Challenge
*The world is 95% water, 71% ocean, and rising; water-sports skills allow best survival chances.
* Significant risks to the ocean are pollution, over-fishing (with biodiversity loss), and climate change.
* Vietnam has an horrific sea history, no coastguard, 90% of children cannot swim.
* Vietnam's coastline is in the top 5 most at risk to climate change, globally.
* Vietnamese fishermen are arguably the most vulnerable community.
* Vietnam Prime Minister's call for zero plastic need market impact.
Description
*Fishers' ocean skills translate well to water-sports.
* Fishers teach large youth groups water-sports/climate change survival skills, following highest education standards, as alternative work.
* Water-sports is open to all!
* Water-sports benefits human/environmental health, climate change mitigation/adaptation.
* Safety areas act as MPAs (for marine stock recovery).
* Water-sports help re-balance Vietnam's horrific sea history·
* National pride is stronger motivation than marine conservation·
Outcomes
MANTA trained 15+ fishers in water-sports. Water-sports trained fishers taught >3000 children (2009-19). MANTA registered as a Vietnamese Social Enterprise, looks to double numbers.
