This year, the UN calls for us all to move away ‘from being passive inheritors of the ocean’s generosity to active guardians of its future’. In keeping with Tanglin’s sustainability commitment, we welcomed Ocean Educator Dr Jo Henley, with support from The Foundation, to work across the Whole School, from Years 1 to 12, to inspire and create a future-facing network of Tanglin Ocean Ambassadors.
With a focus on the key principles of ocean literacy (understanding the interconnection between people and the ocean), Dr Henley delivered a programme of interactive workshops and talks focusing on creativity and curiosity.
Juniors learning about water pollution, alongside lively games of ‘toxic tag’ to demonstrate bioaccumulation.
Ocean biodiversity climate change focused workshop for Year 9, where they played giant ‘ocean Jenga’ and built their own coral reefs to undergo bleaching and then restore.
The Marine Biology CCA students and Year 12s received a three-part ocean ambassador training programme, covering all seven principles of ocean literacy, making them officially the network of ocean ambassadors who will carry forward ocean stewardship in the future years at Tanglin.
This year, the theme of World Ocean Day is 'One Ocean, One Climate, One Future - Together'. This global call to action supports the UN’s 30x30 Ocean Action Plan, which aims to protect 30% of the world's ocean by 2030. As of June 2025, however, only 8.6% of the ocean has been designated as a Marine Protected Area (MPA), with just 2.7% classified as highly protected.
As a lasting legacy of the Ocean Ambassador Programme delivered by Dr Joanna Henley, Tanglin is committed to empowering students to play an active role in marine conservation and protection. Through its co-curricular and CAS programmes, the school will continue to support and promote Marine Protected Areas, helping students become informed advocates for the future of our blue planet.
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- Sustainability
