Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade, Volume II: Fostering Community, the Sustainable Blue Economy, and the Arts (Sustainable Development Goals Series)

This open access volume is the second of three volumes exploring the intersection of Ocean Literacy, community engagement, the Sustainable Blue Economy, and the creative arts during the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (the Ocean Decade). Through 22 chapters by 58 authors from 20 countries/regions, it presents global case studies that emphasize social equity, cultural connection, and economic sustainability. Highlighting diverse approaches—from community-driven Living Labs and marine education in protected areas to music, quilting, storytelling, and youth-led artistic initiatives—the volume illustrates how Ocean Literacy inspires action across sectors. It emphasizes the power of transdisciplinary collaboration and participatory methods to connect science with society, while advancing Ocean Decade Challenge 10: Restoring society’s relationship with the Ocean. This volume offers practical tools and inspiration for fostering meaningful connections between science and society, serving as a valuable resource for educators, artists, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders committed to inclusive, creative, and sustainable Ocean engagement.

Teresa Kennedy, PhD, is a professor at the University of Texas at Tyler, USA, a three-time Fulbright Scholar, and a former Deputy Director of NASA’s GLOBE Program. With degrees in oceanography and STEM education, she advances Ocean Literacy and sustainability through research, teaching, and global collaboration. She serves as the International Council of Associations for Science Education (ICASE) representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Co-Chair of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Ocean Decade NGO Task Group.