21 years after the concept of Ocean Literacy was coined [1] alongside an educational framework by US scientist to encourage the inclusion of ocean science into curricula, Brazil has ‘beaten’ the US to it.
With the support of UNESCO, Brazil will integrate Ocean Literacy into the national curriculum [2].
In my world, that’s brilliant!
For those of you new to the jargon, the UNESCO definition of Ocean Literacy is:
“Ocean Literacy promotes an integrated vision of the ocean, recognizing it as a climate regulator, an essential source of life, and a driver of sustainable solutions for ending poverty and promoting health, culture, economy, technological innovation, and environmental justice.” [2]
The good thing is, we all can enhance our own Ocean Literacy, quite informally!
Whether we go snorkeling, clean a beach, surf, sail, search for mermaid’s purses, participate in a coastal bioblitz, or have a lazy day on a beach, we can see and learn something, while loving the experience.
I hope the young Brazilians exposed to the new Blue Curriculum get to spend time near, in, on and/or under the ocean and other blue spaces, experience the wonders of marine wildlife and fall in love with it. Because it takes more than knowledge and awareness to change attitudes and behaviour, the development of a Marine Identity shapes Marine Citizenship and Ocean Stewardship.
I also hope other countries follow suit.
References
[1] McKinley E, Burdon D, Shellock RJ. 2023. The evolution of ocean literacy: A new framework for the United Nations Ocean Decade and beyond. Marine Pollution Bulletin 186, 114467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114467
[2] UNESCO. 10/04/2025. Brazil becomes the first country in the world to develop a national school curriculum on Ocean Literacy with UNESCO’s support. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/brazil-becomes-first-country-world-develop-national-school-curriculum-ocean-literacy-unescos-support
Challenging Habitat 