Is the ocean the real final frontier? Humans have a greater understanding of the surface of the moon than they do of the depths of our ocean. But what we know of
the ocean proves it hosts a wealth of opportunity – connecting the world; supporting important and basic economic, cultural and environmental functions – despite being under significant threat.
Stressed by unsustainable lifestyles and the increasing demands of a growing global population, how do we become good stewards of this massive natural resource?
In the massive open online course One Planet – One Ocean: From Science to Solutions, learn from the world's leading experts on ocean science. They will present the
issues and potential solutions – grounded in rigorous scientific research – to fight for our endangered waters.
This Massive Open Online Course was broadcast in 2016 and 2017, attracting over 6500 participants from 62 countries! It provides you a knowledge base that brings to
you to the science and fascination of the ocean. Marine scientists team with economists, lawyers and philosophers to bring you a holistic view of how the ocean functions, how human interactions
with the ocean can be understood, and what solutions are available to support both sustainable use and stewardship of our blue planet.
BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT - ESSAYS IN HONOR OF ELISABETH MANN BORGESE
IOI PARTICIPATION IN THE 2ND OCEAN FORUM ON TRADE-RELATED ASPECTS OF SDG 14, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, 16th - 17th July
2018
The 2nd Ocean Forum was co-organised by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Environment, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the
African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP Group), the IOI, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), with the shared goal of
providing a healthy and sustainable ocean. To reach this goal and achieve SDG14 targets, novel integrated and cross-sectoral approaches are needed, along with sound ocean governance and policy
coherence at all levels.
The main aim of the Second Oceans Forum was to identify challenges and opportunities related to the sustainability and integration of the seafood value chain within the framework of the
oceans/blue economy. The Forum provided a stage for presenting analytical reports, individual country experiences and opportunities for exploring public and private best practices. The Forum
proved to be a well-timed opportunity for Member States and other stakeholders to display their views on numerous trade-centric aspects of SDG14.
The IOI (a partner of this forum) was represented in Geneva by Awni Behnam (IOI Honorary President), Alan Deidun (IOI Malta Training Centre Director), Mahin Faghfouri (Vice-President of IOI
Governing Board), Azmath Jaleel, Peter Leder (IOI Governor), Behzad Alipour Tehrany and Antonella Vassallo (IOI Managing Director).
The 8th June has been designated as World Oceans Day (WOD) by the United Nations following paragraph 171 of its resolution 63/111 on
Oceans and the Law of the Sea. The theme of World Oceans Day is selected on an annual basis to reflect an issue of importance. The theme of this year’s celebrations was “Clean our Ocean”.
The IOI joined the rest of the ocean community in celebrating World Oceans Day and, as usual, the global IOI network of centres responded enthusiastically to the invitation to commemorate this
day by organising a diverse range of scientific, social and cultural activities. Thanks go to all the contributors for the organisation of events and for supplying photos. Please read on to see
how World Oceans Day was celebrated by the IOI network worldwide. All photos courtesy of IOI Centres and Focal Points.
As we individually or collectively celebrate World Oceans Day, all our activities are inspired by what Elisabeth Mann Borgese wrote:
“The ocean is the real thing, covering almost three-quarters of the surface of our blue planet; the continents are islands floating on the world ocean; the ocean links and unites
the continents, rather than separating them and isolating them. The world ocean is our common heritage”.
(Mann Borgese, E: The Oceanic Circle: Governing the Seas as a Global Resource; United Nations University Press; pub 1998; 346pp; ISBN-13:
978-92-808-1028-8)
To see how World Oceans Day was celebrated by the IOI network worldwide kindly click on the IOInforma News Bulletin series
(0418) in the Documents & Publications
section; reports of the WOD events held each year are included.
IOI HONORARY PRESIDENT APPOINTED AS AFFILIATE PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
On the 14th of June Dr Awni Behnam (IOI Honorary President) was appointed as Affiliate Professor with the Department of Geosciences within the Faculty of Science at the University of
Malta. This further consolidates IOI’s academic contribution to the annual IOI programmes (MA in Ocean governance and the Malta Training Programme) offered by the University of
Malta.
