The Blue Africa Initiative, led by KaméDomguia Consulting Group Inc. in partnership with the African Union Commission and UNESCO-IOC, is a continent-wide movement advancing ocean literacy as a driver of sustainable development. Tailored to Africa’s unique socio-ecological context, the initiative promotes a holistic understanding of the ocean’s cultural, economic, and environmental significance. Key pillars include the creation of ocean literacy curricula, community hubs, youth leadership networks, digital platforms, and research grants. The initiative leverages traditional knowledge, art, and storytelling alongside scientific education, empowering communities to act as stewards of marine resources. Through public campaigns, citizen science, and policy advocacy, it aims to embed ocean literacy into governance frameworks and education systems. Strongly aligned with the UN Ocean Decade and African development strategies, the Blue Africa Initiative champions inclusion, equity, and innovation, with a special focus on youth and women. It positions ocean literacy as essential to Africa’s future resilience and prosperity.

Hotlane Organization empowers university students in South Africa through experiential learning that combines marine education with environmental action. Focused particularly on marine science students, the initiative organizes beach clean-up excursions that double as hands-on educational experiences, fostering a direct connection between participants and the ocean. By integrating physical activities such as sports and group recreation, the program enhances inclusivity, team cohesion, and the psychological well-being of participants while reinforcing environmental stewardship. Hotlane collaborates with partners like The Ocean Expert, Sustainable Seas Trust, and the UN Ocean Decade to provide high-quality educational resources and amplify its impact. The organization actively visits institutions to raise awareness about ocean sustainability and encourages youth to shape the future they want to inhabit. With an open-door approach that welcomes all students, Hotlane bridges social divides and cultivates a generation of environmentally conscious leaders through action-oriented, community-driven ocean literacy.

Fundación Amiguitos del Océano leads a community-based, UNESCO-endorsed initiative in Ayangue, Ecuador, promoting ocean literacy through immersive education and action. Rooted in the ESRA methodology—Explore, Sense, Reconnect, Act—the program empowers children, fishers, and tourism workers to build emotional and practical connections to marine ecosystems. The foundation offers tailored, multi-month programs, including an 11-month Ecoclub for children, sustainable fishing workshops, and tourism sector training. Activities include mangrove eco-tours, marine debris cleanups, and circular economy initiatives, with measurable behavioral change tracked through developed indicators. The team also supports Ecuador’s national curriculum reform by embedding ocean literacy content. By blending scientific knowledge with ancestral practices and community engagement, the initiative revitalizes cultural heritage and fosters pro-ocean habits. Through collaborations, including citizen science and snorkeling training for youth, Fundación Amiguitos del Océano builds an inclusive, sustainable model for marine stewardship that continues to expand its reach and impact in coastal Ecuador.

At the Cartagena Oceanographic Research Institute (CORI), we are dedicated to unveiling the mysteries of the deep sea. Based in the Region of Murcia, our mission is to explore and document the seafloor beyond 100 meters depth to assess human impact and provide critical data for future conservation efforts. Through education, research, and innovation, we aim to inspire a new generation of ocean explorers and bring the wonders of the deep ocean to the public. We believe ocean literacy is essential for protecting marine ecosystems. That’s why we connect science, engineering, and outreach to make deep-sea knowledge accessible to everyone. Our present is, for example, the CanGoDeep project where secondary student design, built and deploy a BRUV at 100 meters depth or one of our future project is to build an Ocean Exploration Museum to engaging schools and communities. We want to show that small institutions can make an impact on the ocean exploration and literacy.