Diving ecotourism as climate change communicating means: greek diving instructors' perceptions

Abstract

Since climate change and loss of biodiversity are the most significant challenges of coastal areas, it is imperative to design effective adaptation and mitigation strategies to achieve ecological sustainability patterns. The Diving Community could become powerful change agents as well as tackle and mitigate climate change, and thus marine ecosystems’ extinction. This research provides an extensive literature review to link the benefits of diving ecotourism. At the same time, the issue as to whether diving tourism can be an educational and communicational means of climate change in coastal regions, promoting sustainability as well is investigated. Based on face to face interviews with diving instructors who work in Greek Diving Centers, this survey also aims to reveal their perceptions towards diving tourism and climate change. Finally, it is going to evaluate and highlight the role of diving instructors and how they can promote mitigation and adaptation strategies through their trainings.