A Visionary Quest to Save the Oceans

Business success is about measuring profit margins, market dominance, and expansion rate. Many companies operate with little regard for the environmental impact of their actions and prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. While some exploit natural resources and others contribute to pollution, financial pursuits often lead to significant environmental consequences. 

Even in sectors where sustainability is a concern, it is treated as an afterthought, a mere public relations strategy rather than a genuine commitment to protecting the environment. The harsh reality is that most businesses, knowingly or unknowingly, contribute to environmental degradation.

Defying Conventional Business Norms

Yet, in this landscape of unchecked consumption and ecological harm, a handful of individuals stand apart and defy conventional business norms, proving that success does not have to come at the cost of the planet. Some achieve this indirectly by implementing eco-friendly initiatives within their operations, reducing waste, or supporting conservation efforts. 

Others take it a step further, making sustainability the foundation of their business model. Rather than being forces of destruction, they become forces of creation and leverage innovation to restore and protect the natural world. One such individual, Bassel Ounah, has emerged as a leader in technological advancement and marine conservation, proving that business and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Bassel Ounah: A Leader in Marine Conservation

Bassel Ounah is a UK-based innovator, entrepreneur, and freediving expert recognized for his work in underwater VR technology. As the founder and CEO of Neptune’s Submerge, Bassel Ounah leads the development of advanced VR/AR technology to create immersive underwater experiences while supporting marine conservation. 

This technology enables learners to experience real-life ocean conditions while providing feedback and performance debriefing. He is the managing director of Apnea Zone (Dubai), which promotes freediving, spearfishing, and underwater adventures. He has earned a Sheikh Zayed Award for Sustainability (2024) nomination, multiple international diving certifications, and prestigious awards, such as the Entrepreneur Award from the UAE Minister of Emiratisation.

Early Life and Passion for the Ocean

Bassel was born in Latakia on 17 June 1981 to Farouk Ounah and Wafaa Daaboul. His love for the ocean began in childhood. Growing up on the coast, his uncle introduced him to his future passion for diving. Since then, it seems he has taken it upon himself to keep the world’s oceans clean and safe for people and wildlife. 

Bassel studied Business Management at Manchester Metropolitan University and believes underwater activities can heal mental health and well-being. He brings these activities to the masses with Neptune’s Submerge. He is also a regular contributor to “Divers for the Environment” and is funded by the government of the UK.

Founding Neptune’s Submerge

Bassel’s company, Neptune’s Submerge, was founded in London on 5 July 2022 and has achieved numerous milestones since its inception. The company participated in the “Drops in the Oceans” campaign across the UK, reinforcing the significance of preserving coral reefs. It has partnered with the University of Salford, the Manchester Metropolitan University, and Lancaster University, as well as industry players like AVimmerse and Metaverse Learning. 

Neptune’s Submerge participated in events like The Manchester Metropolitan University’s annual Sustainability Festival. The company has researched with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to advance freediving safety and performance.

Achievements and Collaborations

Bassel has brought his organization to the heights of success using his diversity of skills and certifications. He holds certifications as a lifeguard from the International Lifeguard Training Program, an international powerboat captain from International Yacht Training, a PADI EFR instructor trainer from Emergency First Response, an ISA Spearfishing Instructor (International Spearfishing Academy), and an SSI freediving instructor from Scuba Schools International. 

He is also a certified PADI Freediver Instructor Trainer (September 2019), AIDA Freediving Judge (April 2020), AIDA Freediving Instructor (April 2022), and a Specialty Instructor Trainer as a PADI Mermaid Trainer (June 2022).

Expertise and Certifications

He is skilled in free diving, rescue diving, and spearfishing and has a background in organizing and participating in mermaid shows. He is proficient in emergency first response and equipment handling and demonstrates excellent physical fitness, stamina, and strong communication skills. Bassel has also been an executive board member of the Conservative Party Manchester and has been nominated for multiple awards, winning some of them. He has even managed to land in The Emirate Times for his underwater activities.

The Future of Ocean Preservation

Bassel Ounah continues to push the boundaries of innovation in underwater exploration and conservation, but one question remains: Will his efforts help secure the future of the world’s oceans? Through Neptune’s Submerge, he has merged cutting-edge VR/AR technology with a deep passion for marine life, striving to bring awareness and action to the cause of ocean preservation. 

His dedication to freediving, education, and sustainability has earned him recognition on a global scale, but the true impact of his work will be measured in the years to come. As climate change and human activity threaten marine ecosystems, will technology and advocacy be enough to turn the tide? Only time will tell if Ounah’s vision will help shape a future where the wonders of the deep remain protected for generations to come.