The Foundation for Heritage Preservation & Legacy Creation initiative integrates Indigenous knowledge, environmental education, and creative storytelling to strengthen ocean literacy across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. Through the Heritage Learning Resource Centre and Phoenix Paws & Claws Rescue & Sanctuary TT, e a living classroom is provided where children, youth, families, and educators learn about ocean ecosystems, coral reefs, endangered marine species, pollution, climate change, and the river-to-sea connection.

Arctic Plastic is a photographic exhibition and talks authored by Maurizio Milesi, independent documentary photographer working on environmental and human–nature relationships. It is developed with direct field access with the NGO In The Same Boat, whose operations cleaning marine litter along remote Arctic coastlines form the foundation of the work. It documents the presence of plastic pollution in the Arctic, a region often perceived as pristine but increasingly affected by waste. Rather than focusing on pollution as an abstract issue, the project centers on the human dimension of response. Through exhibitions and talks, the project explores responsibility, perseverance, and care for the ocean, making visible both the scale of the problem and the limits of current systems. Endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade it promotes ocean literacy by raising awareness of marine pollution, recognizing community-led ocean action, and strengthening the human connection to the ocean through storytelling, education, and public engagement.

Oman Sail’s initiative, led by Debbie Richardson, champions ocean literacy through its SeaOman brand and upcoming “Precious Plastic Muscat” educational hub, launching during Oman Climate Week in February 2025. With a workforce 96% Omani, Oman Sail empowers its sailors and divers as marine ambassadors, integrating environmental stewardship into daily water-based activities. The new hub will provide hands-on recycling experiences for school groups and the public, linking personal behavior to marine health while showcasing the impact of plastic pollution on iconic species like sea turtles and whale sharks. In partnership with SME Recycling Services LLC and aligned with the UN Ocean Decade, the hub blends emotional engagement—through the "Letters to the Sea" campaign—with practical education. The initiative promotes inclusivity via accessible facilities and programs for people with disabilities and underrepresented communities. It also highlights Oman’s maritime heritage, reinforcing cultural connections while fostering innovation and sustainable practices in ocean conservation and community engagement.

Ocean Rights recognizes the Ocean as a living entity with inherent rights and intrinsic value. Rooted in ethics—principles determining right and wrong—this concept challenges outdated anthropocentric views that see the Ocean solely as property or a resource for human use. Inspired by Indigenous and Oceanic communities, Ocean Rights redefines the Ocean as an autonomous, dynamic, self-regulating being, shifting the narrative from exploitation to interconnectedness and care. Just as human rights evolved from viewing individuals as property to recognizing their autonomy, Ocean Rights proposes an ecological ethic emphasizing humanity’s interdependence with the Ocean. The United Nations highlights that maintaining human well-being depends on changing how we perceive and manage the Ocean. Implementing Ocean Rights involves integrating legal, policy, governance, economic, educational, scientific, and community-based approaches. Ultimately, Ocean Rights aims to transform the human-Ocean relationship from separation and exploitation to one of mutual respect, responsibility, and stewardship.

Jentrix Chochy’s initiative, based in Nairobi, Kenya, integrates gendered Traditional Knowledge Systems (TKS) from the Kenyan coast to advance ocean literacy, conservation, and inclusive governance. By documenting and analyzing practices such as traditional navigation, sustainable fishing, and marine stewardship, the project demonstrates how TKS contribute to the ecological and cultural resilience of communities like those in the Lamu Archipelago. Emphasizing the roles of both men and women in these systems, the initiative promotes gender equity while preserving marine cultural heritage. Through participatory research methods and community engagement, the project fosters local ownership and collaboration in policymaking, contributing to inclusive and sustainable marine governance. Educational outputs include culturally relevant materials and case studies that blend scientific and traditional knowledge. By advocating for the recognition of TKS in formal marine management, this work enhances equity, sustainability, and heritage preservation, offering a model for culturally grounded ocean literacy and conservation.

Cultura Oceánica en 360°, based in Valparaíso, Chile, is an immersive science communication initiative that promotes ocean literacy through cutting-edge technologies such as 360° video projections and virtual reality. By blending scientific knowledge with cultural heritage, the project emphasizes the ocean’s vital role in climate regulation, biodiversity, and sustaining life. Rooted in the Venice Declaration, it fosters inclusive, community-based stewardship. Workshops, school outreach, and forums engage students, educators, and local stakeholders in participatory learning, while co-developing nature-based solutions to ocean challenges like plastic pollution and climate change. The initiative produces multilingual and accessible educational content, including VR experiences adapted for individuals with disabilities. It also safeguards marine cultural heritage through storytelling and partnerships with artists, Indigenous groups, and historians. By integrating immersive storytelling with community engagement and equity, Cultura Oceánica en 360° builds emotional and intellectual connections to the ocean, empowering diverse audiences to take action in ocean conservation and governance.

