Chief Executive Officers (CEO) from various multinational firms participated in the world’s first Underwater CEO Conference held at Grove Beach in Kovalam situated here.
The participants included Hema Menon, the Centre Head of UST Global, Dinesh P. Thambi, Vice President and Delivery Centre Head, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Rony Thomas Zacaria, CEO of Avon Mobility Solution Pvt Ltd, Chennai. Dr. Shyam Kumar, NeoLogix and Rajagopal Iyer, CEO UDS group of Hotels.
Ocean Love
Conducted by Bond Safari, in association with Udaya Samudra Beach Hotel and Spa, this event aimed at drafting a long-term plan and sustainable itinerary to protect the ocean and marine life.
The World’s First Underwater CEO’s Conference is part of the organization’s campaign titled – Ocean Love. According to Jackson Peter, Managing Director, Bond Safari Kovalam, about 13 million tonnes of plastic are being produced per year. Approximately 9 million tones of plastic often discarded into the ocean after it has been used. Based on a study, published in March 2017, 34 percent of the animals in the sea were affected by plastic. “Many are unaware of the fact that the oceans serve as the world’s largest source of protein. These water bodies represent 99 percent of the living space on the planet,” Jackson explained.
“I love the ocean. The blue water, the way it kisses the shore over and over again, is a sight that you cannot get enough of. It should be noted that over three billion people in the world are dependent on the marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihood. Hence, it is up to each one of us to help prevent the ocean from degrading over a period of time,” said Dinesh P. Thambi, Vice President and Delivery Centre Head, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
Vowing to protect the world’s water bodies
The event commenced at 9 am. Each participant had spent approximately 35 minutes under the ocean before heading back to shore for the remaining sessions. “Our participants were trained for a day prior to the event,” added Subin, Chief Dive Instructor at Bond Safari Kovalam.
“As the effects of marine pollution including coral bleaching, ingestion or micro-plastics by fishes etc. are not visible to us, awareness about the ocean is the need for the hours. Our Swachch Bharat initiatives should also focus on keeping our water bodies clean,” said Rajagopal Iyer, CEO of Udaya Samdura Group of Hotels.
Hema Menon also commented that her love for the ocean is everlasting and will pledge to protect the sea.
The programme was also appreciated by Ronny Thomas Zacaria who said that it was a privilege to be part of such an initiative. “I am ready to contribute towards this worthy cause in any way I can,” said Ronny.
The ocean protection club
The team at Bond Safari Kovalam & UDS group of Hotels have decided to educated over a 100 school and college student this year, regarding the various aspects of marine life and the need to preserve the aquatic habitat.
Rajagopal Iyer, CEO of Udaya Samdura Group of Hotels said that efforts are being made towards launching the “Beach and Marine Environment Protection Club” on June 8, 2017. This club would focus on educating citizens about the careful disposal of waste substances as well as take care of the aquatic life. The club would be formed in association with various hotels and resorts established in various parts of southern India. This activity would be monitored and assisted by experts such as Bond Safari Kovalam who’s focused on underwater sea diving and marine studies so as to keep the marine habitat safe from toxic wastes and pollution.
