The IOI Ocean Academy global programme has been endorsed by the IOC Executive Secretary as a Decade Action “No 65.6. IOI Ocean Academy - Ocean Knowledge for All” as a project forming part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030, attached to the Decade programme No. UN7 Ocean Literacy With All (OLWA). The engagement and commitment and excellent work of the IOI Ocean Academy Directors has been the foundation upon which the IOI Ocean Academy Ocean Literacy outreach programme and the endorsement relies.
Ocean Decade Actions are initiatives carried out across the globe over the course of the Decade to achieve “the science we need for the ocean we want” - the Ocean Decade Mission. Actions will contribute to fulfilling the 10 Ocean Decade Challenges, which articulate the most immediate priorities for the Ocean Decade. The IOI Ocean Academy addresses principally the Ocean Decade Challenges 9 (Skills, knowledge and technology for all) and 10 (Change humanity’s relationship with the ocean).
The IOI Ocean Academy was launched as a hallmark event to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the IOI in 2022 to enhance Ocean literacy globally, focusing especially on communities where access to Ocean knowledge might be limited for various reasons.
"It is of great satisfaction that the foremost programme launched as part of the IOI golden jubilee – the IOI Ocean Academy, was so successful, exceeding our expectations in reaching out to a global audience under the motto of “Ocean Knowledge for All”. The IOI Ocean Academy programme was established to enable interested laypersons to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to understand the complexities of the Ocean and its local and global effects, now and in a changing future, and the impact and role of human activities, laying the foundations for more informed understanding and personal daily decision-making. The IOI Ocean Academy format of 20-hour modules offered online in local languages, delivering locally relevant Ocean knowledge via local experts affiliated with the IOI, and at no charge for interested participants of all backgrounds has proven to be a highly effective way of increasing global Ocean Literacy. The IOI Ocean Academy programme is truly a fitting tribute to the vision of Elisabeth, [Mann Borgese, founder of IOI] as well as a new milestone in the IOI mission to create knowledgeable and empowered Ocean leadership at all levels."
Antonella Vassallo, Managing Director IOI HQ
Some highlights of the feedback received from persons attending the global IOI Ocean Academies, in their words:
"The experience was amazing and I really enjoyed it. I will be able to implement what I learned here and make the Ocean a better and less polluted place. I'm currently leading a volunteer group that basically dedicates 2 hours of time on Saturdays to cleaning the beach and taking care of the environment. I will be able to talk about this programme and the experiences I had."
"The Program was very knowledgeable and it motivated me to take more interest in Marine Fisheries. It provide a lot of Knowledge about Coastline its rules and regulations and fisheries sector."
"Speakers of every session create an impact on selected topics, the course was designed in a way that made every topic easily understandable. Overall very comprehensive, explicit, educative, and well-managed course with highly qualified teachers associated with different organizations and institutes. It was worth investing my time in learning more about where Pakistan stands in the journey of transforming into a maritime nation."
"I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in this program. The information provided was valuable, and what truly stood out the most was the engaging interaction with the instructor who was very open to sharing information and knowledge. I eagerly look forward to future courses and trainings, with the hope of experiencing them in person for an even richer learning journey"
Following last year’s successful IOI Ocean Academy outreach, with a total of 43 courses completed and around 3,000 participants, in 2024 the IOI continues to expand the IOI Ocean Academy programme globally to deliver more modules, increase the number of languages offered, and the outreach to more countries. As an endorsed action of the Ocean Decade we are confident that the IOI Ocean Academy will continue to grow in its outreach in other parts of the world, as part of these global actions.
Visit the IOI Ocean Academy webpage regularly to keep updated on the upcoming courses open for applications.