"Awaken New Depths" is the theme for World Oceans Day 2024, a year framed within the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science, which calls for an urgent shift in our relationship with the oceans. Currently, 90% of large marine species are depleted, and 50% of coral reefs have been destroyed.
Today, on this international day, we are sharing an interview with Chilean marine biologist Pilar Muñoz, on ocean literacy and the importance of commemorating this international day.
Born and raised in Valparaíso, Pilar says she has felt drawn to the sea for as long as she can remember. "I’ve set myself the life goal of sharing this love for the ocean, so that more and more people contribute to its sustainability," she says.
The marine biologist holds a master's degree in Oceanography and works at the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Natural Resources at the University of Valparaíso, where she leads the Marine Algae Laboratory, coordinates the courses "Marine Botany" and "Phycology," edits the scientific publication Revista de Biología Marina y Oceanografía, and takes part in community engagement activities that blend science, art, and technocreativity, such as the immersive documentary Ocean Literacy in 360°.
"Technocreativity is a concept that combines technology and creativity to develop innovative and original solutions. It involves the use of technological tools—in my case, extended reality (XR) experiences (virtual reality, digital twins, augmented reality, etc.)—to generate products, services, or experiences that wouldn’t be possible without the integration of both disciplines," Pilar explains.
"In the context of science and art, technocreativity allows for the exploration of new forms of communication and expression, facilitating the creation of projects that can have a greater impact and reach," she adds.
As a result of her work promoting ocean literacy, Pilar was selected as one of the 20 global experts in UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s International Ocean Literacy Expert Group (IOC-UNESCO). She also founded the Ocean Literacy Working Group within Chile's National Oceanographic Committee (CONA), and was recently elected President of the Chilean Society of Marine Sciences (SCHCM).
Pilar Muñoz, bióloga marina chilena, es una de los 20 expertos mundiales del Grupo Internacional de Cultura Oceánica de COI-UNESCO.
What is ocean literacy and why is it important?
Ocean literacy is essentially about people understanding that the ocean benefits us every day and that our actions impact its sustainability. The life of the planet depends on the ocean. For example, it provides the air we breathe, regulates the temperature, gives us nutritious food, provides energy, is a source of employment, facilitates the transport of the vast majority of our goods, and also offers spaces for recreation, relaxation, and happiness.
Unfortunately, traditional science has failed to convey this message effectively to the public, leading to extreme events such as the climate crisis we are currently facing. If the ocean is under threat, human well-being is also at risk. That’s why ocean literacy seeks to empower people with knowledge about the ocean, so they can make informed decisions and ensure the planet's sustainability.
How do you think ocean literacy stands on a national level in Chile and internationally? How could it be improved?
We still have a long way to go. Studies conducted in the United States have shown that only 10% of the population claims to be aware of ocean issues. The same happens in Chile. We’ve forgotten our connection to the sea, and I say ‘we’ve forgotten’ because the Indigenous peoples were strongly connected to it. For instance, in Monte Verde, a site near Puerto Montt, there is evidence of the world's oldest consumption of seaweed, dating back approximately 14,000 years. Many Indigenous communities lived by the sea, such as the Chango people in the central region or the Selk'nam in the south: both had innovative boats and relied on marine resources for food.
To narrow this gap, we need to reconnect people with the sea, and we must appeal to their senses and emotions. Outdoor activities near the coast, such as swimming, walking, and sailing sports, are helping to foster this connection. From an academic perspective, we also need to find innovative ways to share marine science content and engage people effectively. A methodology that has worked well for us is the combination of art, science, and technocreativity.
What is the importance of commemorating World Oceans Day?
This commemoration was created to raise awareness of the ocean, how it benefits us, and how we’ve affected its sustainability. Various activities are held around the world to engage more people, ranging from academic conferences and art exhibitions inspired by the sea, to regattas or even tastings of sea-based foods.
For example, as part of the Marine Biology School at the University of Valparaíso, we have organised a major celebration of World Oceans Day for the third year in a row in collaboration with the Senate. This includes a marine education fair and presentations from national experts, all held in the Senate’s Honour Hall.
What message would you like to leave for students in Chile to encourage them to learn more about the ocean?
My message is to invite students to experience our ocean with all their senses. For those living in coastal areas, take some time to go to the beach, feel the wind blowing in, observe the organisms around you in detail, close your eyes and listen to the sound of the waves, dip your feet in the water, and while doing so, think about all the ways the ocean benefits you.
And for those who don’t live near the coast, I have another invitation: next time it rains, go outside, open your arms, and feel the ocean embracing you, because that rain falling on you is water that has travelled all the way from the sea.
