Blue School Symposium: Shaping Ocean Literacy in Education

Posted onAuthorNicole Loeser

Our planet’s oceans are a vital life-support system, yet they are increasingly under strain from pollution, overfishing, and the impacts of climate change. Recognizing the critical role that education and creativity can play in safeguarding our marine ecosystems, we invite educators, policymakers, NGOs, researchers, and other stakeholders to explore how “Blue Schools” can help embed ocean literacy into the heart of our classrooms. By integrating marine topics across curricula, schools can inspire young minds to become champions for sustainable blue futures. 🌊

Join us on June 12 (16:00–19:00 CET, online)
Hosted by the Institute for Art and Innovation (IFAI), OKEANOS Stiftung, and the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, the Blue School Symposium provides a platform for:

  • Policy & Curriculum Discussions: How can marine topics and sustainability be effectively woven into existing educational frameworks?

  • Best Practices & Partnerships: Showcasing successful Blue School projects, interdisciplinary collaborations, and innovative approaches to ocean literacy.

  • Certification Pathways: Learning more about European Blue School criteria and how schools can become officially recognized.

  • Networking Opportunities: Facilitating meaningful exchanges among educators, policymakers, NGOs, and the arts to bolster ocean advocacy.

Program in German
While the main language of the symposium will be German, English-language contributions and discussions are welcome. Please note that some keynotes and breakout sessions may include English-speaking guests or interpretation services.

Blue School Symposium (12. Juni 2025, 16:00–19:00 Uhr, online)

(Das folgende Programm ist auf deutsch verfasst, da die Veranstaltung überwiegend in deutscher Sprache stattfindet.)

Moderation & Organisatoren

  • Moderation: Nicole Loeser, Direktorin, Institute for Art and Innovation (IFAI)

  • Veranstalter: Institute for Art and Innovation (IFAI), OKEANOS Stiftung, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung

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(Program will be shared asap)

How to Participate

  • Date & Time: June 12, 2025, 16:00–19:00 CET

  • Hosted: Online (Zoom) – link via registration on Eventbrite


Contact & Further Information
If you have any questions or require additional details, feel free to reach out at
institute@art-innovation.org. We look forward to meeting you online and shaping the future of ocean literacy together!

Background: UN Ocean Decade and the Social Art Award

  • UN Ocean Decade (2021–2030): Launched by the United Nations to foster scientific knowledge, innovation, and partnerships to protect and sustainably use our oceans. It aims to create a global movement that empowers everyone—governments, communities, and individuals—to take responsible action for ocean health.

  • Social Art Award 2025 – “Planetary Healing: Blue Tribes for Ocean Health”: Organized by the Institute for Art and Innovation (IFAI), this global call invites artists, educators, and change-makers to submit creative visions that address urgent marine challenges. The Blue School Symposium is part of this initiative, promoting dialogue between art, science, and education for transformative, long-lasting impact.