Marine Conservation Gets a Second Life

On November 1st 2007, Project AWARE Foundation became one of the first international non-profit organisations to showcase its environmental work on Second Life. Visitors to Dive World have the unique opportunity to get their avatars involved in virtual environmental activities, learn more about the protection of precious aquatic resources, and socialise with virtual divers who share an interest in marine conservation. This has been made possible by PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, which has created an idyllic dive island for people to experience virtually what it is like to scuba dive. “In the real world, divers can see first hand the impact human activities can have on aquatic habitats and its wildlife. A Project AWARE presence on the island is a unique opportunity to offer not only a realistic diving experience but also increase awareness and education making the whole experience rewarding and fun” says Mike Holme, Project AWARE Foundation Associate Director. Presently available in Dive World are an ice dive, tropical dive, a wreck dive, a dive in a kelp forest, and even the chance to dive under the island through a cave entrance. With the launch of Project AWARE on Second Life, the island will be enhanced with environmental activity options, an education centre where avatars can learn more about marine conservation issues, a social area where avatars can chat and share their dive experience, and an exhibition area. There is also the opportunity to join in an underwater cleanup activity, take underwater photos, learn about coral reef monitoring activities and so much more. “The possibilities on Second Life are only limited to our imagination. By raising environmental awareness through a virtual world, we are hoping to engage a new audience in the fight against the threats facing today’s aquatic environments and create a platform for communication and social interaction” says Mike Holme, Project AWARE Foundation Associate Director. So welcome to Dive World and the start of an exciting environmental adventure. Join the growing number of avatar divers who care for the underwater world and become an AWARE avatar by receiving your virtual Project AWARE kit. Just follow the steps below: 1. Join Second Life and create an Avatar. There is no charge. 2. Join the “PADI Group” Search groups for “PADI Group” and click “Join” 3. Get your free scuba gear (courtesy of PADI) With the PADI Group activated and your group tag showing, click the scuba gear display at Dive World (213, 124, 21). You will receive a folder containing all your diving equipment 4. Explore, observe, conserve by taking part in Project AWARE educational dives and fun environmental activities We look forward to welcoming you on the island and making your virtual dives an experience to remember in the real world where you can take real action to ensure the richness and beauty of our real underwater environments is preserved for us today and future generations of divers. Together, we can make a difference

Project AWARE Foundation is a nonprofit organization working with divers to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Visit http://www.projectaware.org to support your local office and participate in environmental activities to make a lasting difference.

Contributed by Joanne Marston added 2007-11-21