Be Resilient and Agile

I would like to welcome you all to the June issue of ‘Divers for the Environment’. Half of 2021 has already gone and we are getting ready for another hot summer, and trying to live the new norm during the pandemic. I hope you have all managed to get the vaccine where possible, and you have been enjoying some diving and the marine life.

The diving industry and community have been busy the last 6 months and I am sure they will be even busier in the next months to follow. In a time marred by pandemic-driven volatility, 2020 forced the world into an unpredictable ‘pause’ – oscillating between peaks of uncertainty, and troughs of human loss. Yet, despite being subject to what remains undeniably amongst the worst of our times, the UAE was anything but a silent spectator. As a country committed to global citizenship, 2020 presented an opportunity for the UAE to epitomise this philosophy – starting with its own exemplary management of the health and wellbeing of its society, actively aiding COVID-19 containment and relief measures for the international community. Throughout this period, the UAE’s resilience received global acclaim as it delicately balanced the sustenance of lives and livelihoods. Refining its approach real-time demonstrating uncompromised efficacy in safeguarding both visitors and residents, it became one of the first countries to reopen and welcome the world. Given the extraordinary efforts that have been made to ensure public safety, divers can safely enjoy the UAE’s marine life and this is all because of the country’s resilience and agility.

Last month, we held the 12th year cycle, announcing this year’s winners of Digital Online’s Underwater Photography and Film Competition. I thank all our underwater photographers and videographers for submitting their amazing photos and short films of the varied marine life from all the places they have dived. It is very inspiring and beautiful as usual – I am sure you will all agree with me when you see the photos in this issue. I also want to thank the judges, the sponsors, and the EDA team for another successful event towards promoting for diving, not only in the UAE, but the whole region and around the world.

As we stand today and take stock of the half year gone by, we acknowledge each and every EDA partner, the dive centres and members for their vital support through one of the most challenging periods on record. It is this spirit of symbiotic partnership that remains at the heart of our journey to inspiring people to care about the oceans as we look beyond this present moment in time.

I do hope you enjoy reading our summer issue of ‘Divers for the Environment’. The EDA team is working tirelessly toward another successful year, and we are looking forward to seeing you all at the next EDA events.

Stay Safe,