Environmental Literacy and Coastal Education as Pathways to Marine Ecosystem Conservation: A Systematic Literature Review

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Hayatul Khairul Rahmat, Nurhasan Syah, Eri Barlian, Nur Hidayatul Hafidzah, Iswandi Umar, Nina Veronika

2026 Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries Vol. 30 Issue 2 Article Cited by 1

Abstract

Marine ecosystems are essential for global ecological balance and human livelihoods. However, they face increasing threats from pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change. Environmental literacy and coastal education have emerged as key strategies to promote sustainable marine ecosystem conservation. This study examines the role of environmental literacy and coastal education in strengthening public awareness and encouraging conservation-oriented behavior. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using the PRISMA framework to ensure a transparent and rigorous selection of studies. Articles published between 2013 and 2024 were collected from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The review identifies several key themes, including the role of environmental literacy in shaping pro-environmental attitudes, the effectiveness of place-based and experiential learning in coastal education, and the importance of community participation in marine conservation. The findings show that educational initiatives integrating scientific knowledge, experiential learning, and community engagement can significantly improve environmental awareness and support marine stewardship. Strengthening environmental literacy through inclusive and participatory coastal education programs is therefore important for achieving long-term marine ecosystem sustainability. © 2026, Egyptian Society for the Development of Fisheries and Human Health. All rights reserved.

Affiliations

Doctoral Program of Environmental Science, Graduate School, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia; Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Vocational School, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia; Department of International Business Administration, Politeknik Kampar, Kampar, Indonesia; Department of Palm Oil Processing Technology, Politeknik Kampar, Bangkinang, Indonesia