The 2018-2019 Bursary will be awarded to one person/research team carrying out postgraduate studies/research in ocean/marine/maritime related studies at the University of Malta. Staff or
students are to be registered with the University of Malta where research in the relevant fields is carried out.
For more information as well as the application form/guidelines kindly click here.
The official application deadline is the 28th July 2018.
Forum on Fisheries Science in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (Fish Forum
2018) - CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
DEADLINE 15TH MAY 2018
The Fish Forum 2018, in which IOI is a technical partner, gives participants the opportunity to submit abstracts in relation to three thematic sessions. All abstracts submitted
for the different sessions will be evaluated by the International Scientific Committee (ISC).
The criteria for the assessment of abstracts will be based on the technical quality of the documents and relevance to the topics. The ISC will select the abstracts that will be published in a
book of abstracts before the start of the Fish Forum 2018. You are invited to visit http://www.fao.org/gfcm/fishforum2018/callforabstracts/en/ and submit your abstract for one of the three thematic
sessions.
"Spot the Jellyfish" and "Spot the Alien Fish" - LAUNCH of Apps and other campaign
activities
Two smartphone apps were recently launched for the Spot the Jellyfish and the Spot the Alien Fish campaigns. The apps take these two citizen science campaigns to a new level by allowing
users to report sightings of jellyfish and of alien (non-indigenous) fish in local waters, as well as to view information on specific species and background information on the campaigns.
The apps were developed by students from the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) as part of their final year projects, and in collaboration with Prof Alan Deidun (IOI
Malta Training Centre Director) from the University of Malta’s Department of Geosciences, who coordinates the campaigns.
The first version of the apps is already available on the Google Play platform and will be available soon on the Apple App Store. The final versions of the apps are expected
to be released in the coming weeks after they are fine-tuned by the developers.
More campaign initiatives are planned for the coming months, including the publication of a manual on alien fish species found in Maltese waters. The campaigns are funded by the
International Ocean Institute (IOI), the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) and the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA).
As part of its citizen science and ocean literacy outreach, the campaigns encourage the public to send in their jellyfish and alien fish reports or sightings through the campaign websites
below, via social media pages or by e-mail.
The International Ocean Institute (IOI), on the recommendation of the IOI Board of Governors, has reached its aim of making the Ocean Yearbook contents more widely available as free or
low-cost online access to readers in developing economy countries.
Following coordination by the IOI HQ, the Ocean Yearbook publishers – BRILL - and the Ocean Yearbook editors, we are pleased to announce that the Ocean Yearbook will be part of a new
Research4Life program launched in early 2018. This will result in the provision of online access to academic legal content in developing economy countries. Researchers, librarians,
policy-makers, judges and legal experts from more than 115 low- and middle-income countries will receive free or low-cost online access to law and law-related academic and professional
peer-reviewed content through their institutions. Access will be provided by a new program, Global Online Access to Legal Information (GOALI), a multi-stakeholder initiative of the
Research4Life partnership.
Eligible parties can access the Ocean Yearbook FOR FREE at this link:
The IOI’s Ocean Yearbook publication is published by Brill Nijhoff in cooperation with the Marine & Environmental Law Institute, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
Articles on issues and prospects, ocean governance, living resources of the ocean, non-living ocean resources, transportation and communications, environment and coastal management, maritime
security, military activities, regional developments, training and education, and ocean polar issues will be considered for Volume 33. Submission deadline is 31st March
2018.
OCEAN YEARBOOK STUDENT PRIZE
The Ocean Yearbook Student Prize is an annual competition open to students writing research papers on marine affairs subjects at any university or other tertiary education institution. The paper
of the 2018 Ocean Yearbook Student Prize winner will be offered publication acceptance in Volume 33, to be published in 2019. Deadline for submissions is the end of the business day
on 13 May 2018, with results being announced by 16 July 2018.
THE 2018 TRAINING PROGRAMME ON OCEAN GOVERNANCE FOR AFRICA IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD FROM THE 3rd to 28th SEPTEMBER
2018
ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
The Course Brochure and application form for IOI-South Africa's 2018 training programme can be downloaded from the Training section of the website: http://ioisa.org/course-in-ocean-governance/. Any queries and expressions of interest may be addressed
to: Mr. Adnan Awad, Director, IOI South Africa on e-mail: awad.adnan(at)gmail.com.
