Our History 

Courtesy of Jeffrey de Guzman

Scuba divers have a unique perspective of the underwater world, and see firsthand the crisis facing our underwater environments. In 1989, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) developed the AWARE philosophy - Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibility and Education - to stress divers' roles in conserving these environments and create a group of effective environmental advocates. "We want to feel that our children, their children and generations to come will be able to enjoy the underwater world that has given us so much. There are so many significant problems facing mankind, but as divers, this is truly our cause. If divers do not take an active role in preserving the aquatic realm, who will?" - John J. Cronin, Founder of PADI

Shortly after creation, Project AWARE began to develop environmental specialty courses for divers and nondivers, provide educational information to divers and dive professionals, collaborate with other environmental organizations and organize a worldwide underwater cleanup. What began as an environmental ethic quickly formed into the Project AWARE Foundation, a tax-exempt, 501 c (3) nonprofit organization in the United States. Since nonprofit designation in 1992, Project AWARE has created an international presence, forming organizations in the United Kingdom, Australia, Switzerland and Japan. The combined efforts answer the urgent call for underwater conservation in 175 countries of the world.