31 July 2024 IOC-UNESCO host the first Ocean Literacy World Conference in Venice

7-8 June 2024 marked the very first Ocean Literacy World Conference, hosted by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, in collaboration with the Government of Italy, the Municipality of Venice, and the Prada Group. 

Delegates and experts from UNESCO Member States, including Ocean Decade UK member Natalie Fox, gathered in Venice to collectively develop a flagship document, the "Venice Declaration for Ocean Literacy in Action", including concrete recommendations for the development of policy options and strategies that can enhance ocean literacy initiatives worldwide. The Declaration states:

"Ocean Literacy is more than understanding ocean science; it means recognising the far-reaching consequences of our actions. By cultivating a global culture of ocean stewardship, we can facilitate a future where we thrive in harmony with the ocean. It is our collective will and responsibility to foster a more just and sustainable relationship with our vital global commons: all life on Earth depends on it. We need an ocean-literate society that advocates for policies that respect the ocean's inherent right to exist, flourish and regenerate".

You can read Natalie's full blog post here: Ocean Decade UK Blog