OCEAN LITERACY
UNDERSTANDING THE OCEAN AND ITS IMPORTANCE
Blue Azores works with teachers, students, and fishers to deepen understanding of the ocean, its importance, and the need to protect it, strengthening the connection between people and the sea.
Through educational programs, on-the-ground actions, and strategic partnerships, it contributes to a greater understanding of the ocean as a crucial factor for the future of the entire Azorean community.
EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY
EDUCATING FOR A BLUE GENERATION
The Educating for a Blue Generation (EGA) Program promotes ocean literacy in primary education. It recognizes teachers as key agents of change and through certified training and educational resources, provides strategies that support the integration of ocean-related topics into teaching practices across all curriculum areas with content focused on the Sea of the Azores.
In this way, teachers inspire their students to learn more and become active citizens in the protection and conservation of the ocean.
The goal is to build a generation that is more knowledgeable and connected to the ocean, equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills that foster more active and responsible citizenship for a more sustainable future.
Perfil dos Alunos Geração Azul
O Perfil dos Alunos da Geração Azul é um documento orientador que identifica o perfil de princípios, valores e competências que os alunos devem desenvolver quando sujeitos a um currículo que incorpore, de forma sistemática e continuada, a literacia do oceano.
The Educating for a Blue Generation Programme, implemented in the Region since 2019 under the Blue Azores initiative, in partnership with the Regional Directorate for Education and Educational Administration, was developed by the Oceano Azul Foundation and the Lisbon Oceanarium, with the support of the Directorate-General for Education.
The EGA program is an opportunity for the educational community to engage and contribute to the Region’s long-term marine conservation strategy and vision. The Educating for a Blue Generation Program is endorsed by UNESCO as a project of the UN Ocean Decade.
EGA IN THE AZORES (2019–2026)
439
teachers trained
2100
students involved in beach clean-up actions
6600
students involved in the educational program
3
Science Centers in the Azores
109
schools across all islands
7
regional partner NGOs
10864
students participated in Ocean Literacy activities
10000
children’s books to be distributed to all primary school students
As part of this program, the children’s book collection Patrulha Ação Azul was launched in the Azores at a ceremony in São Miguel on April 21, 2026. This moment marked the start of the distribution of 10,000 books across all islands, accompanied by school sessions and involving the educational community and institutional partners.
AWARENESS IN SCHOOLS
Blue Azores delivers ocean literacy initiatives engage students of different ages starting at age 10. These initiatives take place in schools, both inside and outside the classroom, through educational activities tailored to different age groups. With a practical and engaging approach, students are brought closer to the ocean, encouraging them to value and protect it. Throughout these sessions, students are able to explore, ask questions, better understand the role of the ocean in environmental balance, and recognize the importance of Marine Protected Areas for the future of the region.
In 2025, Blue Azores supported the participation of a student and her teacher in the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), as part of the international initiative Mini 30x30 Challenge. This is a global movement that empowers students to advocate for ocean protection, encouraging United Nations Member States to commit to protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.
FISHING COMMUNITY
Blue Azores works with the fishing sector, recognizing the knowledge and experience of those who depend on the sea, to deepen understanding of the ocean, enhance the value of the Sea of the Azores, and promote its protection.
OCEAN PROTECTION AND VALORIZATION
To ensure that fishers in the region can value and defend the importance of Marine Protected Areas and sustainable management of marine resources, it is essential that they understand its benefits, particularly for fisheries sustainability and seafood value, as a foundation for the sector’s economic development.
In this context, sessions are held across the islands with fishing communities to raise awareness about the need to protect the ocean through good fishing practices and the creation of more Marine Protected Areas. These sessions create space for direct dialogue, where challenges are discussed, perspectives are shared, and the contributions of those who depend on the sea are considered.
PEDAGOGICAL PORT
Blue Azores is a partner in the initiative Pedagogical Port – Ocean Literacy, promoted by Lotaçor, together with partners Okeanos, the Azores Fisheries Federation, and the Azores Sea Observatory.
Recognized as an activity of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, this initiative promotes knowledge sharing among different stakeholders in the sector, strengthening understanding of sustainable fishing practices, seafood value, and conservation measures in the Sea of the Azores.
In parallel, sessions are held across several islands with fishing communities. These meetings create space for direct dialogue, where challenges are discussed, perspectives are shared, and the contributions of those who depend on the sea are integrated into the decision-making process.
Sessions with fishers
7 sessions · 4 islands · 74 participants
Pedagogical Port
3 sessions · 3 islands · 55 participants
