Connecting with The Deep: Lifelong Learning (LLL) and Marine Sustainability

Abstract

This chapter frames marine sustainability within ongoing global and regional initiatives in lifelong learning and adult education. The authors of this chapter argue that to achieve the ambitious targets set out in the SDGs, our adult population must be able to recognise, engage with, and act upon economic, social, and environmental challenges. The authors of this chapter present the many barriers that adult learners experience and acknowledge the challenges of participation in non-formal education. We review current research into how we can effectively use learning, information, and messaging and see if this can help overcome some challenges, and effectively motivate adult learners to actively participate in pro-climate action and marine sustainability. The authors present The Deep Network, an adult education initiative which brings together multidisciplinary practitioners who support adults to become ocean literate in various ways. We detail the conclusions of The Deep Network meetings and show how practitioners learnt from and with each other to build capacity in marine sustainability and adult education. We conclude by making recommendations for future practice.