WSL One Ocean is the sustainability and ocean protection programme of the World Surf League, linked in Portugal to international events such as the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal in Peniche. The objective is to educate surf communities and the general public about ocean protection, climate action and biodiversity conservation. Activities include educational workshops, beach clean-ups, dune restoration, awareness campaigns and partnerships with local schools and NGOs during surf events, large-scale communication of sustainability values, ecosystem restoration actions and the promotion of responsible event management.
Key learning objectives:
Main learning objective is the participants’ increase in their understanding of marine conservation challenges and the role of sport in driving positive change. Thousands of participants engaged globally, improved coastal ecosystems and increased visibility of sustainability in water sports.
Importance of water sport:
In the One Ocean initiative, surfing acts as a powerful vehicle for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) by linking environmental learning directly to the experience. Surfing places participants in constant interaction with the ocean, making them highly receptive to issues such as climate change, marine pollution, coastal erosion and biodiversity loss. This direct dependency on healthy marine ecosystems transforms sustainability from an abstract concept into a personal and practical concern, fully aligned with ESD principles.
The added value of connecting the project with water sport lies in its strong engagement and outreach capacity. Surfing communities, athletes and events provide a visible and credible platform to disseminate sustainability messages to youth, local communities and the wider public. By embedding education, restoration actions (e.g. dune recovery, beach clean‑ups) and awareness campaigns within surf events, One Ocean combines sport, learning and civic action. This approach enhances ocean literacy, encourages behavioural change, and demonstrates how sport can actively contribute to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Target Groups/Clients:
World Surf League, local authorities, schools, NGOs, athletes and coastal communities.
Good practices:
Highly transferable to other international sporting events that want to involve their communities in sustainability education.
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