BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA - Scuba 6 Eco Diving announced it has been awarded the Blue Certified eco-label. Scuba 6 joined the Blue Certified program in July 2015 because it wanted a proven step-by-step system to achieve more efficient business practices, increase cost savings, and attract more clients who care about the ocean.
Developed by Ocean First Institute (OFI), in partnership with Sustainable Travel International, Blue Certified provides scuba dive operations with the tools to perform better for themselves, the environment, their local community, and their customers. The Blue Certified program team walked Scuba 6 through the 3 P's of business sustainability that include economic (profit), environmental (planet) and socio-cultural (people) best practices. The Blue Certification Award gives Scuba 6 Eco Diving bona fide recognition for its work as a sustainability leader in the dive industry.
And pairing green travelers with green dive shops is great for business. “Customers choose us specifically for our Eco Diving and for what we represent” says Ginette Bariteau, Owner of Scuba 6 Eco Diving. As part of the eco-certification, Scuba 6 Eco Diving completed the baseline level of the initial criteria and submitted evidence which was officially verified by OFI. Bariteau adds, “By focusing on sustainable business practices, we are growing and attracting even more quality clients that are very happy, come back, and give referrals. We did better over the last 6 months than we have done for 5 years.”
With tourism and coastal development on the rise, potential negative impacts on communities and coral reefs are realities. But tourism can be a force for good by creating positive impacts as well. Blue Certified guides dive centers towards operating at an optimal level in all day-today operations and in relation to their biggest stakeholder, the ocean.
“Dive operators are true stewards and guardians of the ocean,” shared Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza, Executive Director of OFI. “They are deeply connected to it - and want to protect it. Through their livelihoods, their customers and their day-to-day practices, these tourism businesses have an opportunity to protect what they love, while strengthening their market reach.”
Added OFI sustainability consultant, Deby Stabler, “Imagine a vacation that improves the destination you are visiting. Tourist dollars can boost community economic development by hiring local staff and purchasing items within the area’s supply chain.”
