From classrooms to video games, UNESCO is unveiling new initiatives in Nice to raise young people’s awareness of marine ecosystem conservation and is strengthening its partnerships to secure funding for these efforts.
“To protect the ocean, our relationship with it must change—starting with education. UNESCO supports a hundred of its Member States in integrating ocean and environmental topics into classrooms and young people’s daily lives.
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO
Putting the Ocean at the Heart of Classrooms
UNESCO has made environmental education a priority, both within school curricula and in everyday school life. The Organization supports its Member States—such as South Africa, Portugal, and South Korea—in developing teaching materials focused on ocean protection. With UNESCO’s support, Brazil this year became the first country to adopt a nationwide curriculum, from primary to secondary school, dedicated to ocean literacy.
Launched at the One Ocean Summit in 2022, UNESCO’s Ocean Literacy Toolkit has enabled nearly 2,400 schools in 48 countries to join the global network of “blue schools.” It provides a framework for schools wishing to incorporate ocean topics into their teaching through practical activities and field projects. Moreover, UNESCO has trained nearly 350,000 young people and adults on issues related to ocean protection.
Video Games and Ocean Science: A New Learning Tool
UNESCO has unveiled Ocean Heroes, a new Minecraft adventure. Developed in partnership with Minecraft Education and the Voice of the Ocean Foundation, the game allows over 35 million players to explore coral reefs, kelp forests, and mangroves aboard a research vessel, while confronting real-world threats like pollution and invasive species.
Through playful missions, young players gain hands-on knowledge about ocean science, biodiversity, and conservation techniques. The game offers concrete scientific challenges to solve, fosters critical thinking, and deepens understanding of the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems.
Enhanced Support to Fund Educational and Scientific Programs
UNESCO and the Prada Group have announced the renewal of their SEA BEYOND partnership, a global educational program dedicated to spreading knowledge about the ocean and promoting its conservation. Since 2019, this initiative has trained over 34,000 students in 56 countries (as of 2024) and supported the opening of an ocean education center in Venice.
The two organizations have also announced the creation of a fund to finance youth-led projects on every continent, thereby strengthening ocean education and culture within local communities. With an initial €2 million contribution from the Prada Group, this UNESCO fund will open to additional partners in 2026.
UNESCO has also turned its scientific campaigns into educational tools: its pilot program on environmental DNA, which has mapped 4,500 marine species in 21 World Heritage marine sites, involved scientists and local schools over three years during sampling missions. With support from the Minderoo Foundation, this project will continue in 25 new marine protected areas under UNESCO’s stewardship.
Learn more about UNESCO’s actions for ocean education:
Source: UNESCO, Press Release, June 10, 2025
