Grenada, renowned as the spice island of the Caribbean, is hosting its second annual, week-long Dive & Conservation Festival, an unprecedented gathering of global leaders in marine conservation.
The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), also called Pure Grenada, said on May 11 that the festival, which takes place from May 29 to June 5, 2-23, will bring together many experts, including government representatives, environmental advocacy organizations, scientists, researchers and the tourism industry.
“This event has been growing since its inception in 2018 and has evolved to incorporate conservation activities in 2022,” GTA said.
It said this year’s festival is a partnership and collaboration between Aquanauts Grenada, and several other conservation groups – Sustainable Ocean Alliance – Caribbean Hub, Grenada Coral Restoration Foundation, Ocean Spirits, Savvy Sailing, True Blue Bay Resorts, Blue Horizon Resort, Mount Cinnamon Resort, The Tower Estate, West Indies Beer Company Brewery, Tropical Adventures, Dive Grenada, and climate activists – Tiffany Geer, Kirpa Grewal, Kate Charles, Vaughan Francis, and Volcan Vegan – Joachim.
“The festival returns with a special Grenada edition where attendees will learn about land and sea conservation practices in Grenada, while enjoying conservation conversations and in-person activities throughout the week,” GTA said.
“We kickstart with a special screening of Chasing Coral at True Blue Bay Resort and transition into our plentiful activities on land and underwater, including Wreck Diving, Reef Diving and Restoration with Grenada Coral Reef Foundation, Lionfish Hunting, Beach Cleanup, Sea Turtle Conservation Voluntourism with Ocean Spirits, Culinary – Farm to Table experience with Volcan Vegan – Joachim, Sustainable Sailing with Savy Sailing, Bird Watching hosted by Vaughan Francis at Blue Horizons Garden Resort, and closing ceremony at The Tower Estate where we will have a scented tour on the estate, a yoga and sound healing session, and plant tree saplings.,” it added.
GTA said Aquanauts Grenada has been under new ownership by the Geer family since January 2021, adding that “they have continually highlighted the importance of collaboration within the path of sustainable actions.
Greer said: “We chose to live in Grenada because of the incredible diversity above and below the surface. We saw how many groups were taking action towards sustainability and we knew this would be a place where we could collaborate with other organizations and make a lasting impact towards a sustainable future.”
GTA said Grenada is leading the way in marine conservation by creating protected areas for endangered species, coral gardening and restoration, regulating plastic waste, and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
“The Dive & Conservation Festival will provide a platform to raise awareness of these efforts and bring together global marine conservation leaders to discuss further ways to protect our oceans,” it said.
