United Nations Decade

of Ocean Sciencie
for Sustainable Development

WESTERN TROPICAL ATLANTIC REGIONAL WORKSHOP

TALLER DE LA REGIÓN ATLÁNTICO TROPICAL OCCIDENTAL
Virtually hosted by UNAM, Mexico 28 - 29 April 2020

One Planet, One Ocean

 CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES: OCEAN LITERACY
FRANCESCA SANTORO, IOC-UNESCO

What is Ocean Literacy?

• Ocean Literacy (OL) has been historically defined as ‘the understanding of

human influence on the Ocean and the Ocean’s influence on people’. It is not
only about increasing awareness on the state of the Ocean, but it is also about
providing tools and approaches to transform ocean knowledge into actions
that promote Ocean sustainability.
for Sustainable Development

• Ocean Literacy as a concept and approach is radically evolving from being a

United Nations Decade

tool to be applied in formal education and training contexts to a tool and an

approach for society as a whole, aimed at triggering actions towards Ocean
of Ocean Sciencie

sustainability.
• In a broad and comprehensive context, Ocean Literacy can be adapted to local
contexts has been referred to under different names, including ‘Marine
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2030

Education’, ‘Ocean Education’, among others.

WESTERN TROPICAL ATLANTIC REGIONAL WORKSHOP - TALLER DE LA REGIÓN ATLÁNTICO TROPICAL OCCIDENTAL
 OCEAN LITERACY IN THE CONTEXT OF
THE UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE

In the context of the UN Decade of Ocean Science, Ocean Literacy (OL) is

expected to play a key role to advance sustainable production practices, to
develop sound public marine policy, to promote a more responsible citizenry,
and to encourage young people to start a career in the blue economy or in
marine science
for Sustainable Development
United Nations Decade
of Ocean Sciencie

VISION
“Enable and scale up action in all sectors of society regarding Ocean
sustainability, in order to accelerate a fundamental shift in the way our ocean is
2021
2030

managed’.

WESTERN TROPICAL ATLANTIC REGIONAL WORKSHOP - TALLER DE LA REGIÓN ATLÁNTICO TROPICAL OCCIDENTAL
 PRIORITY AREAS

ADVANCING FORMAL
POLICY EDUCATION
for Sustainable Development
United Nations Decade
of Ocean Sciencie

CORPORATE COMMUNITY
ACTION ENGAGEMENT
2021
2030

WESTERN TROPICAL ATLANTIC REGIONAL WORKSHOP - TALLER DE LA REGIÓN ATLÁNTICO TROPICAL OCCIDENTAL
 ADVANCING POLICY
• Policies govern and help shape the operation of formal and non-formal
educational systems globally.
• Although the adoption of overall policies regarding Environmental Education
and Education for Sustainable Development is increasing worldwide, in many
cases there is still a critical need to further strengthen specific Ocean issues
within these agendas, as well as develop further policies to advance Ocean
Literacy.
• Systemic change in terms of Ocean Literacy will require relevant, context-
for Sustainable Development

specific and coherent policies designed by ministries and local governments,

United Nations Decade

supported by cross-sector and multi-stakeholder engagement.

of Ocean Sciencie

Ocean Literacy
integrated in
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2030

education policy

WESTERN TROPICAL ATLANTIC REGIONAL WORKSHOP - TALLER DE LA REGIÓN ATLÁNTICO TROPICAL OCCIDENTAL
 FORMAL EDUCATION

• Formal Education institutions are key to help shape knowledge, attitudes,

behaviors and actions towards Ocean sustainability
• Ocean Literacy, applied through a multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting
approach, can be incorporated into most classroom courses and subjects, thus
supporting Ocean stewardship and regular subject delivery.
• Additionally, by fostering context-specific and hands-on learning, Ocean
Literacy can provide opportunities to enhance critical-thinking, problem-
solving and leadership skills, among other significant educational outcomes.
for Sustainable Development
United Nations Decade
of Ocean Sciencie

Formal educators
receive continous
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training

WESTERN TROPICAL ATLANTIC REGIONAL WORKSHOP - TALLER DE LA REGIÓN ATLÁNTICO TROPICAL OCCIDENTAL
 CORPORATE ACTION

• The corporate sector is a major driver of development and has a critical role in
influencing environmental and socio-economic contexts
• To advance Ocean sustainability, a ‘new approach’ towards Ocean Literacy is
greatly needed within the global corporate sector.
• This approach refers to the fact that businesses should generate ownership
regarding Ocean issues, both in the case of companies operating within the
Blue Economy as well as in companies operating in all other sectors.
for Sustainable Development
United Nations Decade
of Ocean Sciencie

Employees receive
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trainings on OL

WESTERN TROPICAL ATLANTIC REGIONAL WORKSHOP - TALLER DE LA REGIÓN ATLÁNTICO TROPICAL OCCIDENTAL
 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Citizens and communities, both urban and rural, and both coastal and non-
coastal, have a key role to play in Ocean sustainability.
• To advance Ocean Literacy, further opportunities need to be built for
communities and citizens to exchange information, learn and develop
collaborative action to help guide Ocean sustainability.
for Sustainable Development
United Nations Decade

Recognition and
of Ocean Sciencie

incorporation of
traditional
knowledge in OL
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2030

WESTERN TROPICAL ATLANTIC REGIONAL WORKSHOP - TALLER DE LA REGIÓN ATLÁNTICO TROPICAL OCCIDENTAL
 United Nations Decade
of Ocean Sciencie
for Sustainable Development

WESTERN TROPICAL ATLANTIC REGIONAL WORKSHOP

TALLER DE LA REGIÓN ATLÁNTICO TROPICAL OCCIDENTAL
Virtually hosted by UNAM, Mexico 28 - 29 April 2020

One Planet, One Ocean