Blue Curriculum

The Blue Curriculum is an innovative educational framework integrating ocean literacy into formal school curricula to deepen learners' understanding of the ocean's vital role in sustaining life on Earth. Rooted in UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development and aligned with the UN Ocean Decade (2021–2030), it promotes interdisciplinary learning connecting education, science, and policy.

Its primary goals include enhancing understanding of marine ecosystems and human-ocean interactions, fostering sustainability through informed decision-making, valuing diverse knowledge systems, incorporating ocean literacy beyond scientific disciplines, addressing misconceptions, and supporting national and global sustainability goals.

In 2025, Brazil pioneered the global adoption of a national Blue Curriculum, proving its potential as a scalable educational model.

Implementation involves a whole-school approach promoting holistic understanding and sustainable behavior; flexible and hybrid learning methods; targeted teacher training; and active community engagement.

Educational authorities and policymakers follow crucial steps: assessing curriculum needs, aligning educational priorities, embedding ocean content systematically across disciplines, engaging stakeholders through pilot programs, implementing evaluative feedback methods, and adapting frameworks regionally.

Addressing common barriers such as teacher confidence, geographic relevance, curricular flexibility, and misconceptions, UNESCO-IOC offers support for nations adopting this vital educational initiative globally.

Rooted in UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development and aligned with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), the Blue Curriculum fosters interdisciplinary learning and strengthens connections between education, science, and policy.