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Behavioural change and ocean literacy, for the future of people and the planet

What is People Ocean Planet?

People Ocean Planet is built on the best available scientific knowledge, developing a diverse range of projects and partnerships – all interconnected by the central aim of tackling the human dimensions to the health of the ocean and the planet.

The initiative is spearheaded by MASTS (the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland), bringing its existing network of science, industry and governance professionals together with new collaborators and disciplines – designing projects to drive people-based solutions for positive change.

Our mission

People Ocean Planet’s mission is to drive ocean literacy and behavioural change across society to tackle major threats to the ocean, contributing to positive and lasting changes.

Tackling the behavioural roots of overconsumption, waste and human choices helps to reduce and reverse the decline of marine ecosystems, wildlife and the climate, also stimulating action from governments and businesses. Our network of experts increasingly recognise that we must do this within a single human generation.

Time for Change

2021-2030 is the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development – a decade to deliver the research and stimulate the action needed to enable sustainable oceans for future generations. People Ocean Planet will contribute to the Decade’s objectives, drawing on scientific knowledge to enable changes in society that are complementary to ocean health and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The 2021 UN Conference of Parties 26 (CoP26) has been a pivotal moment for political negotiations to tackle the global climate emergency. Ocean and behavioural issues figure heavily in the challenges and solutions; so before, during and after CoP26 our outreach and projects will seek to embolden ambitions for the transformative change we need to see.

Project Partners

Led by:

Through MASTS, POP draws on the expertise of over 700 researchers across 18 Universities, research institutes, public sector research organisations and non-departmental bodies, together with wider national and international networks.

Supported by:

Current core funding from:

With kickstart support from: