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Diving in Thailand
After taking his first dive at sixteen years old, Vincent was instantly hooked. He decided to take a gap year after high school and spend it in the waters of South Africa, Mozambique and Southeast Asia. As a divemaster, he swam among great white sharks and giant manta rays. He became a diving instructor to help others discover the wonderful world below the waves. Every day, he would take a group out to a beautiful coral formation in the waters off the coast of Thailand. Until one day, he didn’t recognise it anymore: the coral had been completely destroyed by the use of explosives during fishing.
UN Ocean Decade
Giving oceans a voice is much needed. Overfishing, global warming and plastic pollution are the three biggest factors currently threatening the oceans. The next ten years are crucial to getting these problems under control and giving the oceans a chance to recover. That’s why, the next ten years have been declared the UN Ocean Decade. "We cannot wait any longer. Moving towards solutions is not a luxury, it is a necessity. "
Global Plastic Treaty
The solutions are obvious. We still have the opportunity of changing course. Vincent advocates an approach that combines individual, local and systemic solutions. Take the problem of plastic pollution. Vincent dreams of a global plastic treaty. He is also committed to protecting more natural areas, so that local biodiversity can thrive. He also emphasises the importance of "walking the talk": as an individual, you can also play a major part. "The theme of reuse is one of the most important themes in the plastic crisis. Every time you use a Dopper you are actually connecting with the ocean."
Does Vincent have any advice for others who want to get involved with saving the oceans? "Use your passion to contribute to the solutions for plastic pollution. You don't have to be a marine biologist. You can contribute to a solution from any perspective. Intrinsic motivation is important to keep it up because this is not a sprint - but a marathon."
A voice for the ocean
Vincent has followed his passion. With his newly created project, The Ocean Story, he will spend the next two years photographing iconic endangered species, such as the blue whale, giant manta ray, and the great white shark. With these photos, he wants to tell the story of these animals, combined with solutions to protect them: circular economy, energy transition, and plant-based food. With The Ocean Story, Vincent is on a mission to bring the voice of the ocean to CEOs and policymakers. His dream? That eventually he will no longer have to worry about the oceans.
If you want to support The Ocean Story and help save our oceans, please go to givethechange.nl.
Is this a future you want to be involved in and has this story inspired you? Then take your next step towards sustainability by joining Vincent as part of the Dopper Wave movement against single-use water bottles. You are not a lone drop in an ocean of plastic pollution. You are part of a wave of change. Together we can turn the tide. Together we can save the oceans.