Ocean Literacy meets Outdoor Education – a blended teaching approach for preschool children
Event Agenda
April 11, 2025
Ocean Literacy Center – San Servolo, Venice, Italy
The morning will be dedicated to the guided tour of the newly opened Ocean Literacy Center, based on the island of San Servolo. In the framework of SEA BEYOND Programme, in partnership with the Prada Group, this center will represent the first of its kind in Italy.
The afternoon will represent a joined moment with kindergartens’ teacher from the region, who will experience in first person some of the activities that are normally carried out in a day at the Kindergarten of the Lagoon. This activity is foreseen to foster and promote similar initiatives in other kindergartens of the region.
Background information
Launched in 2023 as part of the SEA BEYOND educational program, the Kindergarten of the Lagoon project merges Ocean Literacy with Outdoor Education to foster early connections between preschool children and the Venetian Lagoon. Developed by UNESCO – IOC and the Prada Group, the initiative engages over 250 children, 40 educators, and 7 schools from the Venetian municipality, emphasizing experiential learning, place-based education, and biophilia.
Now in its third cycle, the project serves as a model for nature-based early education. To extend its impact, the UNESCO – IOC Ocean Literacy team has developed a toolkit consolidating key methodologies, enabling adaptation to diverse contexts, from urban areas to rural communities, which will be officially published in September.
This event is organized as a preview of this toolkit, promoting international exchange among educators, marine scientists, and environmental psychologists, and part of the Ocean Literacy community, encouraging the integration of outdoor, locally anchored, and nature-conscious learning approaches worldwide. By reconnecting young learners with their environment, the publication will offer a scalable framework for fostering environmental awareness, cultural heritage appreciation, and a more sustainable future.
Important note: the event is organized by UNESCO, who will cover lunches and coffee breaks. Travel and accomodation costs will not be covered.Please note that the event has a limited number of spots. We kindly ask you to apply only if you are certain you can attend.
