Ocean Governance & Blue Economy Diplomacy Training Course

Introduction

In an era of increasing maritime activity and pressing environmental challenges, mastering Ocean Governance & Blue Economy Diplomacy is absolutely critical for international relations professionals, policymakers, maritime industry leaders, environmental experts, and development practitioners seeking to understand and sustainably manage the world's oceans. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip foreign service officers, government officials, international organization staff, maritime security analysts, fisheries managers, conservationists, and coastal development professionals with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for interpreting international ocean law, fostering sustainable blue economy initiatives, and shaping multilateral marine policy. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the threats of overfishing, pollution, and climate change to marine ecosystems, the economic potential of ocean resources, and the strategic implications of ocean governance for global security and prosperity. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes hands-on analysis of current international debates (BBNJ, high seas protection), and real-world case studies pertinent to complex ocean diplomatic challenges, empowering you to effectively contribute to a healthy and sustainably managed ocean.

This maritime policy and sustainable ocean development course is crucial for individuals and organizations striving to move beyond sectoral interests towards a proactive, integrated approach to managing the multifaceted political, economic, environmental, and security dimensions of ocean space. Mastering international maritime law, implementing effective marine protected area strategies, and understanding strategies for blue economy investment and diplomacy are indispensable for conserving marine biodiversity, ensuring navigational freedom, combating illegal fishing, and leveraging ocean resources for sustainable livelihoods. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in strategic ocean policy and maritime international relations, positioning your organization at the forefront of global ocean governance and driving significant long-term value creation through enhanced ocean health, improved regional cooperation, and informed foreign policy.

Target Audience

• Foreign Service Officers & Diplomats
• Government Officials (Fisheries, Environment, Maritime Affairs)
• International Organization Representatives (IMO, FAO, UNEP)
• Maritime Industry & Shipping Executives
• Marine Conservationists & Environmental NGO Staff
• Coastal Development Planners
• Academics & Researchers in Ocean Law & Policy

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of ocean governance and the blue economy.
• Learn about the key principles of international ocean law, particularly UNCLOS.
• Master the analysis of geopolitical competition and cooperation in maritime domains.
• Develop proficiency in addressing threats to ocean health (pollution, overfishing, climate change).
• Explore best practices for fostering sustainable blue economy initiatives and investment.
• Understand the critical aspects of maritime security and combating transnational organized crime at sea.
• Learn about robust strategies for negotiating and implementing international marine agreements.
• Identify the critical role of multilateral forums in shaping global ocean policy.
• Develop skills in advocating for ocean conservation and sustainable resource management.
• Understand the economic opportunities and challenges presented by ocean resources.
• Explore strategies for effective marine spatial planning and protected area management.
• Drive the implementation of comprehensive national and international ocean policies.
• Position yourself as a leader in shaping the future of healthy and sustainably managed oceans.

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1. Introduction to Ocean Governance & the Blue Economy

• Defining ocean governance: frameworks, institutions, and actors
• The concept of the blue economy: sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth
• The strategic importance of oceans for global trade, security, and climate regulation
• Overview of major threats to ocean health: pollution, overfishing, climate change impacts
• Interconnectedness of ocean health with human well-being and planetary health

Module 2. International Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

• The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the "constitution of the oceans"
• Key maritime zones: internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, EEZ, high seas, continental shelf
• Rights and duties of states in different maritime zones
• Freedom of navigation and overflight
• Dispute settlement mechanisms under UNCLOS

Module 3. Geopolitics of the Oceans & Maritime Security

• Strategic waterways, choke points, and their geopolitical significance
• Naval power projection and maritime domain awareness
• Combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing
• Addressing maritime piracy, armed robbery at sea, and transnational organized crime
• Territorial disputes and sovereignty issues in maritime zones

Module 4. Sustainable Fisheries Management & Marine Conservation

• Challenges of overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices
• Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) and their role
• Principles of ecosystem-based management and precautionary approach
• Establishing and managing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and networks
• The new BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) and high seas protection

Module 5. Pollution, Climate Change & Ocean Health

• Major sources of marine pollution: plastic waste, oil spills, chemical runoff
• Impacts of climate change on oceans: ocean acidification, sea-level rise, marine heatwaves
• Strategies for reducing marine pollution and mitigating climate impacts
• International agreements and initiatives for ocean protection
• The role of science in informing ocean policy

Module 6. Blue Economy Development & Investment

• Sustainable sectors of the blue economy: renewable ocean energy, sustainable aquaculture, eco-tourism
• Investment opportunities and challenges in the blue economy
• Principles of responsible blue economy development
• Marine spatial planning (MSP) for integrated ocean management
• Case studies of successful blue economy initiatives

Module 7. Ocean Diplomacy & Future Governance Challenges

• The role of diplomacy in negotiating international ocean agreements
• Multilateral forums for ocean governance: UN, IMO, FAO, regional organizations
• The nexus of oceans with SDGs and the 2030 Agenda
• Emerging issues: deep-sea mining, marine genetic resources, geoengineering
• Building a global coalition for a healthy and sustainably governed ocean

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.