The International Ocean Institute – Southern Africa (IOI-SA) is based within the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens as a partner of the host institute, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). Through its project-based structure, the IOI-SA provides research, training and technical support for a range of national, regional and international stakeholders in various aspects of ocean governance and management.
IOI-SA hosted the 12th Ocean Governance Training Programme from the 4th to the 29th of November 2024, in Cape Town, South Africa. Since the first IOI-SA course in 2013, the training programme has taken place annually since 2015, in partnership with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and with financial support from the Ocean Science Research Foundation (OSRF) through IOI Headquarters. The course is dependent on and the IOI-SA is deeply appreciative of the valuable contributions from a suite of experts who generously provided their expertise and engaged with the participants, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm.
The 4-week in-house programme was hosted at the SANBI Kirstenbosch Research Centre (KRC). This year we received over 200 applications, and, after a careful selection process, we welcomed 22 participants from: Cameroon, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Seychelles and South Africa (see map below). Participants had the opportunity to engage with regional experts in a range of ocean governance thematic areas. Course content is complemented with interactive sessions, and group discussion. Field trips provided an opportunity to apply the learnings in a practical setting.
The 4 weeks were characterized by thoughtful and enthusiastic contributions from the participants. And this year we encouraged more peer-to-peer learning, particularly individuals sharing from their own countries and group exercises throughout the training. Practical sessions included a risk assessment exercise, group work on multilateral environmental agreements and a simulated marine spatial planning process, using the interactive board game donated by IOC-UNESCO
Marine Spatial Planning challenge: participants represented a sector for their simulated countries and were tasked to work with their counter representatives. They negotiated marine spatial plans to accommodate environmental and socio-economic concerns when allocating use of marine zones of various sectors.
One group exercise ran throughout the four-week period and involved the development of a policy brief on one of four broad topics listed below:
- Africa’s Ports
- Small scale fisheries
- Marine genetic resources
- Blue economy
Group presentations and the final policy briefs were assessed by a panel of ocean governance practitioners, who provided recommendations on content, presentation skills and group process.
The field trips were an important component of the technical course schedule, grounding the course content in practical, real-world examples and offering participants a chance to explore areas around Cape Town through the perspective of ocean governance. For many participants, it was their first time visiting Cape Town’s incredible sites in the Western Cape. Highlights included trips to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town Port, Milnerton Beach, Two Oceans Aquarium, Kraaifontein Recycling Plant, Zandvlei Nature Reserve, and Shark Spotters
Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Tour at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation: Participants were introduced to the marine biodiversity of Southern Africa through a presentation at the Education Centre, followed by a guided tour. The afternoon concluded with a behind-the-scenes experience, showcasing the Aquarium’s operations, including the marine conservation management of seals, turtles, and the critically endangered African penguins.
Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and Plastic Recycling Plant Tour: John Kieser shared his expertise on marine litter through an engaging presentation at the facility, followed by a tour of the MRF. This impactful experience inspired participants to enhance recycling efforts in their home countries. The tour concluded with a visit to the recycling plant, where participants observed firsthand how plastic pellets are produced from recycled materials.
Cape Town Port: Ports play a crucial role in global commerce, transportation, and the governance of the world’s oceans and their resources. Participants visited Cape Town Port to gain insights into its daily operations and how they align with the ocean governance concepts covered during the training.
False Bay Tour: False Bay, a renowned tourist destination, is home to a diverse array of marine life. The tour tied directly into the ocean governance modules covered during the training, focusing on marine conservation and socio-economic management. A visit to Boulders Penguin Colony was a highlight for many participants, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts as the African penguin is now critically endangered. The Sarah Warries, Shark Spotters CEO shared their vital work in promoting beach safety and coastal management with the support of city of Cape Town. The day concluded with a visit to Zandvlei Estuary with Kyran Wright, estuary manager. Participants gained insights into ecosystem management practices.
The course report will be available on the website soon.