The official application deadline is the 13th April 2018.
THE IOI ANNOUNCES THE DANIELLE DE ST. JORRE SCHOLARSHIP - CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 2018
The IOI hereby invites applications/nominations for the 2018 Danielle de St. Jorre Scholarship. Further information on the Scholarship as well as the application form and
explanatory notes may be either requested/obtained by sending an email to:Madeleine Coffen-Smout,
Programme Officer, IOI Canada on e-mail: ioi(at)dal.ca.
The deadline for receipt of applications is 9th February 2018.
BERLIN, November, 16th, 2017: "World Ocean Review 5" has been launched. The fifth World Ocean Review (WOR 5) explores the coastal habitat and the diverse expectations upon this habitat.
It provides a glimpse into millions of years of history, elucidates the theory of continental drift and discusses the many ways in which coasts have changed. It also illustrates how the
diverse ecosystem services rendered by the coasts are being subjected to increasing pressure, and profiles measures that will be necessary in the future to respond effectively to the threats
from both climate change and natural disasters.
More information can be found under the Publications section.
THE 2018 IOI-CANADA TRAINING PROGRAMME ON OCEAN GOVERNANCE: POLICY, LAW AND MANAGEMENT
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
The 2018 training programme on Ocean Governance: Policy, Law and Management is scheduled to be held from the 23rd May to 20th July 2018 (subject to final
confirmation).
In order to obtain an application form kindly click here.
The official application deadline is the 5th January 2018.
The International Ocean Institute (IOI), established in 1972 and head-quartered in the premises of the University of Malta, decided, through unanimous decision of the Board of Governors, to
confer on Professor Alfred J. Vella - Rector, University of Malta - the IOI’s Elisabeth Mann Borgese Medal in recognition of his invaluable support of the IOI and its capacity development,
education and training programmes offered in Malta.
The award ceremony was held at the Valletta Campus of the University of Malta on Friday 10th November at 17.00hrs for a maximum duration of an hour. Present at the ceremony were Dr Awni Behnam,
Honorary President of the IOI; the Registrar, and the Pro-Rectors of the University of Malta; Ambassador Simone Borg and Professor Louis F. Cassar, IOI Governors; Ms Antonella Vassallo, Managing
Director of IOI HQ; and Professor Alan Deidun, Director of the IOI-Malta Training Centre. The celebration was also attended by current beneficiaries of ocean governance training in Malta
following the IOI Training Programme on Regional Ocean Governance for the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and Caspian Seas, and the students following the M.A. Degree in Ocean Governance offered
jointly by the Faculty of Laws at the University of Malta and the IOI.
More information can be seen on the University of Malta website here.
THE 2018 3-WEEK TRAINING PROGRAMME ON OCEAN GOVERNANCE, OCEAN SCIENCES AND GEOETHICS
PRE-REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
The 2nd IOI Training Programme on Ocean Governance, Ocean Sciences and Geoethics is scheduled to be held in Valparaiso, Chile from the 8th January to the 2nd February 2018.
Pre-registration is now open. The form may be obtained by clicking on the website here. The
deadline for registration is the 15th November 2017.
A MASSIVE OPENONLINECOURSE (MOOC) TO BRING TO YOU THE SCIENCE AND FASCINATION OF THE OCEAN WILL BE RELAUNCHED ON THE 14TH JUNE
2017.
Peek into the MOOC
Topics:Marine Ecosystems, Coasts, Fisheries & Aquaculture, Ocean & Climate and Marine Life & Minerals.
Are you a professional, student, educator or citizen who aspires to use knowledge for better stewardship of our
ocean? Yes? Then ENROLL NOW and explore this last great frontier on Earth. Together we can make a
difference – gather friends and colleagues andJOIN TODAY!
SPECIAL SEMINAR ON OCEAN DIPLOMACY
DURING THE IOI TRAINING PROGRAMME ON REGIONAL OCEAN GOVERNANCE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN, BLACK, BALTIC AND CASPIAN SEAS - Malta, 1st December
2017
On Friday 1st of December, the Special seminar on Ocean Diplomacy: “fostering a cadre of ocean literate policy and decision-makers in ocean governance to achieve the SDGs and sustainable
ocean governance globally” was held at Dar l-Ewropa in Valletta, under the auspices of the European Commission representation in Malta.
