Twentieth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

This research explores the sustainability performance of recreational scuba diving, focusing on the potential for promoting sustainable practices within recreational scuba-diving sector. By promoting sustainable practices in the scuba diving sector in Redsea area, this study highlights the significance of sustainability in an unconventional context. The aim of this research is to design an ecolabel that guides both recreational divers’ behavior and scuba-diving operational practices in Redsea region. The research employs a two-phase approach. In the first phase, a panel of experts including academics, practitioners, and policy makers develop sustainability criteria through semi-structured interviews. In the second phase, a quantitative questionnaire is distributed to recreational scuba divers in Redsea region to further explore the consumer’s side. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is used followed by structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the influence of the ecolabel on divers’ behavior and the overall sustainability of the sector. This research contributes to the field by proposing an ecolabel as a solution to promote sustainable practices in recreational scuba diving. By providing a framework for scuba diving operators to showcase their sustainable practices and influencing divers’ behavior, the ecolabel aims to reduce negative environmental, social, and economic impacts, while improving positive outcomes. The findings of this research have potential implications for policy development in the scuba diving sector. The proposed ecolabel serves as a tool for scuba diving operators to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.