UN Messenger Of Peace, Dr. Jane Goodall Launches India’s First Ocean Literacy Dialogue in Mumbai

Renowned primatologist and UN Messenger of Peace, Dr. Jane Goodall, inaugurated India’s maiden Ocean Literacy Dialogue in Mumbai, creating waves of awareness and action. Her inaugural address, “The GREAT Talk,” set the tone for the event held at the CSMVS Museum. Organized by the Jane Goodall Institute India (JGII) in concert with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, the British Council, and UNESCO India, the dialogue marked a pivotal moment in India’s engagement with ocean preservation.

This historic event is a cornerstone of the UN Ocean Decade’s Ocean Literacy with All initiative, aimed at engaging countries across the globe in a collaborative effort to ensure the sustainability of our oceans. India’s extensive 7,500-kilometer coastline underscores its crucial role in this global initiative.

The dialogue also integrated the British Council’s GREAT Talks series, which features esteemed professionals from the UK across various fields. Having attracted over 2,000 attendees through virtual talks, this landmark event in Mumbai reinforced the partnership between the UK and India in the realm of ocean literacy and environmental conservation.

The roots of JGII’s dedication to ocean literacy were planted three years ago with the launch of the Roots & Shoots – Oceans Are Us program. Historically, the ocean has been underrepresented in environmental discourse despite covering nearly three-fourths of our planet. The pressing challenges posed by climate change and human-generated waste have necessitated a shift in focus toward protecting our oceans.

As echoed by the initiative, our oceans may be vast but are not infinite. Their delicate ecosystems and limited resources face irreversible damage unless immediate actions are taken. By educating and engaging the younger generation, fostering a personal connection to nature, and inculcating a sense of stewardship, hope can be rekindled for the preservation of our oceans. The Oceans Are Us program, now a key part of school curriculums in India, aims to nurture this connection.

The Mumbai Ocean Literacy Dialogues assembled an impressive array of experts, including scientists, educators, students, artists, policymakers, conservationists, and local communities. The dialogue fostered discussions on urgent topics such as threats to ocean health, integrating traditional ecological knowledge into conservation practices, and utilizing art as a catalyst for ocean stewardship.

Dr. Goodall, with her profound insight, emphasized the interconnectedness of humanity and the ocean, stating, “We depend on our ocean for the future of life on earth, and our ocean depends on us to heal the harm we have inflicted on Mother Earth. Let’s join our hearts, hands, and minds to heal her. In doing so, she will heal us. It’s not too late.”

Reflecting on the impact of this landmark event, Shweta Naik, Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute India, highlighted its encompassing vision: “The Ocean Literacy Dialogue in Mumbai was about more than just inspiring young people—it was about engaging everyone to understand the profound role our ocean plays in sustaining life on Earth. It was a call to recognize why the ocean matters, how it nurtures us, and the urgent need to act collectively to protect it.”

Alison Barrett MBE, Director India for the British Council, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the council’s unwavering dedication to strengthening UK-India ties through initiatives like GREAT Talks. She noted the importance of mobilizing young people toward environmental preservation through collective action and global initiatives.

Francesca Santoro, Programme Specialist for Ocean Literacy at UNESCO’s IOC, articulated the fundamental significance of the ocean, stating, “The Ocean is the defining feature of our planet. It gives us oxygen and food. It regulates our climate and is an incredible source of inspiration for many cultures around the world.” She noted that while many fail to appreciate the ocean’s vital role, dialogues such as these enhance global awareness of our interconnectedness with the ocean.

The Ocean Literacy Dialogue in Mumbai underscored the imperative for cultural adaptability in messaging around ocean literacy, ensuring relevance across diverse regions and communities. Through collaborative efforts and shared knowledge, initiatives like these are critical in fostering a sustainable future for our planet’s oceans and all who depend on them.

As the event culminated, the unified call to action resonated: Heal the ocean, and in turn, the ocean will heal us. It is not too late to embark on the path toward restoration and sustainability, but it requires immediate and collective effort.