Successful completion of IOI South Africa’s 11th Training Programme on Ocean Governance for Africa, Cape Town, South Africa, 4 - 29 November

Guided by the dedicated leadership of Lynn Jackson and Judy Beaumont, and with the invaluable support of Kirshia Govender, the International Ocean Institute – Southern Africa (IOI-SA), in collaboration with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), successfully delivered the 11th Ocean Governance Training Programme. Held from November 4 to 29, this year’s course brought together 22 participants from 12 countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, Nigeria, Tunisia, Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, Namibia, and Seychelles.

Over four weeks, participants engaged with leading regional experts across a wide range of ocean governance themes. The course emphasised interactive and experiential learning, featuring group discussions, policy brief exercises, and simulated governance activities.

Interactive Group Activities: A key feature of the program was the policy brief exercise, where participants addressed critical topics such as:

• Green shipping and port strategies to reduce emissions;
• Sustainable approaches to small-scale fisheries;
• The ecological impacts of oil and gas production;
• Strategies for mitigating marine plastic pollution from land-based sources.

Groups presented their findings to a panel of ocean governance professionals, receiving constructive feedback on content, collaboration, and presentation skills.

Field Trips: Field trips were central to the programme, grounding theoretical knowledge in real-world examples. Highlights included:

• Visits to the Two Oceans Aquarium and V&A Waterfront, exploring marine biodiversity and conservation efforts;
• A day at Saldanha Bay, including insights into port operations, aquaculture facilities, and the West Coast National Park;
• A practical session at False Bay, where participants learned about African penguin conservation, Shark Spotters, and estuary management;
• A hands-on experience at Milnerton Beach for a citizen science activity focusing on marine debris and waste sorting;
• Tours of the Kraaifontein Integrated Waste Management Facility and Atlantic Recycling, showcasing waste management innovations.

Participants expressed enthusiasm for the peer-to-peer learning opportunities, practical insights, and the chance to experience the Western Cape's iconic landmarks through an ocean governance perspective.