On 10th June, Multikino became our ocean with the waves of change. We shared our love, passion, and mission with a room full of curious minds and ocean hearts. Through our short film #DiveWithPurpose, we took everyone beneath the surface — showing how we built a coral nursery in the Red Sea, monitored reef health with Coral Watch methodology, and removed trash from the seafloor with the help of our diving team.
It was a wave of knowledge, emotion, and real youth-driven action.
Then came The Ocean — the powerful documentary by Sir David Attenborough. The scenes of deep-sea trawlers destroying everything in their path left a deep mark.
There were tears. There was hope. We knew we couldn’t stay silent.
Right there, inspired and moved, we launched our petition to the United Nations — urging world leaders to: • Protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 • Ratify the High Seas Treaty • And act now — before it’s too late
And we kicked off our viral campaign: Take a #DeepBreathfortheOcean → Our call to action → Our voice → A wave anyone can join
Because we’re not just watching the world change — we’re changing it.
OUR #DIVE WITH PURPOSE TRIP TO EGYPT 22-29 MAY, 2025
DAYS 1-3
We kicked things off by refreshing our diving skills — buoyancy, mask clearing, teamwork underwater — while our newest CORP crew began their Professional Scuba Schools course. And it seems Poseidon gave us a green light — the sea opened for tourists on Day 2, and we were ready to dive in. It was pure magic: • A pod of dolphins greeted us. • A turtle crossed our path (Coco, is that you?). • And best of all — we officially welcomed 12 new divers to the CORP family! But we’re not just swimming around — we’ve already collected coral health data from several dive sites, contributing to Coral Watch global reef monitoring.
DAY 4
Not every dive is about the view. Today was about giving back. Before we hit the water, we gathered for a powerful talk with HEPCA’s marine biologist, Mr. Shady, who shared why the Red Sea is so unique — from its incredible biodiversity to the threats it faces. We learned how mooring systems protect fragile corals from anchor damage and how each of us can help endangered marine life survive — one action at a time. Then we went deep. And what did we find? • Plastic cups • Ghost fishing lines • Glass bottles • Pipes, wrappers, old gear... This is not the ocean’s story. This is 𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬. And we can write a better one. So, we cleaned. We surfaced. We made a difference. Because every action matters.
DAY 5
Another day, another dive into purpose — this time, into understanding and protecting the dolphins who call the reef their home. We had the privilege of learning from Gemma Venuroso, Dolphin Watch Alliance, who shared powerful insights and stories from years of marine conservation in the Red Sea. The workshop opened our eyes to what protection really means — not just admiration, but action. Gemma shared stories from years of conservation work and reminded us why these intelligent creatures matter so much: “Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in the Red Sea are key coral reef inhabitants. They depend on reefs and lagoons as their ‘bedroom’ — a safe place to rest and for other essential functions such as socialising and mating.”
We also discovered the Dolphin Code of Conduct — simple, science-backed rules to stop harm caused by irresponsible tourism.
Fun fact: Dolphins sometimes rub their skin against corals and sponges to absorb natural antibiotics.
From today, we’re proud to say: We know better — and we’ll do better. Because loving the ocean means protecting all of its voices — especially the ones too often silenced.
DAY 6
This day we planted more than coral fragments — we planted hope. Our very own coral nursery now rests beneath the waves of the Red Sea. This underwater garden gives damaged corals a second chance.
It's how reefs heal — piece by piece, branch by branch. It’s how we fight back against what’s been lost.
And here’s the truth: Humans are the biggest threat to the ocean — but also its best chance.
We chose to be protectors, not destroyers. Builders, not bystanders.
Because reefs aren’t just beautiful — they’re essential. For fish. For people. For the planet.
PREPARATION FOR OUR MISSION
We're heading out on a mission — for the reefs, for the ocean, for the future. Over the past weeks, we’ve trained, learned, listened — and now we carry this knowledge with us:
• From Coral Watch — how to read the reef • From the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries — how to restore it • From our honorary patron, the faculty of Geology at University of Warsaw, with the incredible support of prof. Mikołaj Zapalski — one of the top coral scientists in Europe. Did you know that some coral species grow sideways if they can’t find light? That’s genotype plasticity — a superpower that shows how coral colonies adapt to survive. Now imagine: what if we humans did the same? Grew in the right direction — for the planet.
As Green Ambassadors of the Polish Yachting Association and thanks to the support of A&O Shearman Poland who believe in youth-led impact, we’re about to dive into something meaningful. We’re not going for the view. We’re going to help. To act. Because even the smallest move matters. And we know our generation can't afford to be silent.
MEETING WITH NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY AND FISHERIES
On 14th May we had the chance to connect with the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF) — the dedicated scientists working on the front lines to restore coral reefs and bring them back to life. Their work is urgent — and inspiring. From setting up coral nurseries to sharing real data from the Red Sea, they’re not just talking change — they’re making it happen. With Dr. Mostafa Ahmed, we discovered: • Fringing reefs hugging the Egyptian coastline like a living shield • Massive corals that grow just 0.5 cm per year — slower than your fingernails! • Branching corals that speed ahead at 20 cm a year • 240+ coral species and 1,000+ fish species living in Red Sea reefs We're not just watching. We’re learning and preparing for our second trip to Egypt.
