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The ocean is the lifeblood of our planet, producing more than half of the oxygen we breathe, regulating weather and climate, and supporting the water cycle that sustains life on land. It provides food, livelihoods, recreation, and contributes to our mental and physical well-being. Understanding this vital connection is at the heart of Ocean Literacy—the awareness of how the ocean influences us and how our actions impact the ocean. The IOC Sub-Commission for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (IOCARIBE) has established its Ocean Literacy Programme to promote this understanding across Latin America and the Caribbean. Guided by Recommendation XVI.11, the programme works with Member States and stakeholders to foster ocean stewardship, raise awareness, and inspire responsible behavior. Through collaboration with the IOC Ocean Literacy Group of Experts and the Ocean Literacy Task Team, IOCARIBE aims to build a more informed and engaged society, committed to the protection and sustainable use of our shared ocean.
Ocean literacy task team
The Ocean Literacy Task Team (OL-TT) is established under the auspices of the Capacity Development Working Group (CD-WG), to drive the advancement of ocean literacy initiatives across the Caribbean, aligning with the global Ocean Decade goals and the principles outlined in the Venice Declaration for Ocean Literacy in Action. The OLTT will oversee the coordination, guidance, and implementation of key programs aimed at promoting ocean literacy across diverse sectors, particularly focusing on indigenous communities, schools, tourism, and fisheries in the short-term. The initiative will leverage UNESCO sites as living laboratories to enhance educational approaches and foster sustainable development. The primary objective of the Ocean Literacy Task Team is to oversee and coordinate all activities related to ocean literacy in the Caribbean.
Blue schools program
The Blue Schools Programme is a dedicated initiative of IOCARIBE-UNESCO that supports the advancement of Ocean Literacy through education, aligned with regional priorities and marine conservation goals. The programme seeks to create strong, lasting connections between schools and the marine environment, while enhancing collaboration among Caribbean nations. By participating in National Blue Schools Programmes, countries adopt a structured and inclusive approach to integrating ocean awareness into formal education systems. Supported by IOCARIBE, these programmes empower teachers, students, and communities through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning focused on ocean health, climate change, and sustainable development. The initiative contributes to capacity building, boosts community engagement, and strengthens national efforts to foster ocean-literate societies, in line with the objectives of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Blue schools program (Outreach note)
Blue School Coordinators – Countries
Countries: Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Grenada, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela, Aruba
Newsletter
We're excited to share the Blue Schools CARIBE Newsletter with you!
This monthly update helps keep our community connected and informed with the latest news, events, opportunities, and resources supporting Ocean Literacy across the Caribbean.
Follow the link or scan the QR code on the flyer to subscribe and stay engaged!
Open call for partners
Open Call for Caribbean Blue Schools Partners
Are you part of an organization, initiative, or working independently in ocean literacy? The Caribbean Blue Schools Network invites you to join an exchange session with regional coordinators.
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Share your work with coordinators across the Caribbean
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Explore opportunities to become a partner of the Caribbean Blue Schools Network
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Connect with key stakeholders in the region and beyond
📩 Interested in participating? Send your expression of interest to: p.diaz@unesco.org
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