The Importance of Ocean Literacy in the Mediterranean Region—Steps Towards Blue Sustainability

Abstract

Ocean Literacy (OL) is considered to be important for raising awareness of the people concerning conservation, restoration and sustainable use of the ocean and its resources. Addressing environmental issues related to the Mediterranean Sea and increasing OL can be the first step to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14 (focusing on the ocean) within the UN Agenda 2030 in the Mediterranean region. The adaptation of the Ocean Literacy Framework to the specificities of the Mediterranean Sea can introduce knowledge about different natural, geographical and social components of its marine life and society. This can help different stakeholders (e.g. teachers, educators, scientists, policy- and decision-makers, private sector) to better understand the influence that people have on the Mediterranean Sea, and the influence that the Mediterranean Sea has on them. This chapter gives an insight into the main pressures on the natural environment of the Mediterranean Sea, the legal framework for its protection and sustainability, the importance of integrated coastal zone management and marine protected areas in relation to ocean literacy and the role of education in the creation of an ocean-literate society right across the Mediterranean region. The geographical approach contributes significantly to the exploration and understanding of the relationship between the environment and human communities. Formal and non-formal education in different scientific fields, e.g. geography, biology, etc., as well as increased awareness about the interrelation between people and the Mediterranean Sea, could lead to increased protection and conservation of marine wildlife, sustainable management of Mediterranean marine resources and therefore sustainable blue development of the region.