Empowering Ocean Guardians Across Latin America
The module "Guardians of the Ocean: Ocean Literacy and Community Solutions for Coastal Sustainability in Mexico", organised by IOI Ocean Academy Mexico Director Liliana Rodriguez, brought together 98 participants from Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador for a month of collaborative learning and action. Through interactive online sessions, participants deepened their understanding of Ocean Literacy, marine conservation, coastal resilience, sustainable fisheries, and community-based governance.
A key outcome of this module was the development of seven collaborative projects focused on coastal sustainability, marine conservation, citizen science, and environmental stewardship. These initiatives demonstrated participants’ ability to translate knowledge into practical action, reinforcing the role of local communities as drivers of positive change for ocean health. A total of 43 participants successfully completed the module, reflecting the strong engagement and commitment generated throughout the course.
Reflections from Directors of Newly Established IOI Ocean Academy Nodes
Building on this momentum, IOI Ocean Academy Directors from the following newly established nodes, recently completed the delivery of their first IOI Ocean Academy modules. They share their reflections on this important milestone, together with highlights from their inaugural courses and their experiences engaging with participants.
"Launching the first-ever IOI Ocean Academy module in Bangladesh has been a profoundly rewarding milestone. Designed to foster Ocean Literacy, the program successfully engaged a diverse cohort of participants, equipping them with essential knowledge on marine governance, coastal management, and the sustainable stewardship of our oceans. The immense enthusiasm from our participants underscores a growing regional commitment to safeguarding our marine ecosystems. We are deeply grateful to IOI HQ for their unwavering guidance, and we look forward to expanding this vital educational footprint through future modules."
Mostafa MONWAR
Director, IOI Ocean Academy Bangladesh
Language: Bangla and English
“The first batch of the Ocean Literacy online course on “Ocean Literacy for Biodiversity Conservation and Protection in Indian East Coast” was successfully delivered over five weekends throughout May 2026. For this course, we received around 87 applications from Odia speaking candidates. On average 35 students participated in the course, out of which 30 have successfully completed the course. The participants attending the course were from diverse social, academic backgrounds and geographical regions. The topics discussed broadly covered science, economics, governance and laws related to the ocean. Topics also touched upon issues of east coasts of India including that of Odisha’s coast. As Odia language was used for delivering the session, discussions ideas flowed freely. The sessions were highly informative and interactive as well.”
Sarbeswara Sahoo
Director IOI Ocean Academy India (Odia)
Language: Odia
"From analyzing global maritime frameworks to addressing urgent local crises like coastal erosion in West Point and Buchanan, these scholars have proven that Liberia’s 'Wet Wealth' is in capable, forward-thinking hands.
As we wrap up this historic first chapter, our eyes are already on the horizon. Due to the overwhelming success of this launch, we are thrilled to announce that planning is already underway for our next cycle. We hope to officially launch Cohort 2 by September of this year!
To our pioneering first cohort: You came in as students, but you leave as ambassadors and the official maritime brain trust of Liberia. The ocean connects us all, and your journey to protect it has just begun!”
Diallo FLOMO
Director, IOI Ocean Academy Liberia
Language: Koloqua and English
In April and May 2026, the IOI Ocean Academy launched its first Italian-language course in the Upper Adriatic, hosted through the Adriatic Blue Academy in partnership with Ocean ECO. Over five weeks and ten online sessions, twenty-five participants gathered to explore one of the region's most defining yet fragile landscapes: its lagoons. The group brought together a remarkable cross-section of society - ocean professionals, researchers, local administrators, fishers, tourism operators, students, journalists, and engaged citizens - all united by a connection to the coastal wetlands of the northern Adriatic. Together they explored lagoon ecology and hydrology, international ocean governance and EU marine policy, the pressures of climate change and cumulative human impact, and the tools of maritime spatial planning, sustainable tourism, and coastal restoration.
The course culminated in an ambitious and imaginative final session: a structured roleplay in which participants took on the role of advisors to the fictional Region and City of Valdaque, convened urgently to chart a sustainable future for their lagoon. Working across six thematic areas - from ecology and climate adaptation to fisheries, maritime law, tourism, and Ocean Literacy - the group produced the Dichiarazione di Lagunare, a collective declaration setting out concrete commitments for the next decades of lagoon governance and planning. Far from a merely academic exercise, the Declaration drew on real expertise, genuine debate, and a shared sense of responsibility for these fragile and irreplaceable systems.
Arndt BUBENZER
Director, IOI Ocean Academy Upper Adriatic
Language: Italian
Participants shared their reflections on the modules in their own words:
“I had a very positive experience during this programme. It was informative, engaging and helped me gain a better understanding of Ocean Literacy, marine conservation.”
Bidyutlata Patra, India
IOI Ocean Academy India (Odia)
“[...] This IOI course is unique because it not only provides knowledge but also empowers young people to become advocates for environmental sustainability. Through this experience, I have developed new perspectives, valuable skills, and a stronger voice for environmental and ocean conservation. I am committed to encouraging more young people to take advantage of opportunities like this because I believe that when people are equipped with the right information and resources, they can effectively spread awareness, protect the environment, and inspire positive change in their communities.”
Faith A Kulu, Liberia
IOI Ocean Academy Liberia
“L’IOI Ocean Academy è stata un’esperienza stimolante con contenuti sempre interessanti e relatori molto competenti; è stata un’ottima opportunità per approfondire le tematiche sulle nostre lagune, che molto spesso, vengono dimenticate!”
“The IOI Ocean Academy was a stimulating experience, with consistently engaging content and highly knowledgeable speakers. It provided an excellent opportunity to deepen my understanding of our lagoons, which are too often overlooked.”
Christian Foddi, Italy
IOI Ocean Academy Upper Adriatic (Italian)
“The programme provided me with valuable knowledge about coastal and marine ecosystem protection and the sustainable blue economy. The sessions were informative, engaging, and helpful for improving my understanding of marine and environmental issues.”
Sabbir Hossain, Bangladesh
IOI Ocean Academy Bangladesh