In a significant move to address escalating marine threats including climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, the federal government has announced a comprehensive plan on saTurday to integrate ocean awareness into the national education system, aiming to cultivate a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens.
The initiative was unveiled following a high-level meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and Minister of State for Education and Professional Training, Wajiha Qamar, where strategies for enhancing marine literacy and youth engagement were discussed.
Highlighting the urgency, Minister Chaudhry stated, ‘Understanding our oceans is no longer optional, it is essential for climate resilience, sustainable development, and the long-term health of our maritime resources.”
He articulated that such education is vital to equip young people with the ability to make informed decisions and actively contribute to marine conservation and the burgeoning blue economy.
The federal minister emphasised aligning the new educational focus with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4.7, which champions education for sustainable development. This involves embedding knowledge of marine ecosystems and human-ocean interactions into curricula, teacher training, and global citizenship programmes.
Citing global initiatives like UNESCO”s ‘Ocean Literacy for All,’ Mr Chaudhry stressed the need to advance marine education in line with SDGs concerning ocean conservation (14), quality education (4), climate action (13), and sustainable fisheries (2).
Alongside the curriculum overhaul, the minister announced significant reforms in maritime education, including plans to grant degree-awarding status to the Pakistan Marine Academy. A new Maritime Educational Endowment Fund (MEEF) will also be established to provide scholarships for deserving students from coastal communities.
‘The scholarship program promotes inclusive development by enabling access to quality education for youth from over 70 coastal and fishing communities, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan,’ he said.
To guarantee fairness and effective management, a dedicated oversight committee has been formed to ensure the scholarship process is transparent, equitable, and robustly monitored. The MEEF will initially target coastal regions before a planned national expansion.
Both ministers underscored the critical need to address risks like rising sea temperatures, coastal erosion, and pollution through integrated climate and marine education, from classrooms to community outreach.
‘Marine literacy is a strategic investment,’ Minister Chaudhry added. ‘By equipping young people with knowledge of fisheries, mangroves, and sustainable maritime practices, we can cultivate a generation that protects our oceans while unlocking blue economy opportunities.’
State Minister Wajiha Qamar supported the initiative, highlighting education’s transformative power. ‘Incorporating marine science and ocean literacy into curricula can help students connect local challenges with global trends,’ she remarked.
The officials called for a coordinated approach blending formal schooling, informal learning, and youth-led advocacy to translate complex marine science into accessible public knowledge, particularly as the nation”s coastline faces severe pressure from climate change and overexploitation.
Mr Chaudhry urged the development of nationwide programmes with curriculum modules on marine biodiversity, fisheries management, ecosystem protection, disaster risk reduction, and the sustainable use of resources.
‘A joint effort by the Ministries of Maritime Affairs and Education can cultivate an ocean-literate generation, transforming vulnerability into resilience and ensuring the long-term sustainability of coastal and marine ecosystems,’ he concluded.