UNESCO-IOC, Minecraft Education, and Voice of the Ocean present Ocean Heroes

Ocean Heroes Launches at United Nations Ocean Conference, Inspiring Youth to Protect the Ocean

Nice, France – 2 June 2025 – UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), in partnership with Minecraft Education and the Voice of the Ocean Foundation, proudly launches “Ocean Heroes,” a special marine world for the world-famous Minecraft Education game. The launch comes ahead of the opening of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, taking place in Nice, France.

Ocean Heroes invites students globally to embark on an immersive marine conservation adventure. Players join virtual marine scientists aboard a research vessel, exploring and addressing real-world ecological challenges affecting coral reefs, kelp forests, and mangrove ecosystems. Through interactive missions, students gain practical knowledge about ocean science, biodiversity, and conservation techniques.

Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission: “Curiosity is the driver of science, and Ocean Heroes will trigger curiosity. Developed with the help of ocean scientists, the game will inspire young people to understand and pursue ocean science. It will enhance ocean literacy and equip the next generation with the critical awareness and skills needed to safeguard the ocean—our planet’s most vital resource.”

Allison Matthews, Head of Minecraft Education at Microsoft: “With Minecraft Education, we make tough topics like sustainability and environmental protection tangible and meaningful to students through purposeful gameplay. We’re proud to support environmental science education by partnering with organizations like UNESCO-IOC to bring immersive, inspiring science lessons to classrooms around the world”

Sanna Thimmig Johansen, CEO of Voice of the Ocean: “Our mission is to spark curiosity and increase ocean literacy, fostering a deeper commitment to the stewardship of our ocean. Ocean Heroes offers a dynamic platform to connect with the next generation—our youth. We envision it as a treasure chest filled with critical ocean challenges, presented in an engaging and interactive way. It’s the perfect launchpad for students to explore the wonders beneath the waves. We hope this game inspires children worldwide to dive in, get involved, and champion the protection of our most precious ecosystem.”

Ocean Heroes tackles three critical marine ecosystems under threat:

• Coral reefs impacted by crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, highlighting restoration efforts.
• Kelp forests threatened by sea urchin overpopulation, introducing students to predator reintroduction techniques.
• Mangrove forests facing coastal erosion as well as nutrient and plastic pollution, showcasing methods to replant and protect vital shorelines.

The game, developed by Shapescape, promotes ocean literacy by allowing students to see firsthand how local actions have global ecological consequences. Through gameplay, learners develop essential scientific skills, critical thinking, and empathy for marine life and ecosystems.

The Ocean Heroes game and accompanying educational resources will be accessible globally through the Minecraft Education platform and UNESCO’s Blue Schools network, aiming to empower students and educators worldwide to become active stewards of the ocean..

For further information, please contact:

Chloé Legrand, UNESCO-IOC

Email: c.legrand@unesco.org

Jack Coulton, UNESCO-IOC Ocean Literacy Programme

Email: j.coulton@unesco.org

Holly Amber Smith, Minecraft Global Communications Manager

Email: hollysmith@microsoft.com

UNESCO-IOC

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) promotes international cooperation in marine sciences to improve management of the ocean, coasts, and marine resources. The IOC enables its 150 Member States to work together by coordinating programmes in capacity development, ocean observations and services, ocean science, tsunami warning, and ocean literacy. The work of the IOC contributes to the mission of UNESCO to promote the advancement of science and its applications to develop knowledge and capacity, key to economic and social progress and the basis of peace and sustainable development. UNESCO-IOC is the entity in charge of coordinating the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (The Ocean Decade).

Minecraft Education

Minecraft Education is a game-based learning platform that inspires creative, inclusive learning through play. Millions of educators and students in 115 countries use Minecraft Education, building future-ready skills like problem solving, creativity, and critical thinking. The platform offers standards-aligned STEM curricula, professional development, and fun challenges designed for all types of learners, developed with partners like BBC Earth, the Nobel Peace Center, NASA, UNESCO, World Wildlife Federation, and Code.org.

Voice of the Ocean Foundation

Voice of the Ocean Foundation envisions a world where the ocean is understood, respected, and protected by all. They work internationally to advance ocean research, advocacy, and literacy initiatives, harnessing powerful storytelling and innovative digital platforms to support a deeper connection to the ocean and inspire global action.

Shapescape

Shapescape is a creative studio that uses Minecraft to build educational and entertaining experiences. The company specializes in gamifying learning by transforming complex topics into interactive adventures within Minecraft. The studio has developed over 100 high-quality Minecraft experiences and add-ons, reaching more than 55 million players worldwide via the Minecraft Marketplace and Minecraft Education platforms. Their portfolio spans a wide range of subjects, including environmental science, history, biology, space exploration, and cultural heritage. Notable collaborations include projects with NASA, BBC Studios, and Microsoft.