EU4Ocean Coalition

The EU4Ocean Coalition is a project coordinated and supported by the European Commission – DG MARE. Started in 2020, it brings together people, organizations, and initiatives across Europe to strengthen Ocean Literacy and foster a greater understanding of the ocean and its importance to our lives and societies. 

The Coalition connects and supports three complementary communities: 

• Youth4Ocean Forum, bringing together young people and early-career professionals as advocates for the ocean; 

• Network of European Blue Schools, connecting schools and educators around innovative approaches to Ocean Literacy; and 

• Partners4Ocean, bringing together organizations, blue economy actors and civil society to connect, collaborate, and mobilize action on Ocean Literacy. 

Together, these three communities contribute to a more connected European Ocean Literacy community, where knowledge, experience, and good practices can be shared and transformed into collaborative action. 

UNESCO's contribution to the EU4Ocean Coalition 

UNESCO’s collaboration with the European Commission – DG MARE within the EU4Ocean Coalition is active since the inception of the project. Through its Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, UNESCO contributes to the development and expansion of the Coalition by strengthening capacities, facilitating connections, promoting knowledge exchange, and amplifying the work of its three communities. 

Youth4Ocean Forum 

Empowering the next generation of ocean advocates 

The Youth4Ocean Forum provides a space for young people and Early-Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) to connect, develop their skills, and contribute to Ocean Literacy and ocean action. 

UNESCO supports the Forum by creating opportunities for training, mentorship, networking, and professional development, with particular attention to increasing participation from young people and early-career professionals across EU Member States. 

UNESCO's contribution includes: 

• Capacity development: The Summer School on Ocean Literacy and Collaboration 
  As part of its agreement with DG MARE, each year UNESCO organizes immersive, one-week schools combining theoretical learning with hands-on activities and field experiences, with a focus on Ocean Literacy and collaboration skills for youth and ECOPs. Each edition explores a specific ocean-related theme with a highly transdisciplinary approach, combining knowledge exchange, practical learning, and engagement with local contexts. 

• Online learning 
  UNESCO develops online training opportunities for young people and early-career professionals, including Young Ocean Advocates, with certification upon completion to support their professional development. 

• Mentorship 
  UNESCO facilitates connections between Young Ocean Advocates and early-career professionals and experienced experts, including members of the IOC Ocean Literacy Group of Experts and relevant Ocean Literacy initiative steering committees. 

• Networking and peer exchange 
  UNESCO creates opportunities for participants to build professional connections, exchange experiences, and strengthen the Youth4Ocean community through online and in-person activities. 

• Career opportunities 
  UNESCO promotes internship opportunities within its Regional Bureau offices, providing hands-on experience in international project work, policy, education, and science communication within the framework of global ocean governance. 

Network of European Blue Schools 

Bringing Ocean Literacy into schools and communities 

The Network of European Blue Schools (NEBS) supports schools in connecting learning about the ocean with real-world action. UNESCO contributes to the continued development and expansion of the network while strengthening connections between the European and the global Blue School communities. 

UNESCO's contribution includes: 

• Connecting European and global networks 
  UNESCO facilitates exchanges between the European network and the Blue School Global Network, including through regular updates and participation in global governance structures. 

• Supporting national coordination 
  UNESCO supports transparent and inclusive processes for establishing national coordinators within EU Member States, helping strengthen coordination and collaboration across the network. 

• Training coordinators 
  UNESCO provides training opportunities for national coordinators across French, English, Portuguese, and Spanish language groups. 

• Supporting teachers 
  UNESCO delivers dedicated training for teachers in EU Member States, promoting peer learning, the exchange of good practices, and the use of relevant resources. 

• Improving accessibility 
  UNESCO supports the translation of the NEBS application form into all 24 official EU languages, helping facilitate access and participation by schools across Europe. 

• Strengthening governance 
  UNESCO supports the representation of the NEBS Secretariat within the Blue School Global Network's advisory and/or governance structures, ensuring that the European perspective contributes to global strategic planning and decision-making. 

• Facilitating exchange 
  UNESCO organizes annual gatherings bringing together members of the European and global Blue School networks, creating opportunities for direct exchange, peer learning, and coordinated planning. 

• Raising visibility 
  UNESCO coordinates joint online campaigns with the NEBS network helping amplify European Blue School initiatives, opportunities, and success stories. 

Partners4Ocean  

Connecting organizations and initiatives to turn Ocean Literacy into action 

The Partners4Ocean community serves as a focal point for organizations and initiatives working on Ocean Literacy, providing a space to connect, collaborate, and mobilize efforts across Europe. 

UNESCO supports the community by strengthening members' capacities, facilitating access to expertise, and connecting European Ocean Literacy work with relevant international developments and opportunities. 

UNESCO's contribution includes: 

• Training on Ocean Literacy good practices 
  UNESCO organizes training sessions for Partners4Ocean members, providing practical knowledge, sharing relevant approaches and resources, and supporting members in developing and promoting successful Ocean Literacy initiatives. 

• Supporting Thematic Networking Groups 
  UNESCO supports the implementation of Ocean Literacy priorities identified by the community’s four Thematic Networking Groups by connecting each group with relevant experts or organizations for tailored presentations and interactive discussions. 

• Sharing international opportunities 
  UNESCO contributes regularly to the newsletters dedicated to members, highlighting relevant international Ocean Literacy initiatives, events, jobs and funding opportunities. 

• Connecting European and international action 
  UNESCO leverages its international networks, expertise, and communication channels to strengthen the visibility and reach of the EU4Ocean Coalition and connect European Ocean Literacy efforts with wider international initiatives.