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Empowering Coastal Governance Through Ocean Literacy

Fostering a new generation of ocean-conscious leaders and communities

BlueGOV is designed to support people in making responsible, ocean-conscious decisions in both their professional and daily lives.

BlueGOV focuses on an often-unexplored “grey area” of marine conservation: the local governance and decision-making arena.

While many ocean literacy initiatives remain focused on school settings, BlueGOV extends these principles to municipal policies and planning strategies. By equipping local authorities and other coastal stakeholders with appropriate tools, the project helps transform ocean literacy from a theoretical concept into an actionable governance tool.

Everyone is responsible for caring for the ocean

About BlueGOV

Across Europe, local authorities and other coastal stakeholders are on the front line of decisions that affect marine ecosystems, local development, tourism, public services, and community wellbeing. Yet many decision-makers and operational bodies still lack structured training, practical tools, and shared spaces to integrate ocean literacy into their daily work.

BlueGOV responds to this need by connecting research, training, community engagement and policy dialogue. The project works with coastal authorities, including municipalities, and other local stakeholders such as tourism bodies, environmental agencies and marine conservation organisations to explore existing challenges, identify good practices and develop practical resources that can support more sustainable, ocean-conscious governance.

The project also recognises that communities are central to this change. Residents, local groups, tourists and visitors all benefit when coastal authorities and stakeholders have the knowledge and tools to protect marine environments while supporting resilient local economies and inclusive coastal development.

Objectives

BlueGOV works towards a clear goal: to make ocean literacy part of the way coastal areas are planned, managed and experienced.
Understanding local needs

BlueGOV maps the main challenges, gaps and opportunities linked to ocean literacy in European coastal governance, drawing on the experience of authorities, stakeholders and local communities.

Supporting coastal authorities

The project develops training content and practical tools tailored to the needs of municipalities, tourism bodies, environmental agencies, marine conservation organisations and other coastal actors.

Strengthening community engagement

BlueGOV encourages dialogue between local decision-makers and the people who live in, work in and visit coastal areas, helping communities turn knowledge into action.

Testing practical solutions

Pilot activities in different coastal regions support the validation of BlueGOV resources and help demonstrate how ocean literacy can be applied in real governance and community contexts.

Contributing to policy and long-term impact

The project will share recommendations and lessons learnt to support the wider integration of ocean literacy into local, regional and European governance frameworks.

What exactly is
Ocean Literacy?

The understanding of how the ocean affects us — and how we affect the ocean.

Why is it important?

The world’s oceans play a key role in sustaining life on Earth as we know it by:

  • climate regulation
  • producing more than 50 % of oxygen on Earth
  • being the main source of food and resources for billions of people

Human activities and decision-making can profoundly transform the ocean, with far-reaching consequences for humanity.

By promoting ocean literacy, individuals are better equipped to make responsible, ocean-aware decisions that ensure the protection of a sustainable and healthy environment for future generations.

  1. First step for sustainable oceans – understanding its complexity and importance 

  2. Second step for sustainable oceans – enabling communities to turn ocean literacy knowledge into action

Who is behind the project?

University of Greifswald

At the University of Greifswald, the project is based at the Chair of Sustainability Science and Applied Geography and is affiliated with the Interdisciplinary Research Centre for the Baltic Sea Region (IFZO). In its role as project coordinator, the university contributes its expertise in coastal governance, sustainability transformations, and the Baltic Sea region.

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WWF Portugal

This NGO focuses on nature conservation, fisheries policy, and environmental education. They specialize in participatory, bottom-up approaches to ensure that people and nature live in harmony.

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Sea Teach

A social and educational enterprise based in the Balearic Islands. They specialize in maritime training, blue economy and blue careers, and promoting ocean literacy within the nautical tourism sector.

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European Marine Science Educators Association

EMSEA is a dynamic international non-profit and network hub. It promotes ocean literacy across all levels of society and coordinates the European Commission’s Network of European Blue Schools.

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OnProjects

A project management and communication consultancy with a dedicated team of researchers in marine and coastal management. They specialize in the dissemination of EU-funded projects and the development of tailored e-learning platforms.

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Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries

Established in 1930, this is Croatia's leading national scientific institution for marine research. Their work spans biological, chemical, and physical oceanography, with a strong emphasis on international cooperation in the Mediterranean.

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AlterContacts

Think tank for sustainable development with Special Consultative Status at the United Nations ECOSOC. They specialize in capacity-building programs, research, and informing policy-making to achieve Agenda 2030 goals.

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Stay connected with BlueGOV

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Whether you work for a local authority, manage coastal activities, support sustainable tourism, represent a community organisation or simply care about the future of our ocean, the BlueGOV newsletter will keep you informed and connected.