Blue School Global Network
How to become a Blue School
The first step is to find out whether there is already an established national coordination in your country, and to connect with your national coordinator. They are best placed to support you through the process and will be responsible for issuing your Blue School certificate.
If there is no national coordination body in your country, do not let that stop you. The Blue School Global Network welcomes schools from all over the world and is actively expanding. In the absence of a national coordinator, schools can contact the global governance board directly to explore how to begin their Blue School journey and, where interest is sufficient, discuss the possibility of establishing a national programme.
Reach out to us at oceanliteracy@unesco.org or at b.reduto-leal@unesco.org
The 5 Criteria for Becoming a Blue School
Explore a meaningful ocean-related issue
Focus on a significant and relevant maritime topic that resonates with your students and local community.
Inspire students to become active citizens
Empower students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts, enhancing their civic engagement.
Use an interdisciplinary approach
Incorporate multiple subjects — such as science, arts and social studies — to provide a holistic understanding of ocean issues.
Engage the local community
Build partnerships with local organisations and stakeholders to deepen the educational experience and strengthen community ties.
Involve students from different classes and age groups
Encourage participation across year groups to foster a broader, inclusive educational impact.
Route 1
Design Your Own Project
Everyone is connected to the ocean. Find the topic that resonates most with your students and community, and build from there.
1
Find your topic
Explore ocean-related issues relevant to your students and local environment. Look for themes that cross subject boundaries and inspire curiosity.
2
Design your project
Develop a meaningful, interdisciplinary ocean-related project that aligns with the five Blue School criteria. Consider how students can take real action, not just learn about the issue.
Develop a Thematic Project: Design an ocean-related project that responds to a real local issue, challenge or opportunity connected to the ocean, waterways or human–ocean relationships. The most impactful projects are rooted in the local community, build on students’ questions and interests, and involve collaboration with stakeholders to explore solutions and take meaningful action. The project should align with the principles and criteria of the Blue School Network and promote learning, participation and positive change.
3
Connect with your national coordinator
Reach out to your national coordination body for guidance, feedback and to begin the application process.
4
Submit your application
Complete and submit an application form to your national coordination body. Where no national coordination body exists, contact the global governance board directly.
5
Receive your assessment
Projects that meet the established criteria receive Blue School certification. Schools whose projects do not yet meet the criteria receive constructive feedback to strengthen their proposals.
6
Celebrate and share
Certified schools communicate their achievement within their community and connect with the wider global network of Blue Schools.
Certifications typically last one to two years, with renewal opportunities supported by the network.
Route 2
Implement a Lighthouse Project
Not sure where to start? As an alternative to designing your own project from scratch, you can bring a ready-made Lighthouse Project to your school as your first step towards becoming a Blue School.
Lighthouse Projects are carefully selected, proven initiatives that provide schools with a complete framework, including goals, activities, resources and guidance, designed to be adapted and implemented in diverse educational contexts. They offer a structured, supported entry point for schools new to ocean literacy, while still meeting all the Blue School criteria.
Browse the Lighthouse Projects catalogue to find one that suits your school's context, age group and interests. Each project comes with a dedicated implementation guide.
1
Browse the catalogue
Explore available Lighthouse Projects and find one suited to your school's context, age range and interests.
2
Connect with your national coordinator
Let them know you plan to implement a Lighthouse Project and ask for their support.
3
Prepare your school
Follow the project's implementation guide. Gather the required materials, complete any teacher preparation, and engage your school community.
4
Implement the project
Carry out the activities with your students, documenting your process and outcomes as you go.
5
Submit your application
Apply for Blue School certification through your national coordinator, providing evidence of your implementation.
6
Celebrate and share
Join the network and share your story with the global Blue School community.
