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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 12^th 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.

World Ocean Day, Saturday, June 8th, IOI-SA were honoured to support a community event hosted by Shamier Magmoet and the team at Sea the Bigger Picture and Argonaut Science. Shamier Magmoet shared his thoughts on the significance of such events, stating, “Not too long ago, we were told that we are not allowed to go to this beach or that beach. Because of this, it has remained one of the saddest reasons for why we think ocean spaces are not for us. Today we have a lot of work to reprogram the minds, to access the traumas so we can heal and overcome, so we can come back to reconnect with our ocean spaces, from which we were once removed.”

Open Day Snorkelling was held at Windmill Beach, Cape Town, South Africa, to raise awareness of our Great African Kelp Forest and surrounding rocky shores.  The event offered snorkelling lessons to the public, providing many with their first snorkelling experience supported by experienced divers in a safe environment. To ensure everyone could participate in the marine activities, Kirshia Govender, IOI-SA, and team from Aonyx Marine Experiences conducted guided rock pool walks along the shore for both snorkelers and those hesitant to snorkel.

The event was a success, engaged with 105 ocean explorers and provided incredible knowledge about the marine life found underwater and along our rocky shores. It was a beautiful day of communities uniting for the ocean, recognizing the ocean as a safe space for all and highlighted experiential marine education at its finest.

“In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.” – Baba Diome

Photos courtesy of Kirsten Frost and Mik Motala

The International Ocean Institute – Southern Africa (IOI-SA) is happy to announce that the annual 4-week Ocean Governance Training Programme will take place from 4^th-29^th November 2024. Save the date, and don’t miss out on the opportunity to join the 2024 cohort. For more information click here. To apply please complete this online form by 28^th June. https://forms.gle/qa9bJSqFqt7QpwW36 No late applications will be considered.

GOAL OF THE COURSE:

The course is designed to meet the need within Africa for awareness and training in ocean governance. It works towards building a sustainable core of experts on ocean governance on the continent. The course focuses on Africa and emphasises the benefits of harmonising ocean policies to promote a shared, integrated and common approach to ocean management.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

The course is intended for mid-career professionals, educators, researchers and civil society members that have coastal and marine responsibilities, functions or interests, from countries within Africa.

OBJECTIVES:

• Build a core of well-informed decision-makers in Africa;
• Deepen the understanding of the importance of the regional seas and their resources in the context of regional politics and sustainable development;
• Provide insight into the regulatory frameworks for coastal and ocean governance, promote harmonization of policies;
• Build capacity to maximize the benefits afforded by implementing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other conventions;
• Promote the role of science and technology in supporting the development and implementation of ocean governance systems;
• Highlight emerging socio-economic and environmental issues and the need for ocean governance to adapt to changing scenarios;
•  Present regional problems and explore potential solutions;
• Provide a forum for exchange of views between managers and researchers,
• Promote a better understanding of the science management interface in coastal and ocean management;
• To catalyse the establishment of an IOI network in the region comprising of past and future participants.

BASIC COURSE OUTLINE:

MODULE 1: OCEANS AND COASTS –OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS

MODULE 2: THE GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

MODULE 3: GOVERNANCE TOOLS

MODULE 4: GOVERNANCE IN ACTION

MODULE 5: CREATING A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE

FIELD TRIP AND ASSIGNMENTS:

There will be field trips during the course to demonstrate real examples of some of the governance tools and mechanisms. Participants will be expected to complete a number of assignments, one of which will be presented on the final day of the course.

11-22 March 2024

Course Fee: Free

Duration of the Course: Total hours 20 

Language: English

Deadline of Application: 21 February 2023

Selection of Applicants: This course is designed primarily for South African participants, however it is also open to participants living and working within Africa with an interest in the ocean, ocean literacy, and ocean opportunities, including government, non-government organisations, business, labour etc. The course would be particularly useful and valuable to interns and early career professionals.

COURSE DETAILS

The course will take place during in the afternoons (15h00- 18h30) and since it is interactive only applicants who can commit to attending all six sessions will be accepted. The class size will also be capped, and participants will be selected using a combination of criteria. Participants must be able to access Zoom. Certificates will be issued to participants who attend all six sessions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Gain a basic understanding of the ocean: the goods and services it provides, the threats to the ocean, how to live in a more sustainable way with the Ocean;

• Learn about the importance of ocean governance, sustainable and equitable human use, the principle of the common heritage of humankind, respecting the needs of future generations, all in locally relevant context;

• Be empowered to become more active locally as stakeholders to positively influence their communities and beyond;

• To be able to identify priority issues, trends and future challenges in ocean issues, locally and globally

More Information: Kgovender@ioisa.org

Link to Application:   https://forms.gle/FUpW9zM2nLWwhfqA8  

The International Ocean Institute – Southern Africa (IOI-SA) hosted the 10^th Ocean Governance Training Programme from the 4th to the 29th of September 2023, in Cape Town, South Africa. We were very excited to welcome 23 local and international participants: 15 from South Africa, and 8 participants from Algeria, Cameroon, Kenya (2), Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia and Tanzania. During the course, participants had the opportunity to engage with regional experts in a range of ocean governance thematic areas.  Course content was complimented 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 input from the participants. We encouraged peer-to-peer learning 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.

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:

• Opportunities from green shipping and green ports for reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
• Small scale fisheries: policy implementation challenges;
• Oil and gas production: impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems;
• Marine pollution:  policy approaches for reducing marine plastic pollution from land-based sources.

The field trips formed an integral part of the technical course schedule, anchoring the course content with practical examples, and providing the participants with an opportunity to explore areas around Cape Town through the lens of ocean governance.  For many of the participants, this was their first time to visit some of the world-famous sites of the Western Cape.  Highlights included visits to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Two Oceans Aquarium, Kraaifontein recycling plant, Zandvlei Nature Reserve and Shark Spotters.

