We are proud to announce that the Back to Blue Initiative has been officially recognised by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO-IOC) as part of its Blue Thread: Recognition for Initiatives Putting Ocean Literacy in Action.

This prestigious recognition affirms Back to Blue’s alignment with the principles of the Venice Declaration, highlighting our commitment to advancing ocean literacy and promoting sustainable stewardship of the world’s oceans.

As UNESCO-IOC describes,

The recognition was announced on March 3, 2025, during a dedicated workshop held as part of the European Ocean Days, hosted by the European Commission. At the event, Naka Kondo presented Back to Blue as a compelling case study, inspiring global action toward ocean literacy and sustainable marine engagement.

Greetings, dear guests and delegates of the European Ocean Days. My name is Naka Kondo, a senior editor at Economist Impact leading the Back to Blue initiative on ocean health. Back to Blue is an initiative of Economist Impact and The Nippon Foundation, and it is my pleasure to speak to you today about the work we’re doing and the synergies we are exploring with UNESCO-IOC.

When it comes to nature, climate and the ocean, we are on a brutal timeline. At Back to Blue, our mission is twofold. First, through extensive engagement with experts across the ocean community, we identify, and conduct rigorous research into pressing issues particularly around marine pollution. Over the past four years, we have looked at the impacts of harmful chemicals and plastics, the cost of inaction around sewage and wastewater — and highlighted the crucial issue of data around marine pollution.

Second mission, we provide the storytelling of these findings – to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the general public – and I feel this is where Back to Blue primarily contributes in the promotion of ocean literacy.

Our latest study The Great Disconnect, unveiled how young people perceive the ocean—highlight why bridging knowledge gaps is so essential in managing the ocean – and nature.

The study also told us, however, that knowledge alone isn’t enough to change our behavior. That’s why ocean literacy is at the heart of what we do. By illuminating the importance of systemic thinking around ocean health, we empower communities to make informed choices—whether it’s about reducing plastic consumption, supporting sustainable seafood, or urging governments to enact forward-looking and ocean/nature-inclusive policies.

I’m also proud that Back to Blue is part of the Blue Thread network, initiated by UNESCO-IOC. As we move forward, it’s vital that we join forces with partners and stakeholders who share our commitments. Nobody and no one organization can do this alone.

At Economist Impact, we see initiatives as moving the needle on an issue, and we see ourselves as a catalyst of change. By weaving our work through the Blue Thread, we aim to drive meaningful and lasting change—ensuring that robust data, technological innovation, and public engagement, and understanding align for a healthier, more resilient ocean.

Thank you.