Blue Bonds: A Plan to Save the World's Ocean

Articles/Websites

Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Economics, Civics

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by The Nature Conservancy

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What it is

This article from The Nature Conservancy explains their program in which investments help support coastal and island nations protect a portion of their coastal area in marine reserves.
Students will learn how economics influence the decision to put protections in place and will also hear about the results of this work in Seychelles, Mexico, and Belize.

Teaching tips

Positives

This resource includes text, video, and infographics, which all contribute to students' understanding.
Students will feel hopeful after reading about the success stories associated with this program.

Prerequisites

Students should have a general understanding of the international economy and other economic principles.
Students should already be familiar with climate change and its impacts on marine habitats.

Differentiation & Implementation

Teachers may want to familiarize students with common fishing practices that have negative impacts on the environment. This resource can help introduce some of the key points.
This resource connects to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 14, Life Below Water. If students are unfamiliar with this goal, teachers can use this resource to introduce it.
Geography teachers can discuss this article with students, highlighting the cultural and economic importance of marine areas to coastal and island nations.

From the scientist review

This resource details a program of the Nature Conservancy that helps nations achieve ocean conservation. The interconnectedness of ecosystems and the economy is stressed, and articles on several current projects are linked in the text. All of these projects have the goal of increasing climate resilience. This resource is recommended for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: Economics, Civics
Other types: Videos
Language: English
Location: Africa, South America
Provider: The Nature Conservancy
Authors: The Nature Conservancy
Published: September 18, 2025
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · D2.Civ.12.6-8 + 11 more

Core

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards

D2.Civ.12.6-8Assess specific rules and laws (both actual and proposed) as means of addressing public problems.
D2.Eco.1.6-8Explain how economic decisions affect the well-being of individuals, businesses, and society.
D2.Eco.9.6-8Describe the roles of institutions such as corporations, non-profits, and labor unions in a market economy.
D2.Civ.14.9-12.Analyze historical, contemporary, and emerging means of changing societies, promoting the common good, and protecting rights.
D2.Eco.2.6-8.Evaluate alternative approaches or solutions to current economic issues in terms of benefits and costs for different groups and society as a whole.

Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.4Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language of a court opinion differs from that of a newspaper).

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

MS-LS2-5.Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
MS-ESS3-3.Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.

New Jersey Climate Education Hub

English Language Arts

RI.CI.6.2Determine the central idea of an informational text and explain how it is supported by key details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
SL.II.7.2Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.

Social Studies

6.2.12.CivicsPI.6.a:Use historic case studies or a current event to assess the effectiveness of multinational organizations in attempting to solve global issues.
6.2.12.EconGE.6.a:Evaluate efforts of governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations to address economic imbalances, social inequalities, climate change, health and/or illiteracy.

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