News from the IOI Ocean Academy Directors’ Network: Reports
Within the framework of the IOI Ocean Academy in Georgia, Director Marika Makharadze has been leading national training programmes for teachers, with more than 150 educators trained to date. These programmes aim to integrate ocean literacy into school education and raise awareness about the importance of sustainable ocean and coastal management. Looking ahead, the Academy plans to launch a new course, “Ocean Literacy and Blue Economy,” designed for students and youth. This initiative seeks to empower the next generation and further enhance ocean literacy in Georgia and the Black Sea region.
In the meantime, Marika has also been actively promoting the IOI Ocean Academy through her participation in different events, as well as learning new skills to improve and enhance the outreach and effectiveness of her ocean literacy modules. Her reports follow:
São Paulo School of Advanced Science in Ocean Literacy (SPSAS–Ocean Literacy), organised by UNIFESP with the support of FAPESP, under the framework of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). 19 August - 1 September, Brazil
Representing the IOI Ocean Academy, Georgia, Marika Makharadze joined 100 participants from around the world in an inspiring two-week programme that integrated scientific, local, and Indigenous knowledge. The school addressed key themes such as the evolution and importance of ocean literacy, practical tools and case studies, communication at the science–society interface, and project design and leadership for ocean literacy. As Director of IOI Ocean Academy Georgia, Ms Makharadze highlighted the IOI Ocean Academy’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ocean literacy in the Black Sea region and noted that the knowledge and experience gained in Brazil will contribute to expanding Georgia’s ocean literacy initiatives, fostering science–community dialogue, and enhancing international collaboration within the IOI network.
2025 EMSEA Conference, 17-19 September, Ostend, Belgium
The EMSEA conference gathered educators, scientists, and ocean advocates from across Europe to exchange ideas, showcase innovative practices, and strengthen collaboration within the ocean literacy community. Representing the IOI Ocean Academy, Georgia, Marika presented her work through a poster session, sharing insights and experiences related to advancing ocean literacy in Georgia and the wider Black Sea region.
REGISTER NOW for the next IOI Ocean Academy online modules offered free of charge in English, Swahili, Arabic, Spanish, by our global partners in Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan respectively.
Visit the IOI Ocean Academy webpage for more information, and to check out other learning opportunities open for applications from time to time.
Introduction to Marine Spatial Planning and its Relevance for Ocean Governance and Resource Management
Swahili
4 - 17 November 2025
Ocean Literacy for the benefit of French-speaking West African countries bordering the
Atlantic Ocean
French/Moroccan dialect
postponed to 20 Nov - 20 Dec 2025
Successful delivery of four IOI Ocean Academy modules was achieved over the last two months with participants completing modules delivered in Swahili, English, Urdu and Tunisian Dialect by our international partnership of Directors.
Our global network of IOI Ocean Academy Directors designs and delivers engaging, locally relevant learning experiences that strengthen ocean literacy within their communities. By communicating in local languages and drawing on regional knowledge, they make ocean education more accessible to everyone. The lessons and guided discussions foster community connection, personal development, and collective action that supports the ocean and promotes positive change.
- KENYA: Introduction to Plastic Pollution and its Solutions for a Healthy Ocean, 28 August - 5 September; Swahili
- NIGERIA: Cultural and Indigenous Perspectives of the Ocean, 15 - 18 September; English
- PAKISTAN: Ocean Governance – A Major Factor to Mitigate Climate Change and to Ensure Sustainable Use of Ocean Resources with Reference to Pakistan, 29 September - 10 October; Urdu and English
- TUNISIA: Introduction to Ocean Literacy with a Special Focus on Tunisian Coasts, 30 August - 28 September; Tunisian Dialect
Some feedback from the participants - in their own words:
“My experience was great, now I have better understanding on major aspect of the
ocean plastic pollution and way around to fight it”
Kalandje Mponda, Tanzania
Module offered by Kenya
“I have accumulated a wealth of insights and knowledge about the ocean, its bonds with coastal dwellers,
humanity's interplay with marine worlds, and the vibrant cultural and indigenous tapestries woven around it.”
Christiana Akpoduado, Nigeria
Module offered by Nigeria
“Program was really helpful, it made me realize how important it is to manage the ocean properly, protect the marine life, and to follow sustainable methods. The sessions were clearly structured and simple to follow too, even for someone who didn't know much about the topic.”
Khezra Azhar, Pakistan
Module offered by Pakistan
“facilité, comprehensible, engageante”
(easy, understandable, engaging)
Naoufel Haddad, Tunisie
Module offered by Tunisia