Projects

The Blue School Global Network links education and the ocean through hands-on, cross-subject projects, empowering students to become engaged in building a sustainable future.

What is a Blue School?

What is a Blue School?

What is a Blue School?

A Blue School is a school that embeds ocean literacy in a systematic and continuous way throughout all aspects of school life. It goes beyond one-off activities or isolated projects by adopting a long-term educational approach that recognises the ocean as a cross-cutting theme across the curriculum, the wider community and the culture of the school itself.


Ocean literacy extends far beyond scientific knowledge. It includes attitudes, behaviours, participation and active citizenship. In a Blue School, students do not simply learn about the ocean — they learn with it and through it, building a meaningful connection with the natural world and developing a shared sense of responsibility for its protection and future.


As spaces of learning, participation and transformation, Blue Schools empower students to become informed, engaged and proactive citizens who understand the vital role the ocean plays in sustaining life on Earth and who are motivated to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Students taking part in a beach clean-up by the sea

A network across the globe

A network across the globe

A network across the globe

Countries with a National Coordination are highlighted on the map. Select a regional coordination to explore its dedicated page.

The network at a glance

The network at a glance

The network at a glance

1,200+

Blue Schools

1,200+

Blue Schools

4,500+

Teachers

4,500+

Teachers

150,000+

Students

150,000+

Students

35+

Countries

35+

Countries

Schools, teachers, students and countries represented in the Blue School Global Network — updated as the community grows.

Why become a Blue School?

Why become a Blue School?

Why become a Blue School?

Becoming a Blue School means joining a growing global movement that places the ocean at the heart of education. It is an opportunity for schools to connect their students with one of the most vital systems on Earth — and to empower them to help protect it.


Blue Schools benefit from access to a global network of educators, partners and resources. They gain recognition for their commitment to ocean literacy, sustainability and active citizenship. Teachers find new ways to bring cross-curricular learning to life, while students develop not only knowledge but a genuine sense of purpose and agency.


Beyond the classroom, Blue Schools strengthen ties with their local communities, building relationships with organisations, researchers and local stakeholders who share a commitment to the ocean. This community dimension enriches the educational experience and ensures that learning has real-world meaning and impact.


Whether you are starting from scratch or building on existing environmental programmes, becoming a Blue School offers a structured, supported pathway to meaningful, lasting change.

Cross-curricular learning

Teachers bring learning to life across subjects, while students build knowledge, purpose and agency.

Community impact

Stronger ties with local organisations, researchers and stakeholders give learning real-world meaning.

A global network

Access educators, partners and resources from around the world, with recognition for your school’s commitment.

Our partners

Our partners

Our partners

UNESCO IOC

EU4Ocean Coalition

Ocean Literacy Network

Marine Research Institute

National Coordination Bodies

National Coordination Bodies

National Coordination Bodies

Each country in the network is supported by a National Coordination Body. Explore the country pages to meet the coordinators and discover local activities.