Mr ENTSCH: I recently had the opportunity to meet with Dr Yolanda Waters, the founder and CEO of an incredible organisation called Divers for Climate. Back when I was first appointed as the Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, in 2019, I was determined to work closely with the scientific community rather than with the activists. Initially I was hesitant, when Dr Waters requested a meeting, to meet with her, but I’m so glad that I agreed. Meeting with Dr Waters and learning about her organisation was truly an enlightening experience.
Divers for Climate is an amazing organisation comprised of divers from our tourism industry predominantly—individuals who have spent much of their time with their heads under the water, witnessing firsthand the beauty and the challenges facing our reefs. What sets them apart is their balanced approach to advocacy. They’re not just raising the alarm on the challenges that we face; they’re also highlighting the significant advances and successes in preserving our precious marine environment.
We must acknowledge the challenges, certainly, but we also must celebrate the successes and progress being made. For this, I congratulate Dr Waters and her team from Divers for Climate. They bring a level of credibility and balanced advocacy that is utterly refreshing, and I look forward to seeing more of what they will accomplish well into the future.