OUR COOPERATION WITH CORAL WATCH
Guess who just joined the global reef crew? That’s right — we teamed up with Coral Watch and got a front-row seat to learn how to professionally check coral health (big thanks to the amazing Diana Kleine). We’re now proud to be part of CoralWatch’s global volunteer-powered network across 130+ countries. We've learned how to read corals, record what we see, and upload real data that helps track reef health around the world. And while Poland doesn’t have coral reefs, we know that protecting them starts with us — wherever we live. And we’re 100% in.
MEETING WITH REEFSCAPERS
In February we had an amazing online session with Reefscapers, a powerhouse team of 12 marine biologists restoring coral reefs in the Maldives. Katelyn Hogarty-Kelly gave us a deep dive into their work—setting up coral nurseries, relocating coral frames and saving reefs during last summer’s 4th global bleaching even. Did you know? Corals can glow in neon colours when stressed – it’s their nature’s way of saying, “Help me!” Now it's our time to help! You can adopt a coral framework, support reef restoration, and even get a photo update to watch your coral grow! See our social media for details.
MEET CRUSH AKA COCO – OUR OWN ADOPTED SEA TURTLE
Thanks to our Partner Turtle Watch and the fund-raising action during the White Friday, we became a foster family for Crush - a resilient turtle with a remarkable story of survival and strength. Crush, a green sea turtle, has been a frequent visitor to Marsa Mubarak since 2018, often seen gliding gracefully through the bay’s warm, shallow waters. Her peaceful nature and regular appearances have made her a beloved figure among local divers and marine enthusiasts. Crush’s presence in this serene environment highlights the critical need to preserve marine habitats where sea turtles and other wildlife can thrive without disturbance. Her story is a gentle reminder of the importance of protecting our oceans for the creatures that call them home We gave Crush our own nickname COCO! Now it’s your turn! You can adopt your own turtle – see our social media for details.
OUR SECOND WHITE FRIDAY
When the world races for Black Friday deals, we’re focusing on something you can’t buy. Coral reefs, marine life, and the future of our planet. On 29th November we swap consumerism for action – because as Jacques Cousteau said: “𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒐 𝒃𝒊𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒚 𝒊𝒕. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒊𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆.” For a second time we organized a WHITE FRIDAY in our school. It’s a sign that we’re not indifferent. We truly made a splash – not with deals, but with dedication to protecting our oceans! We dressed in white and stood arm in arm to raise awareness about the devastating bleaching events threatening coral reefs worldwide. The day was packed with positive vibes, learning, and action: 1. We connected live with our incredible partner – Turtle Watch to discuss the dangers facing sea turtles and how we can make a difference. 2. We tested our marine knowledge with a fun Kahoot quiz, sparking friendly competition and greater awareness. 3. We savored Jabana, traditional Bedouin coffee, bringing a taste of Egyptian culture to our school halls. 4. Most excitingly, we launched a fundraiser to adopt a sea turtle, ensuring that our commitment to ocean life turns into tangible results. This White Friday was also a perfect way to close the coral bleaching awareness month in collaboration with Coral Reef Alliance. Together, we’ve shown that even simple actions – like wearing white – can highlight the urgent need to protect our reefs, support marine life, and fight for the health of our planet. Together, we’re turning awareness into action.
MEETING WITH SARA PODWAPIŃSKA
Our second meeting this school year was with Sara Podwapińska, a Polish diver now living in Mexico. Sara gave us an eye-opening presentation on the alarming decline of coral reefs in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, revealing that 90% of coral species were lost in 2019, and only 2% of Mexico's corals remain healthy. She discussed the historical importance of the Yucatan Peninsula's coral reefs and the impact of cruise ships on coral health. Despite the challenges, Sara highlighted Cozumel Island as the last place in Mexico with thriving coral ecosystems. Her insights into marine conservation were powerful and urged us to think critically about the future of our oceans.
MEETING WITH MS. JOANNA URBAN
We started the school year with an inspiring meeting with Ms. Joanna Urban, an experienced diver and researcher with Global Vision International. Joanna shared her fascinating journey into the world of research diving, specializing in fish recognition. She gave us an overview of key underwater research techniques, such as transect, quadrat sampling, and the roving diver method. It was amazing to learn how these methods help researchers gather data while exploring marine ecosystems. Joanna also introduced us to her creative hobby of mermaid tail diving, combining passion and playfulness in her underwater experiences. Her dedication to marine research and her ability to merge work with fun truly left us motivated and inspired!
OUR SOCIAL MEDIA AWARENESS CAMPAIGN “SAVE OUR SEAS: #YOUTH’S SOS FOR CORAL REEFS.”
Over the summer weeks, we were sharing powerful messages that highlight the importance of coral reef conservation. Each time, we revealed a new SOS message to the world and focused on a different aspect of coral reef protection. We have been working on this campaign during the previous school year and during our trip to Egypt, where we could dive into action. Click here to visit our social media and learn more because together we can make a difference!
