Ocean Advocacy in action via collaboration between Nova Maldives and PADI

Ocean advocacy was recently achieved via a week-long collaboration in July between PADI (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and luxury island resort Nova Maldives.

Activation included underwater exploration during Ocean Adventure Week, held in partnership with PADI team and marine influencer and activist India Black.

PADI is the most recognised dive training organisation worldwide with over 30 million divers and counting.

As part of the activation, guests and staff alike were invited to take part in a series of events focused on coral conservation, marine biology and diving - all designed to spark awareness, participation, and curiosity around ocean stewardship.

Highlights included:

• A Coral Conservation Workshop led by India Black, where guests and Nova team members learned about coral biology, threats to reef ecosystems, and the critical role coral nurseries play in regeneration efforts. Participants had the chance to get hands-on, tying live coral fragments onto restoration frames destined for the surrounding reef.

• A Coral Awareness Talk at Wink Bar, open to all resort guests, designed to continue the conversation and bring conservation into the social space, with insights shared over ocean-facing cocktails as the sun set.

• A Discover Scuba Dive Experience guided by the PADI dive team, offering first-time divers - the chance to experience the ocean from below the surface, and celebrate with a toast afterwards in honour of Women’s Dive Day.

At its core, the week highlighted the power of diving to connect people to the ocean, and underscored Nova’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, conservation-driven experiences that invite participation from both guests and the local team.

More information on Nova Maldives 

More information on PADI