Oceanic Culture and Blue Schools in the Basque Country

Oceanic culture, or marine literacy, involves understanding the influence that the ocean has on our lives and how our actions affect its health. It is not just about scientific knowledge; it entails values, attitudes, behaviours and the ability to make informed decisions that foster sustainability. Promoting this culture is more necessary than ever given the climate crisis, loss of biodiversity, demographic growth, etc. However, many myths still persist and hinder the understanding of the real importance of the ocean. Furthermore, our ever greater connection with technology and social media – along with the increasing disconnect from the natural world – leads to more myths, limiting our ability to act and curtail the impact of humans on the sea.

Therefore, the concept and action to bolster the oceanic culture, which started in the United States, have gradually gained momentum in Europe, particularly during the Ocean Decade. When scientific knowledge is shared in an accessible way and adapted to the needs of the different sectors of society – whether they are policy makers, industries linked to the marine environment or the general public – there is better understanding of the challenges facing the oceans and those stakeholders engage in protecting the seas. The impact is even greater when the citizens themselves generate the knowledge through citizen science actions. There are many initiatives that have thus been rolled out to foster the oceanic culture.

The Blue School programme emerged precisely from the need to involve children and young people in the ocean in an experience-based and participatory way; the aim is to connect them with the sea from very young and so they learn to behave responsibly as they grow up. The Blue Schools facilitate interdisciplinary projects based on science, creativity, culture and citizenry. Students study their marine environment, talk to experts, work with other centres and even put forward solutions to improve their community’s relationship with the sea. They thus develop a deeper and more critical understanding, and discover that their opinions and actions do count.

One of the most enriching aspects of these initiatives is that they link the ocean to everyday life: the power that we use, the food that we choose, the waste that we generate and the quality of the air we breathe are connected to the state of the sea. When society can see these relationships, the myths lose momentum and a more responsible approach emerges. Oceanic culture does not seek to turn everybody into a scientist, but rather into an aware citizen that can act from their level: the school, home, neighbourhood or the future profession. In the end, understanding the sea is also understanding ourselves and that helps us to build a more resilient, just and sustainable future.