This post is published as part of Pledge 1%’s “Pledge 1% Gives” campaign for Giving Tuesday.
Beneath the waves lies a silent emergency—one that connects humanity’s maritime heritage to the future of our one global ocean. The Ocean Foundation’s Ocean Heritage Initiative stands at the forefront of this crisis through a revolutionary flagship project that demonstrates that cultural preservation and environmental protection are not competing priorities but complementary solutions to the same urgent challenge
More than 8,500 shipwrecks worldwide contain enough oil and hazardous materials to cause environmental disasters that would dwarf recent spills, while simultaneously destroying irreplaceable underwater archaeological sites and war graves. These aging vessels, many casualties of the World Wars, represent a dual threat that traditional conservation approaches have failed to address comprehensively. Our groundbreaking partnership with Lloyd’s Register Foundation and Waves Group tackles these ticking time bombs through an innovative model that recognizes shipwrecks as both cultural treasures and environmental hazards requiring integrated solutions.
The crisis embodies a profound injustice: vulnerable coastal communities that played no role in creating these underwater hazards face the greatest risks from catastrophic spills and heritage loss. Through international workshops spanning from London to Malta, we’ve built a global coalition of experts developing the standards and protocols needed to address these dual threats before they become catastrophes, while ensuring those most affected have the strongest voice in developing solutions. Our work has already prompted UNEP to commit to developing new guidelines for wreck management, while UNESCO has recognized the urgent need for cross-sectoral cooperation in protecting maritime heritage.
The project demonstrates how heritage preservation can drive environmental policy, creating frameworks that simultaneously safeguard marine ecosystems and honor the cultural significance of these underwater sites. Where traditional approaches see separate problems requiring separate solutions, we see interconnected heritage requiring integrated protection—transforming ocean threats into conservation opportunities that preserve both our maritime past and marine future for generations to come.
For more information on our Ocean Heritage Initiative, see here.
For the call to action on Potentially Polluting Wrecks read the Malta Manifesto here.
Our road map going forward is to implement or foster the implementation of the 14 recommendations in the Insight Report, “Potentially polluting wrecks: protecting people and planet.” See our road map here
The UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States (Apia) is establishing a roster of experts to support Pacific Island countries in safeguarding and promoting their cultural and natural heritage – including tangible, intangible and mixed heritage – as key drivers of sustainable development, resilience and identity.
The Experts Pool will support Pacific Island countries and territories in addressing shared challenges and leveraging key opportunities to strengthen heritage resilience, governance, and community engagement and promote sustainable tourism and the creative economy – ensuring that culture and heritage remain at the heart of sustainable development.
This call invites expressions of interest from professionals and practitioners with demonstrated experience in heritage conservation, disaster and climate resilience and community-based approaches in the Pacific. Selected experts may be engaged by UNESCO for mentorship, advisory support or participation in training and capacity-building activities throughout 2025–2027.
UNESCO Culture Conventions
Selected experts will assist UNESCO in supporting its Member States in the ratification and effective implementation of the following Culture Conventions:
Experts are invited to express interest in one or more of the following thematic priorities for the Pacific region:
1. World Heritage and Sustainable Management
World Heritage tentative site identification, nomination, management and monitoring
Climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction for heritage
Inclusive, community-based and gender-responsive site management
2. Intangible Cultural Heritage and Indigenous Knowledge
Safeguarding living heritage, languages and traditional practices
Integration of Indigenous and traditional knowledge and nature-based solutions
Integration of ICH in education, climate action and community resilience
3. Sustainable Cultural Tourism and Creative Economy
Community-based cultural and creative industries
Inclusive, sustainable cultural tourism models
Heritage entrepreneurship and livelihood development
4. Policy, Data, and Digitalization
Heritage legislation and policy development
Data collection, indicators and monitoring systems
Digital technologies and digitization of heritage assets and knowledge
Eligibility Criteria
1. Professional Experience
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in heritage management, conservation, cultural policy, creative economy, sustainable tourism or related fields.
Proven record of work in one or more of the thematic areas above.
Availability for in-person or virtual engagements in 2025–2027.
