Workshop on Strengthening Capacity for Sustainable Ocean Governance in Africa's Least Developed Countries

Workshop Overview

This comprehensive workshop aims to address capacity gaps in the effective administration of marine resources in Africa’s least developed countries. It will equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to promote sustainable ocean governance, harness ocean benefits, and contribute to the socioeconomic development of their nations.

Workshop Objectives

  • Enhance Understanding: Gain insights into international maritime law, policy, and governance frameworks for sustainable ocean management.
  • Develop Skills: Learn about maritime spatial planning, marine protected areas management, and fisheries governance.
  • Foster Collaboration: Promote regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing among participants.
  • Provide Practical Tools: Equip participants with strategies for effective marine resource administration, including monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) systems.
  • Raise Awareness: Highlight the importance of ocean sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation.

Workshop Outline

Day 1: International Maritime Law and Policy Frameworks

  • Module 1: Introduction to International Maritime Law
  • Module 2: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) – Key Provisions and Principles
  • Module 3: Regional Maritime Governance Frameworks in Africa

Day 2: Maritime Spatial Planning and Marine Protected Areas Management

  • Module 4: Introduction to Maritime Spatial Planning
  • Module 5: Marine Protected Areas Management – Principles and Best Practices
  • Module 6: Case Studies on Maritime Spatial Planning and Marine Protected Areas Management in Africa

Day 3: Fisheries Governance and Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) Systems

  • Module 7: Introduction to Fisheries Governance
  • Module 8: Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) Systems for Fisheries Management
  • Module 9: Practical Exercise on MCS Systems for Fisheries Management

Day 4: Regional Cooperation and Coordination in Ocean Governance

  • Module 10: Regional Cooperation and Coordination – Challenges and Opportunities
  • Module 11: Case Studies on Regional Cooperation and Coordination in Africa
  • Module 12: Group Discussion on Promoting Regional Cooperation

Day 5: Practical Tools and Strategies for Effective Administration of Marine Resources

  • Module 13: Practical Tools for Marine Resource Management
  • Module 14: Strategies for Implementing Sustainable Ocean Governance
  • Module 15: Conclusion and Recommendations for Future Action

Target Audience

  • Government officials responsible for marine resource management
  • Policy-makers and legislators involved in ocean governance
  • Researchers and academics in maritime law, policy, and governance
  • Representatives from regional and international organizations on ocean governance and sustainability
  • Civil society organizations and community groups involved in marine conservation and sustainable livelihoods

Workshop Format

  • Expert lectures and presentations
  • Case studies and group discussions
  • Practical exercises and role-playing
  • Panel discussions and debates

Workshop Materials

  • Comprehensive workshop manual and resource guide
  • PowerPoint presentations and lecture notes
  • Case study materials and group discussion guides
  • Practical exercise materials and role-playing scripts

Certification

Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the workshop.

Follow-up and Support

  • Ongoing access to a network of experts and peers for continued guidance.
  • A follow-up workshop or webinar to review progress and provide additional support.