Embedding ocean literacy in schools and universities worldwide to build a generation of ocean stewards.
The most enduring pathway to ocean stewardship is education. The GMAA's curriculum must be embedded in schools and universities worldwide, ensuring that every future leader understands that ocean health is central to planetary survival. This requires more than awareness; it demands deep ocean literacy that empowers students to value, protect, and advocate for the ocean throughout their lives.
Brazil provides a powerful model for this integration. In April 2025, Brazil became the first country recognized by UNESCO to officially commit to incorporating ocean literacy into its national school curriculum. The "Blue Curriculum" will be implemented in schools nationwide with adaptations to regional and local contexts, establishing a global benchmark in environmental, scientific, and civic education.
This pioneering action responds to the recommendation of the Director-General of UNESCO for all Member States to begin incorporating Ocean Literacy into school curricula by 2025.
A systematic review of ocean literacy in formal education reveals disparities in integration:
Teacher training is essential—educators themselves need to be ocean-literate to effectively teach the next generation. Brazil's initiative includes specialized teacher training programs, with an unprecedented initiative by CAPES/MEC providing specialized training in Ocean Literacy for Sustainable Development reaching more than 1,000 Brazilian teachers, conducted by a national network of seven federal universities.
The GMAA can integrate its educational materials across multiple disciplines. By embedding ocean literacy at all levels—from primary schools to universities, across all fields of study—the GMAA ensures that the next generation of policymakers, business leaders, scientists, and citizens possesses the knowledge and values needed to protect our shared ocean.
Through Brazil's CAPES/MEC initiative with 7 federal universities
By embedding ocean literacy at all levels of education, we ensure that the next generation of leaders possesses the knowledge and values needed to protect our shared ocean.