2025 Ocean Governance Training Programme

The International Ocean Institute – Southern Africa (IOI-SA) is pleased to announce the annual 4-week Ocean Governance Training Programme, scheduled to take place from 1st to 26th September 2025.

The training programme is designed to enhance ocean governance knowledge and capacity across Africa, fostering collaboration, policy harmonization, and sustainable ocean management.

The course will be delivered in hybrid format, consisting of:

Week 1: Online learning sessions

Weeks 2 – 4: In-person training at The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa

Application Details

Application Deadline: 20th May 2025 (No late applications will be considered)

Application Form: Submit your application here

For more information: 2025 Programme Brochure 2024 Course Report 

Goal of the Course

This training programme is designed to address the need for awareness and expertise in ocean governance within Africa. It aims to:

  • Build a sustainable network of ocean governance experts on the continent
  • Promote harmonized ocean policies for a shared and integrated management approach

Who Should Apply?

This course is designed for mid-career professionals, educators, researchers, and civil society members from African countries who have responsibilities or interests in coastal and marine governance.

Course Objectives

Participants will:

  • Develop expertise in coastal and ocean governance
  • Gain insight into regional seas, marine resources, and sustainable development
  • Understand legal and regulatory frameworks for ocean governance
  • Explore policy harmonization and international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
  • Learn about the role of science and technology in ocean governance
  • Discuss emerging socio-economic and environmental challenges
  • Analyse regional case studies and explore practical solutions
  • Engage in discussions between managers, policymakers, and researchers
  • Strengthen the science-policy interface in marine governance
  • Contribute to the establishment of an active IOI network in Africa

Course Structure

The programme consists of five core modules:

  1. Oceans and Coasts – Opportunities and Threats
  2. The Governance Framework
  3. Governance Tools
  4. Governance in Action
  5. Creating a Supportive Environment for Effective Governance

Additionally, participants will engage in field trips and assignments to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.

For inquiries, contact us at kgovender@ioisa.org

Author: IOI-SA

IOI-SA focuses on Ocean Governance capacity development in Africa through training programmes aimed at harmonising management, policy and development. The IOI-SA produces research, policy and strategy-related outputs to address key challenges of sustainable ocean governance in support of the communities, governments, regions and international organizations concerned with securing a peaceful, prosperous and healthy future for all. The IOI-SA maintains particular focus on rural coastal communities, decision-makers, post­graduate students and schools. It achieves its mission through collaborating and networking with organizations and government agencies in Africa that are active in the sphere of marine and coastal management and sustainable livelihoods.