Governance
The UNESCO-IOC Ocean Literacy Programme features robust governance to ensure coordinated and effective implementation of Ocean Literacy initiatives worldwide. Two main bodies guide this governance structure, each addressing specific components of the programme to foster comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable ocean stewardship.
Decade Coordination Office
Hosted by the UNESCO-IOC Project Office in Venice, Italy, the Decade Coordination Office (DCO) "Connecting People and Ocean" oversees the implementation of Ocean Decade Challenge 10, which aims to restore society’s relationship with the ocean. Recognizing the ocean’s essential role in addressing global challenges like climate change, food security, public health, and economic sustainability, the DCO seeks to cultivate global understanding and empathy for marine ecosystems.
Its primary responsibilities include coordinating Decade Actions, amplifying awareness about the connections between ocean health and human well-being, and championing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (JEDI) principles within ocean science. The DCO works closely with health, well-being, and community stakeholders to integrate Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) and ensure diverse global representation.
Guided by an 11-member Steering Committee composed of multidisciplinary experts, the office coordinates action plans, resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building initiatives. It also offers strategic guidance in collaboration with the Decade Advisory Board and the Decade Coordination Unit to continuously refine and expand its initiatives.
IOC Group of Experts on Ocean Literacy
The IOC Group of Experts comprises 20 professionals from diverse fields, ensuring balanced geographical and gender representation. Selected through nominations by Member States and partners, these experts provide strategic guidance on defining best practices, developing global and regional Ocean Literacy programmes, and coordinating networks at multiple levels.
The Group oversees the implementation and evolution of the IOC Ocean Literacy Plan of Action and the Framework of Action for the UN Decade of Ocean Science. Its roles include mobilizing financial and in-kind resources, fostering synergies with relevant UNESCO sectors, international organizations, NGOs, academic institutions, and the private sector.
Additionally, the group focuses on developing robust methodologies and tools for assessing the impact of Ocean Literacy initiatives, producing regular reports, and facilitating global dialogue and knowledge exchange to advance Ocean Literacy as a cornerstone of sustainable ocean management.
