Dear CDWS members,
The Green Fins initiative is an international sustainable management program that offers members ways to gradually reduce their impact on the marine environment through training and affordable recommendations to use in the industry. The health of our Egyptian seas is key to sustaining our tourism industry for the years to come. Practices used in the dive and water sports industry do have an impact on the environment, which is why working towards improving our environmental standards is a goal to reach for our sector.
In preparation for the United Nations Climate Change COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh in November 2022, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced through the ministerial decree no.18 of the year 2022 (attached) that all touristic outlets in Sharm El Sheikh must obtain an international or national sustainable operator certification before the beginning of the COP 27.
Considering the new requirements for Sharm E Sheikh operators, the CDWS will support its members through Green Fins. To become a member, the operator must conduct a full-day assessment of the running operation. During the assessment process, you receive a score between 330 to 0, based on your operation's impact on the environment with 0 representing 0 risks to the marine environment. Your business will have to reach a minimum score of 150 or less to become a certified member. Those who do not pass the minimum score will have to redo an assessment after receiving training and feedback on 3 action points to improve on by the Green Fins team. Once you become a member, the assessment is done once a year to follow your progress.
The Green Fins certification will be available from April 2022 till October 2022 for all of Egypt’s interested members including those located in other destinations than Sharm El Sheikh with the following:
- The assessment package: 1 full day assessment + training session + flag offered at 1500EGP. The first 50 centers to apply for the initiative will get an additional discount on the package at 1000 EGP, in case of not meeting the requirements, the second assessment will be offered at 1500 EGP.
- If you meet the minimum score from the first assessment, you directly become a member.
- If you do not meet the minimum score and require a second assessment, your second full-day assessment will be offered at 1500EGP.
- We offer an optional member pack with several sets of printed Green Fins posters and stickers offered at 15EUR or the materials can be downloaded freely at: https://www.cdws.travel/info/4environment/green-fins
- Green Fins offers a free online course for dive and snorkel guides which we recommend pros in our sector to take: https://greenfins.net/green-fins-dive-guide/
Please note that this is an exclusive offer and will not be available after 31 October 2022. If you wish to participate in this opportunity or enquire about the program, email us at [email protected] Regards,
The Chamber of Diving and Water Sports