Speaking notes
Dr. Mona Nemer
Chief Science Advisor of Canada
Blue Education for a Sustainable and Resilient Society
Ocean Decade Forum
Centre Universitaire Méditerranéen
Nice, France
June 9, 2025
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Ocean literacy and science literacy more broadly are essential for fostering public trust in science, and empowering citizens, especially in an age of misinformation and environmental challenges.
The goal of science literacy is to reduce the psychological distance of people to science.
We need to increase science and ocean literacy worldwide. When people understand how scientific processes work and how ocean systems affect their lives, they are more likely to trust science-based decisions, policy and sustainable practices.
Modern technology has made it easier and more accessible than ever, with the use of smart phones and the internet.
For example, I am a big proponent of citizen science for which there are many opportunities in Canada.
Citizen science provides a unique opportunity to engage local communities as well as collect large amounts of data. It’s also a way to “democratize” science and access to data.
We have a Citizen Science portal with close to 60 science projects and experiments happening across Canada. Ocean related projects are led by Ocean Networks Canada, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, Fisheries Canada and Water Rangers.
Canada was the first country to launch a National Ocean Literacy Strategy back in 2021. The strategy was co-developed with partners from all sectors and from all regions and it was convened by the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition (or COLC). It was an evidence-based and community-driven engagement process in which over 400 organizations and 3000 Canadians participated.
To date, many initiatives are thriving across the country contributing to advancing the national strategy by providing easy access to curated resources and events for a variety of audiences.
I’ll give two examples:
Blue Schools Canada is the national hub of the Blue Schools Global Network, an international initiative aligned with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). Its goal is to promote ocean literacy and climate action through education. This integrates four SDGs: quality education; clean water and sanitation; climate action; and, life below water.
Ocean School is a free environmental education resource for students in grades 5 to 12. It provides inspiring and immersive multimedia resources featuring linear and 360˚ videos, VR/AR, interactive media and hands-on projects and activities in English and French. The content spans science, social studies, language arts and more.
With respect to science literacy, these are really wonderful opportunities to build ocean literacy and engage citizens who might not have backgrounds in research or science but nonetheless have an interest in learning about their natural environment. Thank you.