For over two decades, the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation has been at the forefront of marine conservation, striving to protect and restore the world’s oceans through cutting-edge research, education, and outreach initiatives. In this time, one of the things we have discovered is that a key to conservation is improving ocean literacy. With a little knowledge of how the ocean works, and a clear understanding of how the ocean impacts us (and how we impact the ocean), people can make more informed decisions on how to use their coastal lands and waters. Over the years, the Foundation has made remarkable strides in improving ocean literacy and raising awareness about the importance of preserving marine ecosystems. Today, as the world celebrates World Oceans Day, we want to recognize the critical role that education and outreach initiatives play in improving ocean literacy and promoting ocean conservation.
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation has developed a number of resources and programs to improve ocean literacy in schools and communities around the world. These tools help people recognize that our oceans are not only a source of wonder but also of great importance to the health and well-being of our planet. We have used them to great effect in the places we work, but we also share them online, where they have been used by students, teachers, and life-long learners in nearly every country on Earth.
Coral Reef Education Portal
At the heart of the Living Oceans Foundation’s commitment to ocean literacy lies our Coral Reef Education Portal. This comprehensive online resource serves as a hub of knowledge, providing a wealth of information about coral reefs and the challenges they face. The portal features interactive modules, virtual field trips, scientific data, and engaging multimedia content designed to educate and inspire learners of all ages. We created these innovative coral reef education materials to engage and inspire students to learn about coral reefs and to become stewards of this vital ecosystem.
Lesson Plans
Recognizing the significance of effective education in fostering ocean stewardship, the Foundation has assembled a collection of lesson plans. These educational tools are tailored to middle and high school grade levels and offer educators a blueprint for engaging students in the exploration of coral reefs, mangrove forests, and other marine ecosystems. The lesson plans seamlessly integrate science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) principles with real-world applications, encouraging critical thinking and active participation. They are also aligned to the latest educational standards, including the Ocean Literacy Principles (OLP), so they can easily be integrated into classrooms worldwide.
Educational Videos
One of the ways the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation works to improve ocean literacy is by creating videos to educate and inspire the next generation of ocean advocates. These educational videos teach students about our ocean, coral reefs, and marine science in a way that is both entertaining and informative. They can transport viewers to places that they may never otherwise see, make complicated science easy to understand, and show people how they are connected to our underwater world. The Living Oceans Foundation has also produced a number of documentary films that combine stunning underwater footage, interviews with leading scientists, and compelling narratives to convey the intricate beauty and fragility of marine environments. From coral bleaching to the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems, these videos bring complex concepts to life, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Ocean literacy is not limited to acquiring knowledge; it serves as a catalyst for change, empowering individuals to take action and make informed decisions. By fostering a deep understanding of the critical role oceans play in our lives and emphasizing the need for their conservation, the Living Oceans Foundation is equipping current and future generations with the tools they need to safeguard our planet.
On World Oceans Day, as we reflect on the vastness and fragility of our oceans, we recognize the need to improve ocean literacy in order to build a future where our oceans thrive. The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation works tirelessly to improve the understanding, conservation, and stewardship of marine ecosystems. Through our Coral Reef Education Portal, lesson plans, and educational videos, we aim to harness the power of knowledge to ignite a passion for our oceans in hearts and minds around the world.
