I specifically mentioned third-world countries because, from my experience living in the first world, there’s a lot of awareness through schools, universities, workplaces, and even the internet. However, in many third-world countries, people aren’t as informed about issues like the state of our oceans unless their livelihood depends directly on them. As an Indian citizen, I’ve noticed this firsthand. For example, my family wasn’t familiar with coral bleaching. When I told my mom about an upcoming diving trip, she asked me to bring back a conch. I explained that we shouldn’t take anything from the ocean, as removing items can harm marine life. She suggested just taking one, not understanding why I firmly said no. This conversation highlighted the importance of spreading awareness about ocean conservation. Secondly, I think educating dive centers in these countries and the local population who depend on tourism will help with the conservation efforts.
