E-Book Chapter | The Global Evolution of Ocean Literacy

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Large sawfish, also known as carpenter shark, and other fishes swimming in a large aquarium

As educators, our challenge is to provide tools, resources, and multiple opportunities for people of all ages and socio-demographics to learn about the ocean and how we are inextricably interconnected with it. Education plays a critical role in empowering people not only with knowledge about the ocean and marine science but also with the agency to take action, whether at small or large scale.

This chapter explores ocean literacy and analyzes challenges and opportunities for engaging global citizens in an expanding ocean literacy campaign.

Chapter Authors: Catherine Halversen, University of California, Berkeley; Sarah Schoedinger, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Susan Haynes, Groundswell/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Diana Payne, University of Connecticut; Géraldine Fauville, University of Gothenburg

Featured Case Studies:

Latin American Marine Educators Network: A Step Forward to Connect Marine Educators in Latin America and the Caribbean: This case study highlights the development of an integrative and multicultural network to support and strengthen marine education and ocean literacy, the Latin American Marine Educators Network (Red de Educación Latinoamericana para el Océano).

BLAKE New Zealand Virtual Reality: Using Virtual Reality to Educate about New Zealand's Marine Environment: BLAKE NZ-VR connects young people to the marine environment through a school roadshow using virtual reality (VR) headsets and 360-degree underwater videos. The experience shows students what exists beneath the surface of our oceans and teaches them about the significant challenges our marine environment faces.

This chapter is part of the GEEP case study e-book, Environmental Education in Action: Learning from Case Studies Around the World, which introduces case studies as a valuable learning tool and dives into key topics in environmental education.

Explore the full E-Book