IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)
Advancing knowledge and cooperation for a healthy ocean and prosperous society
Ocean Literacy for Journalists
in Southeast Asia
Empower Media for Ocean Sustainability
Significance of the Project
The ocean is vital to life on Earth, providing immense ecological, social, and economic value. It regulates global climate, supports biodiversity, and sustains the livelihoods of billions of people. Yet, this system faces escalating pressures from human activities. Despite growing recognition of the ocean’s importance, the gap between complex ocean knowledge and society remains wide.
The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) seeks to “restore humanity’s relationship with the ocean,” emphasizing the need for marine technology transfer, training and education, and increased ocean literacy to ensure all can participate in, and benefit from, ocean science.
As key intermediaries, journalists play a key role in shaping public discourse and driving collective action. Ocean-literate media professionals will be able to report accurately and compellingly on the ocean, and consequently enhance public understanding, promoting sustainable behaviours and practices, as well as supporting effective policymaking, conservation and management actions towards ocean and its resources.
What is Ocean Literacy?
Ocean literacy, defined as “an understanding of the ocean’s influence on you and your influence on the ocean,” is essential for fostering informed and responsible behaviours. It not only enhances ocean knowledge and increases public awareness, but also, more importantly, empowers citizens and stakeholders to act in a more responsible manner in support of ocean sustainability.
Data Sheet
The biggest needs to increase coverage of ocean stories, accroding to journalists:
56%
49%
47%
56% of journalists identified a need for enhanced ocean literacy to improve coverage.
49% of journalists emphasized the importance of Journalism collaboration.
47% of journalists pointed to better access to ocean data.
(Pulitzer Center, 2024)
Brief Introduction of the Project
Taking place in four Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand), this OL4J project aims to equip media professionals with knowledge, tools, networks and institutional collaborations to tell better ocean stories. Building on a thorough stakeholder mapping and needs assessment in the pilot countries, media professionals will be provided with:
- Tailored Media Toolkits & Training: Access to customized modules on ocean science and sustainability issues relevant to the region.
- Collaborative Networks: Direct access to ocean experts and research institutions for informed reporting.
- Field Visits & Internships: Immersive opportunities to experience ocean science in action.
- Regional Narratives: Unlock locally relevant stories that resonate with Western Pacific communities.
These will support accurate, consistent, and compelling reporting that leads to improved public awareness and responsible actions for ocean sustainability.