Hotlane Organization empowers university students in South Africa through experiential learning that combines marine education with environmental action. Focused particularly on marine science students, the initiative organizes beach clean-up excursions that double as hands-on educational experiences, fostering a direct connection between participants and the ocean. By integrating physical activities such as sports and group recreation, the program enhances inclusivity, team cohesion, and the psychological well-being of participants while reinforcing environmental stewardship. Hotlane collaborates with partners like The Ocean Expert, Sustainable Seas Trust, and the UN Ocean Decade to provide high-quality educational resources and amplify its impact. The organization actively visits institutions to raise awareness about ocean sustainability and encourages youth to shape the future they want to inhabit. With an open-door approach that welcomes all students, Hotlane bridges social divides and cultivates a generation of environmentally conscious leaders through action-oriented, community-driven ocean literacy.

The Ocean Song Project is an international nonprofit music and storytelling initiative that promotes ocean literacy through creative expression, community building, and emotional connection. Artists and ocean knowledge sharers collaborate to create original ocean-inspired music—ranging from instrumentals to metaphorical and message-driven songs that explore human relationships with the ocean, along with its vital role in supporting all life on Earth. While the project centers on music, it also welcomes other mediums, in any language or style. Learning is supported through educational posts, virtual and in-person sessions, and an open-to-all creative community space hosted on Discord. Mutual-aid-based creative support is offered to help reduce access barriers. All proceeds from the music releases on Bandcamp are pledged to ocean restoration initiatives, with the inaugural collection supporting mangrove planting in Marereni, Kenya, through partnerships with SeaTrees and COBEC.

Meridian Agency is a women-led, impact-driven communications agency that empowers ocean advocates—researchers, activists, entrepreneurs—to scale their influence through innovative, culturally relevant storytelling. Founded onboard a sailboat, Meridian has created dozens of bespoke ocean literacy initiatives over five years, from school programs in Mallorca to Indigenous youth advocacy at the World Economic Forum. With a belief in the power of context, creativity, and scalability, Meridian blends digital media, documentary, and grassroots engagement to make ocean science accessible and actionable. The agency supports policy engagement and civic participation by connecting communities with decision-makers, and its in-house communication framework has been taught at top universities and international events. Deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Meridian works globally—often pro bono—with underrepresented communities, promoting multilingual and accessible ocean content. Through campaigns, toolkits, and storytelling, Meridian celebrates marine heritage, supports innovation, and advances ocean stewardship, helping build a more inclusive and sustainable future for the blue planet.

Bluer Africa is a grassroots initiative in Nigeria dedicated to strengthening coastal resilience and promoting ocean literacy through community-driven education and advocacy. Focused on the country’s eight coastal states—home to over 58 million people—the project addresses climate change impacts such as erosion, flooding, and pollution by combining indigenous knowledge with tailored educational tools. Bluer Africa delivers locally adapted workshops and produces documentaries in regional dialects that highlight the links between marine health, food security, and community well-being. The initiative fosters participatory governance by facilitating post-screening discussions and collaborating with authorities like NIMASA and NIOMR to ensure local voices, particularly those of women and youth, shape ocean policy. It also promotes sustainability through community-led mangrove restoration, eco-friendly fishing, and curriculum development in schools. By documenting traditional marine practices and customs, Bluer Africa safeguards cultural heritage while empowering communities with the tools to protect their environments and advocate for inclusive, sustainable ocean stewardship.

WiseWater workshops use innovative water activities as a powerful medium to promote ocean literacy, environmental awareness, and personal well-being. Designed for students and community groups, WiseWater workshops offer fun, hands-on activities that inspire a deeper understanding of the vital role water plays in our lives and how water is the foundation of sustainability. Participants gain a deeper understanding of why it's crucial to protect the ocean, rivers, and all aquatic environments, while also discovering the mental and physical benefits of connecting with blue spaces. WiseWater Workshops provide practical tools for self-care and meaningful connections with water and the world around us. Through these engaging workshops, participants are encouraged to see water in a new perspective. WiseWater’s two mottos: “Every drop counts” and “Together we can make waves” empower individuals to become active citizens, ready to play their part in protecting and preserving our precious water environments.

The Young Environmentalists Programme, based in Mumbai, promotes ocean literacy and climate awareness through a powerful blend of education, advocacy, and policy engagement. The organization collaborates with schools and communities, offering interactive, hands-on learning experiences that connect young people with the ocean and its vital ecosystems. From curriculum design to the launch of their Ocean Literacy Book for Students, the initiative equips learners and educators with knowledge and tools to foster marine stewardship. It also advocates for integrating ocean literacy into national education policies, amplifying its impact across India. Through citizen science, creative problem-solving, and inclusion of traditional knowledge, the program promotes sustainability, innovation, and equitable access to marine education. Special emphasis is placed on diversity, multilingual outreach, and the empowerment of marginalized communities, youth, and women. By safeguarding marine cultural heritage and fostering intergenerational pride, the initiative helps shape a future of informed, inclusive, and action-oriented ocean governance.