Previous collaboration with UNESCO or other UN agencies.
2. Regional Knowledge
Demonstrated experience working in or with Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs).
Understanding of traditional knowledge systems, governance structures and community dynamics in the Pacific.
3. Skills and Competencies
Strong intercultural communication, facilitation and mentoring skills.
Proven ability to work collaboratively with governments, communities and regional institutions.
Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of Pacific vernacular languages is an asset.
Selection and Engagement
Qualified experts will be included in the Pacific Heritage Expert Pool, managed by UNESCO. Inclusion in the pool does not guarantee immediate engagement, but enables experts to be considered for future assignments, including:
Mentoring or technical advisory missions
Facilitation of workshops and training sessions
Participation in regional knowledge exchange activities
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications through the following LINK
Deadline: 12 November 2025, 23:59 (Apia time / GMT+13)
For any further questions, please contact Ms Sara García de Ugarte at s.ugarte@unesco.org
Location: Newport News, VA Supervisor: Program Operations Manager Status: Full-time, Exempt. No direct reports.
What We Need
TheNational Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking an Education and Outreach Specialist, a position responsible for developing and implementing education and outreach initiatives for the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary.
Specifically, the Education and Outreach Specialist will support work that is part of the scope of a cooperative agreement between the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation andNOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries focused on generating visibility and national awareness of NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, both as the location of the iconic Civil War ironclad and as America’s first national marine sanctuary.
The Education and Outreach Specialist will play a key role in supporting the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary on behalf of the Foundation by developing education and outreach programs, helping to establish and cultivate cooperative relationships with community-based programs and organizations, managing the sanctuary’s web and social media accounts, creating virtual programming, providing support to the Sanctuary Advisory Council Coordinator, and performing other administrative duties, as required.
The position will be based in NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary office on the grounds of The Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News, VA. A belief in our mission, excellent project management and communication skills, as well as a strong team mentality, is a must.
Who We Are
On January 30, 1975, NOAA designated the wreck of USS Monitor, lying off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, as the nation’s first national marine sanctuary. Monitor was the prototype for U.S. Civil War ironclad, turreted warships that significantly altered both naval technology and marine architecture in the 19th century. Monitor is regarded as the ancestor of modern battleships, and its significance is further recognized by being listed by the Department of Interior as a National Historic Landmark.
For 50 years, Monitor National Marine Sanctuary has worked with partners to honor and interpret USS Monitor for the American people, including facilitating the interment of the remains of two Monitor sailors at Arlington National Cemetery. Sanctuary education and outreach programs raise public awareness about the sanctuary and its resources, encourage public involvement in resource protection, increase knowledge about maritime history, and expand ocean literacy.
Today Monitor is a conduit to our past, and more importantly, a conduit to our future. By using innovative technologies, Monitor National Marine Sanctuary and its partners are providing access to Monitor’s heritage in ways never imagined before. Through pioneering new artifact conservation techniques and immersive virtual and 3D print interpretation, Monitor’s ironclad legacy will inspire the next generation of marine scientists for decades to come.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations.
What You’ll Do
The person in this role will be a creative, analytical thinker with strong content development skills and a passion for formal and informal education and public outreach. As the Education and Outreach Specialist, you’ll be embedded with the NOAA Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, and be responsible for:
Day-to-day management of MNMS education and outreach programs.
Developing and implementing MNMS education and outreach action plans.
Developing education, outreach, marketing, and communication materials, programs, and tools for both history and STEM-related topics.
Collaborating with the sanctuary’s partner, The Mariners’ Museum and Park, to support existing Monitor-centric programming, and work alongside The Mariners’ staff to create new education and outreach programs and products. Collaborative programming formats include at the Museum, in the classroom, virtual, and outdoors in Mariners’ Park.
Collaborating with sanctuary staff and partners in the development and execution of education and outreach events.
Evaluating the effectiveness of education and outreach programs.
Day-to-day management of Monitor National Marine Sanctuary website and social media channels, including curating posts, sourcing assets, collaboration with other teams, managing platforms, and engaging with the social community.