Dr Awni Behnam and Dr Elena Grech (Head; European Commission Representation in Malta) delivered the opening remarks and set the stage for the speakers that followed: Ambassador K.G. Anthony
Hill (Former Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations and Specialized Agencies, Geneva, Rome and Vienna), Mr John Brincat (International Relations Officer, European
Commission DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries; B-1 International Affairs, Law of the Sea and Regional Fisheries Organisations, Brussels), Prof Simone Borg (Ambassador for Malta on Climate
Action and Ocean Governance), Mr David Vivas-Eugui (Legal Officer, at the Trade, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Branch, DITC at UNCTAD, Geneva) and Mr Ranier
Fsadni (Assistant Lecturer in Anthropology at the University of Malta, Advisor, and former director at the European Commission-League of Arab States Liaison Office).
The seminar drew to a close with the presentation of a statement from Egle Baltranaite, representative of the class of 2017 of the IOI Training Programme on Regional Ocean Governance for the
Mediterranean, Black, Baltic & Caspian Seas; Malta:
“It is
our honour and a privilege to take part in the 13th annual Training Programme on Regional Ocean Governance for the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and Caspian seas and
today's special seminar on Ocean Diplomacy in particular.
Ocean Governance, Diplomacy and Literacy are essential
in reaching the sustainable development goals, especially the 14th goal that is a number one to the most of us in this room. Ocean governance is the process led by humans with an aim
to establish our legal and moral relationship with the wellbeing of the ocean, its services and its resources.
(…)
Just yesterday we emphasized in our class that every
single species are essential to maintaining of biodiversity, so are our individual choices – they shape the ocean‘s tomorrow.
Today we can all agree with the Elisabeth Mann-Borgese,
the Mother of the Ocean and founder of IOI “A glass is half full” and we are here to keep filling it and do our part to reach “The Ocean we need for the future we want”
(IOC).
As her Excellency Ambassador Borg emphasized, “it takes
time to make history” – we are grateful to be with the people that are making it.”
Message of Class of 2017, presented by E. Baltranaite
THE 2017/2018 ELISABETH MANN BORGESE (EMB) BURSARY
The 2017 EMB Bursary is awarded to Ms. Therese
Ellul to carry out research titled "The
ecology of potentially invasive alien macroalgae in Maltese waters”. The award ceremony for this year’s Bursary was held on 18 October at the offices of the IOI
Headquarters on Campus. Present at the Ceremony were Pro-Rector Professor Joseph Cacciattolo, Professor Louis Cassar, Professor Joseph Borg, Professor Patrick J Schembri, Dr Julian Evans, Ms
Antonella Vassallo (IOI Managing Director), Ms Therese Ellul, current EMB Bursary award winner, and Dr Stefano Moncada.
IOI GERMANY DIRECTOR DR. WERNER EKAU PARTICIPATED IN THE DISCUSSION ON THE BENOA BAY PROJECT, BALI, DURING PASAR (HAMBURG-GERMANY, 9th to 10th
September)
“Pasar” an Indonesian culture forum for Germany was designed not only to provide cultural demonstrations like music, arts, fashion and dance, but also was the venue for some interesting
discussions and dialogues on current ecological, economic and cultural issues in Indonesia. Special attention was drawn to the tourism development plans in
the Benoa Bay on Bali.
Under the moderation of Dr. Silke Behl, responsible for MARE-Radio in Germany, Dr. Werner Ekau in his function as marine scientist and Director of IOI Germany, and Wayan Gendo Suardana,
activist from Bali, discussed on the ecological, economic and cultural impacts of the Benoa Bay reclamation plan. Besides the enormous loss in ecological functions (loss of fisheries
catch, loss of nursery grounds for fish and shrimps, pollution of and loss of the function of mangroves as filters, buffers for river run-off and flood protection), the loss of cultural
heritage is also significant with more than 40 cultural places around the bay facing destruction. Over the last five years local grassroots activists Gendo Suardana and his group are
opposing this project planned in a former nature reserve over such issues as loss of habitat and environmental services and the 2013 suspension of the Indonesian 2005 Marine Spatial
Planning Act. The presentation and subsequent moderated public discussion between Werner Ekau and Wayan Gendo Suardana, transmitted over MARE-Radio in Germany was one of the first actions
on international ground and an attempt to seek for greater support.
