the ocean benefits us and the actions that we need to take to protect it.
We had a catch-up with our friend Tom Losey, founder of Liquid Therapy a multi-award-winning charity based in Donegal, Ireland which provides inclusive and adaptive surf therapy programmes.
Learn how the ocean provides essential mental health and wellbeing benefits, and why we can’t afford to take it for granted.
Photo Credit: Gil Sassi / Sun Divers Roatan.We recently caught up with Natalie Shuman, owner of Sun Divers Roatan a top-rated PADI Five-Star Dive Center in Honduras. Keep reading to learn all about what the ocean means to Sun Divers Roatan and what they are doing to protect it.
Q: What does the ocean mean to you?
A: “As a dive center in Roatán, Honduras, we are lucky to have the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef right at our doorstep. This is where we share our love for marine life and the underwater realm with our dive tribe! To Sun Divers, the ocean is a place of wonder and inspiration, as well as the foundation for livelihoods and social well-being in our coastal community. This jewel of the Caribbean is an endless world of beauty and mystery with its incredible biodiversity. But it is also a fragile balance of life that exists beneath the waves that we need to treat with a sense of humility and care. Which is why we’re committed to doing our part to protect its health and vitality for generations to come.”Credits: lighthouse.industriesPhoto Credit: Gil Sassi / Sun Divers Roatan.
Q. In terms of ocean conservation, what is your one wish for the ocean?
A. “Our one wish for ocean conservancy is for a future where the ocean’s delicate ecosystems are protected and thriving – by individuals, businesses, and governments alike. This rich biodiversity needs to be preserved for future generations to experience and cherish, as well as for the health of our planet.
At Sun Divers, one of our core values is to always be ‘eco-active’. We strive to minimize our environmental impact by promoting reef-friendly behaviors, sticking to strict dive guidelines, and supporting local marine conservation initiatives. Through education, collaboration, and sustainable tourism practices, we believe that we can protect.
By joining hands with companies like oceanR who share our commitment to sustainability, we can amplify our efforts and work towards a future where the ocean ecosystem thrives and marine life flourishes. Together, we can create a lasting impact and ensure that the wonders of the ocean are protected for generations to come.”If you would d like to learn more about Sun Divers Roatan visit their website by clicking here.
If you are interested in beginning your sustainable apparel journey with OCEANR, use the button below to get in contact with a member of our team.
Sun Divers Community and Conservation Efforts
- We’re active in local conservation efforts and also provide opportunities for our customers to participate in citizen science. Here’s some of the cool things we’re doing:
- We’re a sponsor of the Roatan Marine Park and owner Natalie Shuman sits on the board of directors
- We’ve hosted coral spawning monitoring dives which our customers were able to volunteer on
- We donate the use of our boats, tanks and captains time to the Roatan Marine Parks conservation dives (CoralMania and Coral Spawning Monitoring)
- We’re helping to connect more locals to scuba diving and professional pathways:
- We just officially launched our ROA GIRLS DIVE scholarship program in partnership with the Roatan Peer Health Exchange and are on our way to reaching our goal of certifying 14 local girls this Spring
- Our dive center and instructors have provided scuba certification pro-bono for staff of the Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA)
- This year we won the Golden Buoy thanks to the success of our 6th Annual Golf Tournament benefiting the SOL Foundation
2. Plant more trees
Trees are one of the most powerful tools for buying us time in the fight against the climate crisis. Restoring forests is critical to keeping temperature rises below 1.5c.
For the past 3 years, we have partnered with Plant-For-The-Planet in their efforts to protect the world’s trees and bring back a further one trillion trees to tackle the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.
Donate to help protect and regrow the Mayan forests of the Yucatan Peninsula
6. Vote Earth
Cast a vote for our wonderful planet Earth by joining the world’s largest environmental movement. There are a range of ways you can do this by making a pledge on World Earth Day.
The choices we each make do affect the bigger picture, make a change by opting for brands and organisations that prioritise sustainability. We’ve already seen a shift within the Gen Z set, with 45% having stopped buying from brands with poor ethical and sustainability practices. From immersing ourselves in the minds of our seamstresses and designers, we have encountered firsthand the real magic that underscores the process of custom sustainable apparel for the luxury resorts, yachts, and ocean lovers of the world.
The skill, dedication, knowledge, and wisdom they weave into each garment, is truly a reformation worth shouting about!
Why not book a virtual meeting to discuss how our eco-friendly, custom apparel can help you achieve your sustainability objectives?
Together, with the imaginative minds of our designers, and the creative skills of our seamstresses, we can make your vision come alive. To learn more about becoming an OCEANR brand partner, and joining our creative revolution, contact us today! We can’t wait to hear your vision for a greener future!
MY Fountainhead
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