Island Dive Club Press Releases!

September 17, 2006

Getting Down & Dirty on International Cleanup Day!

On September 16th, 2006, Island Dive Club of Koh Tao, Thailand, participated in the annual International Clean Up Day. Through the guidance of Project AWARE and using the principles set forth by their own standards with GO ECO Dive Operators, Island Dive Club was able to clean up approximately 150Kgs of rubbish. 20 participants were actively cleaning up the Sairee Beach in front of the respected Dive Center and it’s Resort, Koh Tao Island Resort.

“We are extremely pleased with the results of the cleanup. Being in our first year of operation, we hope to see a huge increase in participation next year and the following years. The condition of the reef (Sairee) itself was much better than we expected – it was the beach and green belt area that needed most of our attention.” Said Matthew Winn, manager of Island Dive Club.

After the clean up, participants enjoyed a BBQ, music, and a couple of post clean-up drinks. All participants received free Island Dive Club t-shirts and a Project AWARE certificate.

Participants were charged a small fee where all proceeds went to Project AWARE.

‘We managed to raise a total of 1,500 Baht for Project AWARE.’ Said Amy Beck, Co-manager of Island Dive Club and this year’s Cleanup Coordinator. ‘All of the participants expressed their thanks for us organizing the event on Sairee Beach as all had become quite concerned with the amount of rubbish accumulating on the popular beach strip.’

Island Dive Club wishes to express their gratitude to Project AWARE and all of this years Cleanup participants.

August 1, 2006

ISLAND DIVE CLUB Goes ECO with the Project AWARE Go ECO Operator Campaign

Island Dive Club is the latest PADI dive centre to be awarded with Project AWARE Go ECO Operator status in 2006.

Project AWARE Foundation, the dive industry’s leading non-profit environmental organisation, launched the Go ECO campaign into the Asia Pacific region in 2005.  The main objective of Go ECO is for dive centres to minimise their impact on the aquatic ecosystem whilst contributing to environmental, economic and cultural conservation.  Dive centres are required to meet best practice environmental guidelines and commit to the Project AWARE Go ECO philosophy.

“Island Dive Club is delighted to be awarded with the Project AWARE Go ECO Operator status for 2006.  As a Go ECO Operator we are committed to providing dive experiences that enhance visitor awareness, appreciation and understanding of the local aquatic environment,” said Matthew Winn, Manager of Island Dive Club

Joanne Marston, Coordinator, of Project AWARE Asia Pacific added, “We are pleased to recognise Island Dive Club as a Go ECO Operator.  We look forward to working with them to implement environmental best practices and educate tourists about how they can travel responsibly.”

Go ECO Operators also demonstrate a commitment to conservation and pledge to follow the Go ECO Operator guidelines.  

For further information about the Go ECO campaign visit the EcoTourism section of the Project AWARE website www.projectaware.org or email info@projectaware.org.au

About Project AWARE:
Project AWARE is the dive industry’s leading non-profit environmental organisation dedicated to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action.  Project AWARE Foundation offices located in Australia, United States, Japan, the United Kingdom and Switzerland combine efforts to conserve aquatic resources in 175 countries of the world.
www.projectaware.org
info@projectaware.org.au