The South African International Maritime Institute invited the International Ocean Institute of Southern Africa to be a partner in developing and presenting a short course at local level to enable municipal officials and traditional leaders to engage effectively with Blue/Oceans Economy projects and programmes in their area.

Judy Beaumont and André Share successfully facilitated three courses this year, 2-6 July Alfred Nzo and OR Tambo districts, 27-28 July Amathole Districts and 16-17 October Sarah Baartman Districts.

The expected outcomes for the course were: 

• Enhance the trainee’s capacity to understand the Blue/Oceans Economy and its related projects.
• Enlighten the trainees about the relevant policy and legislation informing and regulating the use of coastal and marine areas.
• Enable the trainees to participate in the Blue/Oceans Economy activities from an informed point of view.
• Equip the trainees with the relevant knowledge that will enable them to deal with both internal and external maritime stakeholders and understand the socio-economic and environmental impact of Blue/Oceans Economy related activities/projects, and the relevant legal framework.

Saturday 16 September, International Coastal Cleanup Day, Ocean Governance training participants braved the cold and rain, in the early hours of the morning at Milnerton Beach for a beach cleanup. The cleanup initiative was coordinated by various organizations, such as Save a Fishie, Sentinel Ocean alliance, Parley Tv, and Zero Waste SA.  The beach was not in a good state after the storm, strewn with shredded plastic, microplastics, cotton bud sticks, lollipop sticks, straws, horrible nurdles and so much more. Everyone pitched in with INCREDIBLE effort, contributing to the conservation of our ocean and volunteering their free time for International Coastal cleanup day.

World Oceans Day, the International Ocean Institute Southern African teamed up with Cape Kayak Adventures for a day of celebration in raising awareness about the importance of our ocean to promote their conservation.  The ocean plays a critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate, providing resources and livelihoods for people all over the world and with that supports a variety of marine biodiversity. Unfortunately, they are also under threat from a range of human activities, such as overfishing, pollution and climate change.

A step towards a cleaner and healthier ocean we invited the public to celebrate World Oceans Day with us. Winter rain cleans our streets, but along with it, so much plastic trash gets swept into our ocean. Three Anchor Bay beach is known to accumulate a lot of litter directly from the ocean and the objective of the cleanup was to pick up as much of the floating litter at the water surface. On Saturday the 10^th of June, Cape Kayak offered complimentary trips to the public, for 24 people to assist us with an ocean clean-up.

This experience was led by Kirshia Govender, IOI-SA and Tracy Rauch, Cape Kayak Adventures, and her team of guides to allow for an informed experience highlighting the marine life in Table Bay including the threats to them. A fun experience to celebrate, appreciate and conserve our marine life by removing as much marine waste as possible.

 

Positive feedback from the public, who would like to do more cleanups in future, and be more involved in ocean conservation activities with Cape Kayak and IOI-SA.

Following a request by the Philippines for assistance in the development of an National Programme of Action for Small-scale
Fisheries (NPOA-SSF), FAO and IOI-SA developed and facilitated a 3-day training workshop earlier this year. The National Training Workshop on the Small-scale Fisheries Guidelines and Development of an NPOA-SSF in Philippines was held from 20-22nd June 2023 with the following objectives:

1. To contribute towards developing the capacity of members of the National Task Team and relevant stakeholders to implement the SSF Guidelines;
2. To contribute towards creating an enabling environment for the implementation of the SSF Guidelines; and
3. To support the NPOA-SSF development process.

The course included several background presentations and an exercise on the development of an NPOA-SSF based on the Draft Toolkit developed by the FAO to guide the development of National Plans of Action on SSF (NPOA-SSF). The exercise ran across all 3 days and included a Stakeholder Mapping exercise, a Governance Review and Gap Analysis, and the 3 developments of a workplan for the development of the NPOA.

Opening remarks were made by Mr André Share on behalf of IOI-SA, Dr Lionel Dabbadie, the FAO Representative in Philippines and Mr Isidro M. Velayo Jr, Assistant Director: Technical Services of the Bureau for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The majority of participants were members of the National Task Team, referred to as the National Technical Working Group (NTWG) for the development of the NPOA-SSF. They included the NPOA-SSF coordinator, the Bureau for Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), representatives of Local Government and fisher organisations, as well as a number of academics and NGOs. The course was facilitated by IOI-SA and the two advisors, Harold Monteclaro and Alice Ferrer.

Online training, 19-29 June 2023.

Course Fee: Free

Duration of the Course: Total hours 20 

Language: English

Deadline of Application: 2 June 2023

Selection of Applicants: This course is designed primarily for South African participants, however it is also open to participants living and working within Africa with an interest in the ocean, ocean literacy, and ocean opportunities, including government, non-government organisations, business, labour etc.

The course will take place during in the afternoons (15h00- 18h30) and since it is interactive only applicants who can commit to attending all six sessions will be accepted. The class size will also be capped, and participants will be selected using a combination of criteria. Participants must be able to access Zoom.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Gain a basic understanding of the ocean: the goods and services it provides, the threats to the ocean, how to live in a more sustainable way with the Ocean;

• Learn about the importance of ocean governance, sustainable and equitable human use, the principle of the common heritage of humankind, respecting the needs of future generations, all in locally relevant context;

• Be empowered to become more active locally as stakeholders to positively influence their communities and beyond;

• To be able to identify priority issues, trends and future challenges in ocean issues, locally and globally

More Information: Kgovender@ioisa.org

Link to Application:  https://forms.gle/i9cJWKazBrGMYiP37

Link to programme: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMhxUP6soqrwkOdcK1cijG9g9i-Ayq0g/view?usp=sharing