In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly designated 2021–2030 as the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the ocean’s role in sustaining life on Earth. The Ocean Decade provides a common framework for diverse stakeholders to generate and use ocean data and knowledge to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a particular focus on Sustainable Development Goal 14, “Life Below Water”. Coordinated by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO as per UN mandate, it emphasizes the need for cross-sector collaboration, innovative solutions, and a transformative shift in how societies interact with and care for the ocean.

At the core of this transformation lies ocean literacy (OL), a concept that has evolved from an educational framework into a strategic mechanism for societal change. Initially defined as “an understanding of your influence on the ocean and the ocean’s influence on you” 1 2, ocean literacy today encompasses a broader, more dynamic approach to fostering ocean stewardship, critical engagement, and interdisciplinary knowledge. This shift is reflected in increasing recognition of the role of ocean literacy in global governance, climate resilience, and sustainable development 3 4.

The Theory of Change for the Ocean Decade Challenge 10 (2025-2030) builds on past efforts to integrate ocean literacy into education, governance, business, culture, and communication. The evolving understanding of OL is now deeply interwoven with critical emerging themes such as ocean rights, the science, policy and society interface, and the intersection of ocean health and human well-being. These perspectives expand the impact of ocean literacy beyond traditional education, embedding it within decision-making processes, economic strategies, and cultural preservation efforts. By positioning ocean literacy as a transformative force, this document outlines a roadmap for its role both within the Ocean Decade and beyond.

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