Why Ocean Literacy Matters for Corporate Sustainability

A global study by Back to Blue, surveying 3,500 young people across 35 countries, highlights this disconnect. Surprisingly, only 17% of respondents believed corporations should take greater responsibility for ocean health. This misconception persists despite the fact that industries significantly contribute to marine pollution and ecosystem degradation.

Further data from Wales underscores this issue: 84% of people consider marine protection important, yet 40% believe their own actions have no effect on ocean health. This perception extends to corporate entities, reinforcing a lack of urgency in addressing business-driven environmental harm.

Aligning Corporate Strategy with Ocean Sustainability

The 2024 Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona has set the stage for a more structured approach to corporate ocean engagement. The Barcelona Statement, a key outcome of the conference, lays out specific pathways for businesses to contribute to ocean sustainability, including:

• Sustainable ocean planning – Integrating marine conservation principles into business operations.
• Climate-resilient economic projects – Supporting initiatives that align profitability with environmental responsibility.
• Blue economy investment – Leveraging opportunities in the growing market for sustainable maritime commerce.

One notable initiative is the Ocean Matcher Tool, designed to connect businesses with conservation projects that align with their industry and sustainability goals. As ocean-related industries expand, strategic involvement in marine stewardship is becoming not only a responsibility but also a competitive advantage.

Practical Steps for Businesses to Engage in Ocean Literacy

Recognizing the ocean’s role in long-term business resilience is a growing priority, particularly for industries reliant on marine resources. Companies can integrate ocean literacy into their sustainability strategies by participating in established programs such as:

• The Network of European Blue Schools – A platform fostering collaboration between businesses, educators, and students on ocean sustainability.
• The All-Atlantic Blue Schools Network – Operating across 16 countries, this initiative promotes corporate involvement in ocean education and conservation.

By engaging in these frameworks, businesses can enhance their environmental leadership, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and contribute to the development of an informed future workforce.

Ocean Literacy as a Business Imperative

Shifting ocean literacy from an academic subject to a core business strategy represents an important evolution in corporate environmental responsibility. As regulatory pressures and stakeholder expectations increase, companies that proactively integrate ocean health considerations into their operations will be better positioned for long-term success.