WE CELEBRATED WORLD OCEAN DAY WITH A&O SHEARMAN AND ARETA SZPURA!
Together with lawyers from A&O Shearman and activist Areta Szpura, we hosted an amazing beach cleanup at the Vistula River, collecting bags of trash to protect our local environment. You might be thinking, "There's no ocean in Poland - how does a beach cleanup at the Vistula River protect the ocean?" Well, it's all connected! Cleaning our local environment, like the beautiful Vistula River, has a ripple effect. Here’s how: 1. 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 = 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬: Why the Vistula River? Because every river is connected to our oceans! Trash in the Vistula eventually reaches the Baltic Sea and beyond, impacting marine life and coral reefs. 2. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞: Local cleanups help protect wildlife in and around the river, and that protection extends to marine life globally. By keeping our river clean, we’re helping to protect the oceans and the vital coral reefs that are home to 25% of marine species. 3. 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞: Local actions inspire global movements. When we show we care, others will too! Thank you to everyone who joined us! Your efforts make a huge difference. Let's keep up the great work!
OUR TRIP TO EGYPT
Between 13 and 20 April, we have visited Egypt. Upon our arrival to Marsa Alam, we were warmly welcomed by Mr. Islam Gika, the marine biologist and ranger at National Parks Office Porto Ghalib. We have teamed up for a beach cleanup in Marsa Assalaya. Armed with gloves and bags, we got to work clearing out plastic trash. On the third day, we had the pleasure of meeting wonderful individuals from Turtle Watch and HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association) as we participated in a beach cleanup at Marsa Egla. We have taken part in the fantastic workshops by Turtle Watch on preserving turtles. Our cooperation resulted in signing a Partnership Agreement – we agreed to join our forces to strengthen our commitment to marine conservation.
Having completed our SDI OWD course, we could explore the vibrant coral reefs of Marsa Mubarak and Marsa El Shona at the Red Sea. We dived at Marsa Assalaya, Marsa Samaday and Marsa Egla.
FIRST WORKSHOP AT PRIMARY SCHOOL
On 23rd February 2024, one of our groups held a workshop for students of 5th and 6th grade of a primary school. Alicja, Jagoda and Hania, together with Ms Beata Kuć visited Primary School no 389 in Warsaw. They presented our CORP project, explained the importance of coral reefs, described the coral bleaching process and its consequences. They also explained how everyone can save coral reefs by their everyday actions because together we can make a difference.
AN AMAZING LECTURE DELIVERED BY A POLISH DIVER
On Friday 16th February, 2024 we participated in an online lecture given by Mr Przemysław Zyber - a professional diver and instructor, enthusiast and passionate of coral reefs. He shared his experience of diving in deep seas and visiting coral reefs. He also talked about planting corals in home aquariums. He made us realize that the process of Egyptian coral reefs dying is enormous and there is a real threat that coral reefs will become extinct by 2050. However, he gave us hope that if we start consciously following the rules for inhabitants of seas and oceans, if we start talking loudly about how to take care of the environment, maybe we will be able, together with scientists, to change the course of events. Because together we can make a difference!
A FANTASTIC WEBINAR BY TURTLE WATCH
On 5th January 2024 we participated in special webinar given by Turtle Watch Egypt Team. We learned a lot about turtles and their importance for ocean ecosystems. We hope this also marks the beginning of a fantastic partnership in the name of marine conservation. We hope to continue to work together, learn from each other, and make a positive impact on our planet.
A GREAT LECTURE AT THE FACULTY OF GEOLOGY
On 15th December, 2023 we had the opportunity to have an interesting meeting at the Faculty of Geology at the University of Warsaw with prof. Mikołaj Zapalski, a fantastic paleontologist and geologist, who prepared for us a presentation on coral reefs. We learned among others: what coral reef looked like many millions of years go and where they are located. We learned about a symbiosis between corals and zooxanthellae and why it is so important for corals.
MEETING WITH ALL HANDS AGENCY
On 1st December 2023 the All Hands marketing agency visited our school for special workshop relating to PR and marketing campaigns. We hope this will be the beginning of our cooperation in future.
LIFE IS BETTER IN COLOUR HAPPENING IN OUR SCHOOL
We decided to change this year’s Black Friday into White Friday and make it a Coral Bleaching Awareness Day. We made a school campaign, encouraged everybody to dress in white, met together and explained to our school colleagues what is coral bleaching and what we can do to help preserve coral reefs. We had lots of fun.
WE HAVE OUR FIRST PARTNER
We managed to find a partner who agreed to support our activities for protection of coral reefs. It is an incredible person, with great heart and huge experience – Mr. Ahmed Gabr. He is a holder of Guiness record in diving. He managed to dive 335 meters down the water. Now he uses his experience to protect coral reefs. He started to plant coral reefs tin the Red Sea. He organises a clean up events on beaches, he carries out education campaigns on importance of marine ecosystems. He agreed to share his knowledge and experience with us and teach us what actions are needed from humans to preserve coral reefs. We had a fantastic first online meeting. We hope this will be great cooperation.
Coral Operation Rescue Project 