HATCH the Caribbean Sea Experience is an immersive ocean literacy initiative that transforms marine science into a living, story-driven adventure for children, families, and communities. Rooted in the Caribbean and built in collaboration with regional marine scientists, HATCH brings learners inside the journey of a leatherback turtle, connecting local ecosystems to global ocean systems. Through interactive exhibitions, school programmes, and digital experiences, participants move from observers to active “Eco Heroes,” engaging with real-world challenges such as plastic pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. The initiative combines storytelling, play, and technology to make complex environmental issues accessible, culturally relevant, and emotionally resonant. HATCH promotes ocean literacy by fostering both knowledge and empathy. It encourages learners to understand the ocean’s importance to life, recognise human impact, and take action within their own communities. By blending culture, science, and immersive design, HATCH offers a scalable model for inclusive, community-driven ocean education in the Global South and beyond.

Casa San Miguel Foundation is a dynamic cultural and environmental institution based in Zambales, Philippines, that fosters community development through the intersection of art, ecology, and heritage. Its Environmental Cluster brings together artists, ecologists, and local visionaries to explore and celebrate the region’s landscapes and seascapes through sustainable and immersive creative practices. From bamboo sculptures and eco-friendly art workshops to pop-up galleries by the sea, the Foundation’s projects highlight the interconnectedness of people, place, and nature. Integrating themes from its Residency, Music, and Livelihood Clusters, Casa San Miguel emphasizes the role of creativity in conservation and community identity. Targeting coastal communities—including fishers, women, children, and Indigenous groups—the Foundation produces exhibitions, films, books, and community art, while also engaging local government to support policy implementation. With ocean literacy still nascent in the region, Casa San Miguel is creating platforms for dialogue, participation, and renewed pride in the area’s maritime heritage.

The Blue Dream Project is an ocean literacy and environmental education initiative founded by filmmaker and drone pilot Francesca, whose work has focused on social and environmental issues for over seven years. Through compelling storytelling, immersive film, and globally exhibited photography—including at events like COP Dubai and Cannes—the project raises awareness about the ocean's essential role in sustaining life. Blue Dream promotes ocean literacy through educational outreach, interactive exhibitions, film workshops, and conservation events like beach clean-ups, engaging audiences from coastal communities to policymakers. By highlighting the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and human activity, the initiative inspires sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Blue Dream also partners with institutions, NGOs, and research centers to amplify its impact, offering accessible, creative tools to foster a deeper public appreciation for the ocean. The project’s ongoing work empowers diverse communities—especially students and educators—to engage meaningfully with ocean issues and contribute to a more sustainable future.

EcoMarine Malta is a sustainability-driven organisation that integrates marine tourism, education, and scientific research to advance ocean literacy and conservation in Malta. Founded by a marine biologist, it creates meaningful opportunities for the public to connect with the sea while contributing to its protection. Through guided marine life tours and citizen-science experiences, participants learn about bottlenose dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and marine ecosystems using professional research tools such as photo-identification and acoustic monitoring. Beyond tours, EcoMarine organises educational workshops in schools, public outreach events, and corporate training sessions that promote responsible practices and raise awareness of Mediterranean biodiversity. Inclusivity is at the heart of its mission, with projects such as MUFFIN, which develops marine sign language resources for the Deaf community. By collaborating with national authorities, international partners, and Erasmus+ networks, EcoMarine links science, education, and policy—offering a model of sustainable, inclusive marine stewardship for Malta and beyond.

Academia del Océano addresses ocean illiteracy in Latin America through accessible, innovative and inclusive education on marine conservation and sustainability, offering workshops, webinars and courses in Spanish. Using advanced digital tools and generative artificial intelligence, it develops engaging educational materials that make complex topics understandable and applicable. With over 2,500 people educated and partnerships with global organisations such as IOC-UNESCO and the Sustainable Ocean Alliance, our programmes educate communities about the ocean's crucial role in regulating climate and sustaining biodiversity. Hands-on initiatives, such as those in San Jacinto, Ecuador, promote sustainable practices for the protection of coastal resources and marine wildlife, helping to create a collective commitment to ocean protection and global sustainability.

The Resilient Oceans Initiative, led by Mélinda Martins and based in Portugal, promotes ocean literacy by blending scientific research on ocean-climate interactions with inclusive, community-based outreach. Through partnerships with schools and local organizations, the initiative makes ocean science—especially marine geology—accessible to a wider audience, highlighting the ocean’s role in regulating climate, shaping ecosystems, and sustaining life. The project actively involves coastal and vulnerable communities, including non-state islands, in its educational efforts, ensuring that diverse voices are represented in discussions around sustainable ocean governance. Bilingual resources and subtitled media ensure inclusivity and reach. By encouraging citizen engagement, Resilient Oceans empowers individuals to contribute to local decision-making and ocean stewardship. The initiative also preserves marine cultural heritage by connecting traditional knowledge with environmental education. Through innovative communication and a strong equity focus, Resilient Oceans builds climate awareness, advances sustainability, and inspires long-term care for the ocean across generations and communities.