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To bridge divisions among various diving entities and organizations, the authors advocate for diving operators to build national and international partnerships in tandem with local governments, ensuring proper representation in the political and policy arenas. Incorporating Indigenous knowledge is another critical step to empower local communities in conservation efforts, and to avoid what is known as “diving colonialism,” where foreign investors dominate the scuba industry in developing nations, often to the detriment of local interests.

Zahidah (Zaidy) Nisa, a review co-author and research affiliate at the Scripps Center for Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation, underscored the importance of inclusion in the diving sector. She highlighted the need for diving education and training that incorporates Indigenous knowledge and aligns with blue economy and ocean policy plans.

“Indigenous communities have a profound understanding of and connection to their marine environment, making them natural stewards of resource management and its sustainable use,” said Nisa, an ocean steward from Fiji with experience teaching scuba diving in regions around the globe.

In Fiji, where Indigenous communities own their marine resources, they serve as the “first line of negotiators for blue jobs,” said Nisa. She noted that inclusivity in the diving sector could help break down barriers in wealth inequality and income inequality while promoting financial inclusion in blue economy jobs.

The authors also noted the need for diverse leadership within the diving sector, stressing the importance of training and engaging women and youth to achieve conservation success. They believe that by fostering inclusivity, a sense of culture can be instilled within the diving community, similar to what has been achieved by societies like fishers, birders, and surfers.

Further improvements to the sector involve increased investments in ocean conservation, targeted subsidies for local communities, and the adoption of modern technology for greater engagement in citizen science initiatives.

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