The Marine Education and Ocean Literacy Programme, a core element of the
Barbados Marine Spatial Plan, is dedicated to empowering Barbadians of all
ages with knowledge and awareness about our marine ecosystems. Our goal
is to foster a deeper understanding of the ocean’s vital role in our daily lives,
economy, and cultural heritage, promoting actions that protect and sustain it
for future generations.
Through interactive school programs, and community initiatives, the Marine
Education and Ocean Literacy Program connects individuals with our marine
environment. We explore critical topics such as coral reef ecosystems, our
gully systems, marine pollution, and the importance of biodiversity. Our program provides hands-on learning experiences and tools to help every Barbadian become an advocate for the ocean, encouraging stewardship that strengthens our island's resilience to climate change.

• Engaged 10 primary schools during Term 3 of the 2023-2024 academic year.
• Approximately 400 students and teachers were engaged in the programme which included classroom sessions, glass bottom boat tours of the Folkestone Marine Reserve and onboard the Atlantis Submarine.
• Facilitated 8 focus groups with the Parish Independence Committees.
• Development of the BMSP Baseline Public Perception Survey in collaboration with the team from our Communications Programme.
• School based activities going forward include:
  • a Secondary Schools’ debating competition which examines the Blue Economy and the MSP
  • Classroom interventions for secondary schools along with field trips
  • Primary Schools interventions continued, as many requests for support have been received.
• The Focus Groups will be expanded to include:
  • BARP
  • BCD
  • Religious Organisations
  • Youth Organisations

The Communications Programme of the Barbados Marine Spatial Plan is crucial to the process. It is designed to raise public awareness about marine spatial planning and foster an informed, engaged community actively participating in the stewardship of our marine environment. Through visibility, outreach, and dynamic engagement initiatives, we are building a bridge between policy and people to ensure everyone understands the value of our marine resources and the steps we’re taking to protect them.
Our programme offers accessible information on marine spatial planning utilizing digital media campaigns, traditional media activations, public events, and outdoor messaging to connect with diverse audiences across Barbados. By promoting open dialogue and encouraging public input, we aim to keep every Barbadian informed and involved in shaping the future of our ocean
spaces.

• Facilitation of a stakeholder analysis workshop.
• Support provided to facilitate the BMSP Inception Meeting.
• Development and launch of the Barbados Marine Spatial Plan brand.
• Development and launch of the BMSP website.
• Signing of the Barbados Marine Spatial Plan Ambassador
• Deployment of the BMSP Baseline Public Perception Survey in collaboration with the Education Programme team.
• Commencement of community listening sessions, which are public consultations being held in each parish. During the latter half of 2024, the team facilitated five (5) sessions.
• Launch of the BMSP song and lyric video, with the music video to launch soon.
• Conceptualization and launch of an MSP video series called Makin’ Waves.
• Launch of our public awareness campaign including MSP radio ads, newspaper ads, digital ads on outdoor screens, radio segments, street banners and television appearances.
• Two fact sheets to deep dive into MSP.
• Launch of two branded outdoor water stations.
• Adoption of a roundabout in St. Michael (November 2024).