News in January 2009

We launched the Camel Eco Tribe web page last year, to highlight ways in which our staff and guests are getting involved in conservation. Since then, we have been busy celebrating those beautiful but misunderstood creatures, sharks. With your help, we collected 258 signatures for a petition to European and Environment Ministers during European Shark Week, 11-19 October 2008. We also joined the Whale Shark Project. By submitting future whale shark sightings, we will improve understanding of and protection for the world’s biggest fish. You can support shark conservation when you take your next PADI course. For a donation of 5 GBP to Project AWARE, you will receive a 2009 special edition certification card, and contribute to preserving sharks.

European Shark Week took place during 11th-19th October 2008, to raise awareness about these fascinating creatures. The Shark Alliance received 30,000 signatures for a petition, calling on European and Environment ministers to promote a European plan of action for sharks. We collected 258 signatures from compassionate Camel guests during these 7 days, an impressive result. You can still sign the petition. We also sent this image to Shark Alliance for their picture wall, with the message “Camel Dive Club – passionate about the interaction we have with the fascinating creatures we encounter every day”.

Project AWARE’s certification card for 2009 celebrates sharks with this new design. To get one of the special cards, just tell your instructor when completing your certification form, and donate by credit card a minimum of 5GBP to Project AWARE. Several organisations working for the protection of these beautiful creatures have joined forces and unofficially declared 2009 International Year of the Sharks.