The Indian Ocean Divers Association (IODA) is a pioneering not-for-profit organisation dedicated to marine conservation and responsible dive tourism, is proud to announce its first Indian Ocean Summit, scheduled to take place at Cinnamon Grand in Colombo on June 7 at marking World Oceans Day in a truly transformative way.

The event is being held in partnership with the Chamber of Marine Industries, Sri Lanka, and is set to become a landmark occasion for the region’s diving and marine tourism industry, a strong signal of national support for the summit’s goals of sustainable marine development and tourism growth.

Bringing together an extraordinary network of divers, ocean advocates, industry leaders, marine scientists, conservationists, and tourism professionals, the IODA Summit aims to promote sustainable business practices, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and advocate for the preservation of the Indian Ocean’s rich marine biodiversity.

With an inclusive and visionary agenda, the Summit will feature high-level panel discussions. expert presentations, and networking opportunities that address a wide spectrum of issues – from marine ecosystem conservation and sustainable tourism models to innovations in diving and underwater film technology and eco-conscious business development.

“We are thrilled to host our first Indian Ocean Summit in Colombo, a city that sits at the heart of the Indian Ocan and represents the potential of the region’s marine economy,” said a spokesperson for IODA. “This is more than a conference – it’s a rallying call for shared responsibility and action across the Indian Ocean nations.”

The Summit is expected to attract stakeholders from across Sri Lanka, Maldives, India and Southeast Asia, with many renowned names from the global diving and ocean conservation community confirmed to participate.

Hosting this high-profile Summit places Sri Lanka at the center of a regional conversation about ocean sustainability and the future of marine tourism. It provides a strategic platform for showcasing Sri Lanka’s world-class diving sites, expanding its presence in the international dive. tourism market and exploring new partnerships in marine conservation and innovation.

The collaboration between IODA and the Chamber of Marine Industries also signals a growing recognition of the marine sector’s role in Sri Lanka’s economic revival, environmental stewardship, and youth employment opportunities.