Managing the development and execution of all social campaigns to drive public engagement and strengthen Monitor National Marine Sanctuary awareness and brand equity.
Providing support and assistance in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Submerged NC webinar series.
Developing and sustaining strategic partnerships to enhance the sanctuary’s ability to inspire ocean conservation, ocean literacy, and cultural heritage.
Identifying opportunities for partner education and outreach activities, including maintaining Letters of Agreement with formalized partnerships.
Managing education and outreach volunteers and interns.
Assisting in providing logistical support for the Sanctuary Advisory Council meetings, including assistance with development of the meeting agenda, meeting minutes, and performing other duties as needed.
Perform other duties, as required.
Who You Are
As the Education and Outreach Specialist, you’re a mission-driven, communication-savvy individual who has a passion for sharing our nation’s cultural heritage and marine environment and can develop and activate education and digital strategies that bring the wonder and value of the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary to life for your audience. You have a commitment to engaging storytelling, a strong sense of initiative, and work well independently.
Required Qualifications:
A degree that included or was supplemented by major study in education or a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major in education.
Minimum of three years of specialized experience in education. Area of focus should include environmental and ocean sciences, American history, or another related field.
Experience in developing K-12 activities, curriculum, or training for educators.
Excellent communication, organizational, writing, and project management skills.
Experience producing plain-language web content, with a focus on social media for a federal agency, education or non-profit organization, congressional office, private company, or other professional organization.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to perform under tight deadlines and juggle multiple tasks and projects.
Demonstrated initiative, ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.
Proficient with video and image editing software, preferably with the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, InDesign).
Adept with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
A sincere interest in, and commitment to, Monitor National Marine Sanctuary and the Foundation’s missions.
Demonstrates the ability to forge partnerships with diverse communities and organizations.
Willingness and ability to travel in support of sanctuary activities when needed.
Regular attendance required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working for or with federal or state agencies.
Experience and/or knowledge of national marine sanctuaries.
Generous leave policy, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid federal holidays.
Health Benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision.
Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance.
Transportation subsidy
Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service.
Compensation and Benefits: $55,000-$65,000 annually, based on experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package.
Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references. Applications received by September 29, 2025 will be preferred.
Location: Newport News, VA. based (Monitor National Marine Sanctuary office location), with an ability to work on a hybrid schedule, as needed.
Specifically, the Education and Outreach Specialist will support work that is part of the scope of a cooperative agreement between the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation andNOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries focused on engaging the public, through education and outreach at WSCNMS.
The Education and Outreach Specialist will play a key role in supporting WSCNMS on behalf of the Foundation by updating and implementing the sanctuary’s Education and Outreach Action Plan. The selected candidate will work with local communities, educators, students, and the public to increase the reach and relevance of the sanctuary. The successful candidate will have a passion for formal and informal education, strong verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects. The Education and Outreach Specialist will work day-to-day as a member of the WSCNMS staff.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations.
Designated in 2021, Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary provides stewardship for our nation’s maritime heritage in Lake Michigan, including 40 historic shipwreck sites. Co-managed by NOAA and the state of Wisconsin, the sanctuary promotes Great Lakes conservation through research, education, and public engagement. In partnership with local communities, the sanctuary provides a national stage for promoting recreation and heritage tourism.
The sanctuary is part of NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary System, an over 620,000 square mile network of underwater parks. These special places protect some of the most iconic underwater areas in the United States.
What You’ll Do
The person in this role will be a creative, self-motivated thinker, with strong organizational skills and a passion for formal and informal education. As the Education and Outreach Specialist, you’ll be embedded with NOAA’s Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary, and be responsible for:
Enhancing the sanctuary’s ability to inspire Great Lakes conservation and literacy.
Developing and implementing WSCNMS education and outreach action plans.
Day-to-day management of WSCNMS education and outreach programs.
Evaluating the effectiveness of education and outreach programs.
Establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with K-12 and higher education educators.
Establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with federal, state, local, academic, and non-profit organizations.
Developing education, outreach, marketing, and communication materials, programs, and tools for both heritage and STEM-related topics.
