Through UNESCO's sustainable ocean education initiatives, young people in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam are pursuing practical activities focused on ocean conservation. More than 23,000 students have participated to date. The results were presented at a Bangkok event marking World Oceans Day.
More than 23,000 students in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam have participated in practical ocean learning and conservation activities through UNESCO's Sustaining Our Oceans initiative, which aims to foster a sustainable relationship between the ocean and young people. Since its launch in 2024, the initiative has promoted ocean literacy and cultivated understanding of, and a commitment to protecting, the ocean in local communities.
In Indonesia, nine ocean conservation learning resources for schools were developed under Wakatobiku (My Wakatobi). In Vietnam, four ocean conservation handbooks were incorporated into the curriculum of the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, reaching more than 4,000 students. In Thailand, the initiative has reached many learners and families through pilot schools, community learning and public education programs. Interactive exhibitions were also held at Bangkok's Children's Discovery Museum and an ecosystem conservation exhibition was held in Ranong.
At the World Oceans Day event, held at NEXTOPIA, Siam Paragon, participants explored new ways of building relationships with the ocean through science, education and youth action. The initiative provides young people with opportunities to become leaders of change in their communities by disseminating educational resources and offering experiential learning. It was also announced that 6 student projects had received awards under cooperation between Thailand's Ministry of Education and UNESCO.
Fast Retailing (UNIQLO) also supported the event. The initiative is positioned as part of sustainable development, with a focus on ocean education. The exhibition is scheduled to remain on display at NEXTOPIA through December, and efforts to strengthen ocean education in schools are expected to continue.