Voices From the Coast: Communities, Resilience and the Blue Economy
- Description
- Curriculum
How can coastal communities build resilient and sustainable futures in the face of climate change, environmental degradation and social transformation?
This self-paced course explores the Blue Economy through the experiences of coastal communities around the world. Drawing on case studies from Angola, Chile, Jamaica and Portugal, participants will examine how communities are responding to environmental and economic challenges while protecting livelihoods, cultural heritage and marine ecosystems.
Rather than focusing solely on policy and economic frameworks, the course places community voices at the centre of the learning experience. Through stories, practical examples, videos and reflection activities, learners will explore the relationship between sustainability, resilience, inclusion and community wellbeing.
Participants will learn about key concepts related to the Blue Economy, analyse the challenges facing coastal communities, identify community-led approaches to resilience, and explore opportunities for more sustainable and inclusive development.
Multiple languages
The course is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain key concepts related to the Blue Economy and community resilience.
- Understand how environmental and social changes affect coastal communities.
- Identify practical approaches to strengthening resilience and sustainability.
- Explore the role of youth, students, women and local communities in shaping coastal futures.
- Reflect on opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and environmental stewardship.
Course Modules
Module 1: Understanding the Blue Economy
Explore the foundations of the Blue Economy and its connections to sustainability, livelihoods and community wellbeing.
Module 2: Protecting Coasts and Building Resilience
Examine environmental and social challenges affecting coastal regions and discover community-led strategies for adaptation and resilience.
Module 3: Local Opportunities for Community Wellbeing
Learn how participation, inclusion and local action can support sustainable development and strengthen coastal communities.
This course was developed through the Blue Economy Pilot Project by a partnership of organisations from Angola, Chile, Jamaica, Portugal, and the global community.
The initiative is led by the International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean, Camões, I.P. and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), and implemented in collaboration with Fórum Oceano, ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon (CEI-Iscte), The POP Movement, University of Porto, Global Student Forum (GSF), Universidad Andrés Bello (UNAB), Jamaica Tertiary Education Commission (JTEC), and Universidade do Namibe (UNINBE).
Together, these partners bring expertise in development cooperation, higher education, youth engagement, sustainability, community resilience and the Blue Economy.
No prior knowledge of the Blue Economy is required. Basic digital literacy and internet access recommended.
Coastal community members, local leaders, youth, women, educators, civil society actors, and practitioners interested in sustainable coastal development and community-based Blue Economy approaches.
Google