Developing and leading teacher workshops to promote use of science-based lesson plans in classrooms.
Conducting sanctuary outreach and education in visitors’ centers, partner facilities, and at special events.
Day-to-day management of WSCNMS website and social media channels.
Supporting the development of brochures, signs, exhibits, web content, and social media content
Supporting the writing and implementation of education related grants.
Coordinating sanctuary volunteer program and assisting with sanctuary advisory council.
Perform other duties, as required.
Who You Are
As the Education and Outreach Specialist, you’re a mission-driven individual who can develop and implement education and outreach strategies that bring the wonder and value of the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary to life for your audiences. You have a strong sense of initiative and work well both independently and as part of a team. You’ll have:
Required Qualifications:
A degree that included or was supplemented by study in education or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a degree in education.
Minimum of two years of specialized experience in education, public outreach and/or science communication for general audiences.
Experience in developing K-12 activities, curriculum, or training for educators.
Generous leave policy, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid federal holidays.
Health Benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision.
Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance.
Transportation subsidy
Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service.
Compensation and Benefits: $58K-68K annually, based on experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package.
Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references. Applications received by September 29, 2025 will be preferred.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking a Great Lakes Social Scientist. The person in this role will use surveys and analyses to study people, with the goal of helping manage protected species. Understanding the “people side” of coastal and resource management – the people who live in a coastal community and what they care about – helps inform how policies will impact them and whether a policy will be effective. The position is currently hybrid.
The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center (GLMHC) is the central focus of all sanctuary programs and a hub for community activity including educational programs, scientific research, public outreach events, festivals, meetings, and more. As the “gateway” to the 4,300 square miles of sanctuary waters in Lake Huron, the GLMHC serves a vital role in furthering the sanctuary’s mission to protect and preserve the Great Lakes and their rich history. The Specialist will specifically work to effectively communicate the sanctuary mission and goals, encompassing both research and education efforts, to various and diverse audiences.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations.
What You’ll Do
Integrate economic, human dimensions, non-economic and ecological information for assessing ecosystem services and economic valuations.
Conduct intercept surveys and supervise surveyors.
Complete data entry and analysis of socioeconomic research.
Work with community members to collect their stories of sanctuary meaning.
Serve as liaison between the sanctuaries and the community to provide status updates and answer questions from the public.
Collect data to evaluate ecosystem services provided by sanctuary locations.
Prepare reports regarding important socioeconomic considerations.
Communicate socioeconomic findings to the Foundation, NOAA, other agencies, and the general public.
Work closely with an on-site coordinator within NOAA’s ONMS Socioeconomic program.
Perform other duties as assigned to support sanctuary programs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in social science, including but not limited to economics, sociology, survey research, and anthropology.
Proven experience with database management and statistical analysis using a statistical program like SAS, STATA, R, or other comparable software.
Competency with using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint); Intermediate/advanced skills in Excel.
Strong data analytic skills with a foundation in statistics.
Strong communication skills, both written and oral, with experience presenting research results and publications, participating in expert panels, and developing website content and content for social media.
Demonstrated commitment to high professional, ethical standards and a diverse workplace.
Ability to coordinate volunteer schedules.
Preferred Qualifications:
Coursework in environmental or natural resource economics.
Coursework or experience with survey sampling and questionnaire design.
Experience interviewing respondents.
Experience working with Native and Indigenous peoples.
Coursework or experience using GIS software.
Ability to travel in the region up to 20%.
Why You Will Love Us
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. The Foundation works in close partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase stewardship of our ocean and Great Lakes through on-the- water conservation projects, and education and public outreach activities, and by support for research. Together, we safeguard species and the places they call home, and support coastal communities and economies.
Dedicated and passionate staff committed to marine and Great Lakes Conservation
Generous leave policy, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid holidays
Health benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision
Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance
Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service
Compensation and Benefits: $55,000-$68,000 annually based on experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package.
Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references. Applications received by July 16th will be preferred.
Location: Alpena, MI (hybrid with some telework available)
Underwater Archaeology and Maritime History jobs 