Name: PADI AWARE Coral Reef Conservation — Coral Reef Conservation Specialty
Price: 199 USD
Availability: InStock

Coral Reef Conservation Specialty: understand reefs to better protect them

During your dives, you've encountered them without always knowing what they truly were — plants, rocks, animals? Coral reefs are actually one of the most complex and richest ecosystems on the planet. They host extraordinary marine biodiversity and play a fundamental role in the balance of the oceans.

The Philippines are located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the region of the world that hosts the greatest known underwater diversity. By choosing to take this course in El Nido, you are just steps away from the planet's most precious reefs — and in the best place to learn how to protect them.

In 2 days of classroom training, you will discover everything you need to know to understand coral reefs: how they function, their relationship with the fish that inhabit them, the threats they face, and concrete actions to preserve them. And even if this course does not include dives, you can join our coral analysis excursions to directly observe the different types of corals present in our marine environments and learn to assess their health.

Important: This course is open to everyone aged 10 and above, with no diving prerequisites. Curious individuals, nature lovers, or experienced divers — everyone is welcome.

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Ideal for:

Divers who want to better understand what they see underwater
Environmentally conscious travelers and those interested in marine biodiversity
Non-divers who want to get involved in reef protection
Families and young people aged 10 and above who are passionate about marine life
Divers preparing for their Master Scuba Diver certification

Course objectives:

Understand the structure, function, and importance of coral reefs
Identify the main coral species found in Philippine waters
Understand the threats to reefs and their causes
Adopt practical actions to help preserve them

Learning objectives — you will learn to:

Differentiate between different types of coral and understand their biology
Explain the symbiotic relationship between corals and the fish that inhabit them
Identify signs of reef degradation (bleaching, diseases, physical destruction)
Understand the impact of climate change and pollution on coral ecosystems
Assess the health of a reef during an observation outing
Take daily action to reduce your impact on coral reefs

Equipment provided to participants

All participants have access to:

PADI AWARE Coral Reef Conservation educational materials
Coral observation and analysis equipment (during optional outings)
Full diving equipment if participating in analysis outings
Meals and cookies on board during sea outings

No personal equipment is required for the theoretical part of the course. For coral analysis outings, basic diving equipment is recommended — we can provide it if needed.

Certification included:

PADI AWARE Coral Reef Conservation Specialist certification (issued upon completion of the training)

This certification allows you to access:

Status as a reef defender recognized by PADI and Project AWARE
Counting as a specialty towards your Master Scuba Diver rating
An enhanced understanding of every future dive thanks to a deeper knowledge of corals
Access to Project AWARE's reef monitoring and conservation programs

Course Structure

From Theory to Practice: Your Training Journey

Theory lessons (3 classroom sessions)

Lesson 1: Coral Reefs — An Ecosystem in Their Own Right

Coral structure and biology: what sets them apart from plants and rocks
The different types of coral reefs around the world
The biodiversity of the Coral Triangle and the marine life of Bacuit Bay
The relationship between corals and the fish that inhabit them

Lesson 2: Reefs at Risk

Local threats: pollution, destructive fishing, anchoring, irresponsible tourism
Global threats: climate change, ocean acidification, bleaching
Case study: the state of reefs in the Philippines and worldwide

Lesson 3: Taking Action for Reefs

Best diving practices to minimize impact on corals
Methods for assessing a reef's health
How to contribute to coral restoration programs
Practical actions to take daily

Optional sea excursion

Coral analysis at El Nido sites

Observation and identification of coral species present in Bacuit Bay
Assessment of reef health at a site selected by the Aquanaut team
Data collection and sharing with Project AWARE's monitoring programs
Debriefing and discussion with the instructor