In April 2024, the world’s leading Ocean Literacy advocates gathered at the World Trade Center in Barcelona for the 5th edition of the Ocean Literacy Dialogues, coinciding with the UN Ocean Decade Conference.
The dialogues kicked off with focus on Blue Education, stressing the pivotal role of Blue Schools and the Blue Curriculum in fostering connections with the ocean among the youth. Educational sessions emphasized the need for a Blue Curriculum that would encompass not just academic learning but also emotional engagement with marine environments, and a more holistic approach.
The Global Blue Schools Network was presented to the participants and the occasion supported a first meeting with all established national coordinators
The discussions emphasized the need for a standardized yet flexible approach to embedding Ocean Literacy in school systems worldwide. This idea was bolstered by inputs from various international representatives, including the Angolan Minister for Marine Resources, Carmen dos Santos, who is in contact with the Angola Blue Schools and underscored the importance of collaboration across borders to ensure the efficacy and sustainability of ocean education. Ms. Kogie Govender of the South African Environmental Observation Network stressed the importance of field trips and practical activities to familiarize learners with the importance of Ocean Literacy, going beyond the classroom.
On the innovation front, the dialogues explored how Ocean Literacy could be transformed into ocean fluency, where communities are not merely literate but fluent in the language of the seas—a language informed by cultural, historical, and ecological insights. Experts like Dylan McGarry from One Ocean Hub highlighted the need for a paradigm shift from traditional literacy to a more immersive, culturally resonant fluency that empowers indigenous and local coastal communities.
Innovative practices in Ocean Literacy were also discussed, with a focus on integrating arts and storytelling to make ocean science more relatable and engaging. This approach seeks to break down the barriers of conventional science communication, creating a more inclusive, empathetic, and effective discourse around ocean science and ocean conservation.
A significant addition to this year’s Ocean Literacy Dialogues was another UN Ocean Decade Conference satellite event; a symposium dedicated to “Exploring the Nexus of Strategic Ocean Communications and Ocean Literacy”. This event explored how strategic communication and Ocean Literacy enhance public engagement and action for ocean conservation. One keynote speaker, the UNESCO Champion for the Ocean and Youth and big wave surfer Maya Gabeira, discussed the importance of leveraging new and traditional media outlets to bolster Ocean Literacy.
The symposium also underscored the importance of evidence-based communication strategies and highlighted the Ocean and Society Survey as a crucial tool for gauging public perception. Through engaging dialogues, participants identified best practices and called for a unified approach to Ocean Literacy that incorporates the “JEDI” principles: Justice, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Beyond the symposium, and within the Ocean Literacy Dialogues themselves, there was a significant portion of the event dedicated to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into Ocean Literacy discourse and practice. Through various case studies, participants examined how inclusivity in Ocean Literacy could be enhanced. For instance, the Thalassophile Project, led by Rada Pandeva in the UK, showcased methods to make Ocean Literacy accessible to people with disabilities, stressing the need for multisensory educational materials that cater to diverse learning needs.
Discussions also highlighted the intersection of marine conservation with social justice, emphasizing that true Ocean Literacy encompasses understanding and addressing the human rights of those who depend on marine resources. This broader view encourages a more comprehensive approach to Ocean Literacy, one that takes the socio-economic realities of diverse communities into account.
The need for strong international partnerships was a recurring theme. Whether through the sharing of best practices across the Global Blue Schools Network or through collaborative projects that integrate Ocean Literacy with arts and digital technologies, the dialogues underscored the importance of collective efforts in advancing Ocean Literacy globally.
Looking ahead, the conference set the stage for future initiatives aimed at expanding the reach and depth of Ocean Literacy. These include enhancing digital platforms for resources, establishing more inclusive educational practices, and fostering financial strategies that support sustainable Ocean Literacy projects worldwide.
The Ocean Literacy Dialogues in Barcelona marked a significant advancement for the global Ocean Literacy community and its agenda. By weaving together themes of education, innovation, inclusivity, and international cooperation, the dialogues painted a vision of an interconnected and empathetic global community united by a shared commitment to the oceans. As these insights and initiatives move forward, they promise to shape a more ocean-literate world, equipped to face the ecological challenges of our time.