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The 2011 PADI Sea the Change Conservation contest encouraged both divers and nondivers to grab -video cameras and document their underwater conservation and protection efforts. PADI Divemaster and Diving Society member Seth Greenspan, who is based in New York City, won the first-annual contest for his submission, Documenting -Global Coral Reef Restoration. Greenspan’s video, which details the global decline in healthy coral reefs, as well as several creative international restoration projects, netted him $5,000 for his efforts. In addition to the personal award, a $5,000 donation from PADI to the -Project AWARE Foundation was made on his behalf.
What inspired you to make the winning video?
For nearly four years, I have been working on a documentary called Putting the Pieces Together — a self-produced high-definition feature on coral-reef health and restoration efforts in the face of hard-coral extinction. When I started, it was a whim — something that I figured would occupy me for a few months. But after I learned about the bigger environmental system, and how coral reefs are an indicator of climate change, I also learned that our actions were about to wipe them from the oceans. I love diving, and would miss the reefs if they disappeared, so I became genuinely concerned. I realized I needed to tell the bigger picture about coral reefs.
Why did you decide to enter the contest?
When I saw the PADI contest, I thought it would be a great opportunity to get the topic out in front of an audience. It is rare to see any coverage of hard-coral reefs from any news source or industry journal. So I thought it would be a great platform to get at least some recognition for this otherwise silent issue.
What will you do with the prize?
When I realized there was a chance I might actually win, I knew immediately what I would do with the prize. In order for me to finish the documentary, as well as make no-cost promotional material for nonprofit organizations, I need to get a new editing system. Winning the prize will let me replace the old system, finish the documentary and continue to support causes that I feel are important with video production.
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