The Ocean Literacy Project: action for the blue economy
The ocean regulates Earth’s climate and sustains life on our planet. The Ocean Literacy Project translates ocean science into action for people, organisations and communities.
‘Ocean literacy is action for the blue economy, just as carbon literacy is to the climate transition.’
Mission
We believe education is the foundation for change.
Our mission is to make Ocean literacy as essential as climate literacy. We aim to embed Ocean literacy in the places that shape society; schools, health services, governments and businesses so the Ocean is considered in the decisions that affect our shared future.
We do this by equipping people and organisations with the knowledge and confidence to act for the Ocean, creating a ripple effect of Ocean-positive action across communities, business, and policy.
At corporate and institutional levels, this also means strengthening marine systems literacy within economic and financial decision-making, where ocean dynamics increasingly shape climate risk, food systems, supply chains, and long-term economic stability.
About the project
The Ocean Literacy Project delivers certified training and community-based programmes that help individuals and organisations understand their relationship with the ocean and take ocean-positive action.
The initiative is recognised by UNESCO-IOC as part of the global Ocean Literacy Blue Thread network, supporting the implementation of the Venice Declaration on Ocean Literacy.
Aligned with UNESCO Ocean Literacy Principles and the developing Ocean Literacy strategy for England, our work connects ocean science with real-world decision-making across education, communities, business, and policy.
Our approach centres on education, equity, and empowerment as foundations for climate resilience, social cohesion, and regenerative futures.
We align our work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:
SDG 13 Climate Action
SDG 14 Life Below Water
SDG 4 Quality Education
SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals
Why Ocean literacy?
The ocean shapes our climate, health, economies, and food systems, yet public understanding of its role remains low. This knowledge gap limits meaningful action and weakens our collective resilience.
By making ocean literacy accessible, empowering, and locally meaningful, we support:
Climate resilience and a just transition
Nature-connected mental health and wellbeing
Place-based education and environmental justice
Peace-building through shared ecological awareness and cooperation
Strengthening ocean literacy helps individuals and organisations recognise their connection to the ocean and make decisions that support a more resilient and regenerative future.
Through our Executive Education programmes, we also work with business, finance, and institutional leaders to strengthen marine systems literacy in strategic and economic decision-making.
Recognised by UNESCO-IOC as part of the global Ocean Literacy Blue Thread network
Ocean Literacy in action:
The Ocean Literacy Project works with communities, educators and organisations around the world to build understanding of the ocean systems that shape our lives. Through place-based learning, workshops and training programmes, we translate ocean science into knowledge that empowers people to care for and steward the ocean in their own communities.
Environmental Research Institute & Castara Retreats, Tobago
Let’s explore how we can work together
Be part of a scalable, global movement that transforms ocean awareness into measurable impact.
Founder’s Story:
The Ocean Literacy Project was founded by Professor Leanne Hepburn, a marine scientist and educator, with over twenty years of experience at the intersection of science, education, and sustainability.
Leanne’s career began in the field, studying coral reefs and community resilience across the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. Through two decades in academia, she became a leading advocate for transforming how we teach and understand our relationship with the Ocean. As Professor of Education and Environment at the University of Essex, she developed an interdisciplinary BSc Global Sustainability, directed research teams, and contributed to pioneering work on regenerative growth.
Now an honorary Professor at Essex, Leanne’s focus is on turning knowledge into practical, fundable tools that create measurable impact for people and the planet. She founded the Ocean Literacy Project to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and everyday action, scaling Ocean literacy from classrooms and communities to boardrooms and international policy.
Leanne’s work blends rigorous science, experiential learning, and eco philosophy, inspiring workplaces, leaders, educators, and communities to reconnect with the Ocean as our shared life-support system. Her mission is to make Ocean literacy accessible to everyone, ensuring that education becomes the foundation for regenerative, Ocean-positive change.
For more about Leanne’s work, publications, and speaking engagements, visit her personal website.
