Seventy percent of the Earth is covered by the Ocean, yet only 26% of the seafloor has been mapped, and just 25% of marine species have been identified. This highlights how little we truly know about the Ocean — and even that limited knowledge is constantly evolving due to climate change, overfishing, and habitat loss. 

 

Why does understanding the Ocean matter so much? 

 

Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, joins Voice Mail to share his perspective. He explains why it is vital for us to "face the Ocean" and how strengthening Ocean literacy across all countries is essential for the future of our planet. 

 

Vidar Helgesen also discusses his role as a jury member for this year’s International Letter-Writing Competition, organized in partnership with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and offers insights into what he'll be looking for as both an Ocean expert and a writing enthusiast.