Ours to Protect is a unique and exciting audio project – a collaboration of local and regional broadcasters from across the country who have come together to tackle climate change, champion climate action, and inform and educate audiences all over Ireland about how they can make a difference.
Today on ‘Ours To Protect’ John Morley talks about ocean literacy in primary education with Dr. Noreen Burke, Ocean Explorers Education Programme Services Manager and Colette Furey, Centre Principal at Galway Hooker Sailing Club and teacher at Scoil Bhride, Shantalla
Did you know…
- According to UNESCO, ocean literacy is defined as understanding your understanding of how the ocean influences you and how you influence the ocean. It aims to increase public awareness about the ocean and to influence stakeholders and citizens to have a more responsible behavior towards the ocean.
- Ocean Explorers has been running since 2006 and is supported by the Marine Institute.
- Ocean Explorers run the Ocean Champion School Healthy Oceans School Project and Awards which is the only ocean-themed award for primary schools in Ireland.
- The awards for schools include an Ocean Literacy Creative Award, the Marine Outdoor Award and the UN Sustainable Development Goals Award.
- Scoil Bhride in Shantalla took home this year’s Marine Outdoor Award by the Marine Institute for their all school marines themed healthy ocean project, where they explored marine biodiversity, coastal erosion, traditional crafts and skills linked to working near or on the sea.
Why is Ocean Explorers important for ocean literacy?
- It’s a way for pupils to understand their own connection to the ocean, and how they can have an impact and influence on the ocean.
- It can help a connection for the ocean to develop in students, their teachers and among school communities.
- Having good ocean literacy skills ties into prevention of marine litter, ocean protection, and nature protection.
What can I do to help ocean literacy in the classroom?
- If you’re a teacher, you can use the Explorers Education programme to educate students through marine-related activities.
- Submit an application for the Explorers Healthy Ocean Schools project with your class as 2024 applications open soon.
- Look at resources such as the Explorers Outreach team at Galway Aquarium
Here’s a few websites if you want to know more!
marine.ie-Marine Institute
Explorersmarineducation.edu on social media
https://nationalaquarium.ie/- Galway Aquarium
For more info go over to galwaybayfm.ie, click on Our to Protect image on home page. You could try out the ‘Ecological Footprint’ calculator and you can take a quick survey.
‘Ours To Protect’ brought to you by Galway Bay fm, the IBI and funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the television licence fee – check out ‘ours to protect.ie for more info.
