Global diving community votes Ceningan Divers as this year’s top sustainable operator, recognising their leadership in ocean protection and eco-friendly tourism practices
The Reef-World Foundation — the international coordinator of the UN Environment Programme‘s Green Fins initiative — is delighted to announce Ceningan Divers as the Green Fins Award 2025 winner, recognising their outstanding leadership in sustainability, environmental responsibility and community engagement.
This year, the Green Fins Award went beyond recognising environmentally friendly practices. It celebrated marine tourism operators who not only minimise their environmental impact but also drive positive change beyond their business and foster a culture of sustainability among both guests and staff.
The award was determined through a friendly competition among the five top-rated Green Fins Members, each holding the prestigious Best Environmental Performer status based on the latest data from the Green Fins assessment system. While the votes from guests, supporters and the wider diving community globally played an important role in showcasing support for the nominees, the winning factor was based on a scoring system across multiple performance categories: Sustainable Business, Reach and People.
“It’s been inspiring to witness the tangible impact of Ceningan Divers’ work. Sustainability isn’t a marketing campaign for them; it’s woven into their operations, influencing the local community as well as the global diving tourism sector,” said Dev Albao, Programmes Manager at The Reef-World Foundation. “That’s something I’ve seen firsthand, and it’s truly remarkable.”
As a long-standing Green Fins Member and PADI Eco Center based in Nusa Ceningan, Bali, Indonesia, Ceningan Divers is widely recognised for its holistic approach to sustainability. Their initiatives include:
- A comprehensive no single-use plastic policy across the operation
- Active community outreach and environmental education
- Regular beach and underwater cleanups
- Organising marine conservation events for staff and guests
- Staff training and guest education, including promotion of the Green Fins Diver e-Course
“We are incredibly honoured to receive the Green Fins Award 2025. This recognition means a lot to the whole team — it deepens our commitment to inspiring meaningful change, sharing knowledge with our community, protecting our ocean, and continuing the search for sustainable solutions that can shape a better future for our marine ecosystems,” said Matt Hutchinson, Co-Owner of Ceningan Divers. “Being part of the Green Fins and The Reef-World Foundation family has not only helped us grow not just as a business but also as ocean advocates. Their support continues to guide and motivate us every step of the way. A heartfelt thank you to The Reef-World Foundation and Green Fins for their ongoing support and commitment to a healthier, more sustainable marine environment.”
The Green Fins Award, powered by The Reef-World Foundation, highlights the vital role marine tourism operators play in protecting our ocean. As more travellers seek responsible and ethical experiences, operators like Ceningan Divers are setting a new standard for what sustainable tourism looks like in action. In Indonesia, Green Fins is run by Reef-World’s implementation partner, Coral Triangle Center.