THE 2017 5-WEEK TRAINING PROGRAMME ON REGIONAL OCEAN GOVERNANCE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN, BLACK, BALTIC AND CASPIAN SEAS,
MALTA
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
The 2017 Training Programme on Regional Ocean Governance for the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and Caspian Seas held in Malta will be held from the 5th November to the 8th December 2017.
In order to obtain an application form kindly click here.
The official application deadline is the 2nd September 2017.
TRAINING ON MARITIME SPATIAL PLANNING FOR THE CASPIAN SEA ~ Blue Planning in Practice ~
Ecosystem-based Marine and Coastal Planning and Management (Organised jointly by the IOI, the state Enterprise on Caspian Sea Issues at the President of Turkmenistan, and the Blue
Solutions Initiative), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 17th to 21st July 2017
A specially commissioned course on Maritime Spatial Planning for the Caspian Sea was successfully offered over five days in July 2017 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The International Ocean
Institute, on the invitation of the State Enterprise on Caspian Sea Issues at the President of Turkmenistan created, in partnership with the Blue Solutions Initiative, a specialised
programme to provide practitioners in the field with knowledge and skills for implementing Maritime and Coastal Spatial Planning in the Caspian Sea.
The training programme was attended by 23 mid-career participants with diverse professional backgrounds, ranging from economics, legal affairs, engineering, hydrology, tourism, ecology,
and logistics. The specially selected trainer team provided a good combination of ample experience and knowledge on Marine Spatial Planning as well as participatory training methods.
The programme was organised so that conceptual input and theory was first shared with the participants in the form of lectures and hands-on participatory exercises; the class then was
guided to work through several exercises of the Blue Planning in Practice (BPiP) course using the fictitious case of Bakul country. Participants engaged in exercises focused on
identifying needs, mapping stakeholders, mapping the seascape, identifying spatial incompatibilities, allocating sea use and also role-plays aimed at exploring positions and negotiating
draft plans. The exercises were accompanied by introductory inputs on all BPiP elements and were followed by reflection sessions that aimed to link the lessons to the issues facing the
Caspian Sea.
Throughout this course participants learned how to think in systems and understand the role of coastal and marine ecosystems for human well-being, how to be able to balance interests of
different stakeholders on the basis of transparent criteria and how to develop strategies in order to overcome barriers and challenges that hinder the effective use and implementation of
Blue Planning approaches.
THE 2017/2018 ELISABETH MANN BORGESE (EMB) BURSARY
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
The 2017-2018 Bursary will be awarded to one person/research team carrying out postgraduate studies/research in ocean/marine/maritime related studies at the University of Malta. Staff or
students are to be registered with the University of Malta where research in the relevant fields is carried out.
For more information as well as the application form/guidelines kindly click here.
The official application deadline is the 28th July 2017.
WORLD OCEAN DAY (WOD) ACTIVITIES IN 2017
The 8th June has been designated as World Oceans Day (WOD) by the United Nations following paragraph 171 of its resolution 63/111 on
Oceans and the Law of the Sea. The theme of World Oceans Day is selected on an annual basis to reflect an issue of importance. The theme of this year’s celebrations was “Our Oceans, Our Future”.
On the 8th June of each year, the IOI joins the rest of the maritime world in celebrating World Oceans Day. The global IOI network of
Centres and Focal points respond enthusiastically each year to the invitation to commemorate this day by organising and celebrating a diverse range of scientific, social and cultural
activities.
As we individually or collectively celebrate World Oceans Day, all our activities are inspired by what Elisabeth Mann Borgese wrote:
“The ocean is the real thing, covering almost three-quarters of the surface of our blue planet; the continents are islands floating on the world ocean; the ocean links and unites
the continents, rather than separating them and isolating them. The world ocean is our common heritage”.
(Mann Borgese, E: The Oceanic Circle: Governing the Seas as a Global Resource; United Nations University Press; pub 1998; 346pp; ISBN-13:
978-92-808-1028-8)
To see how World Oceans Day was celebrated by the IOI network worldwide kindly click on the IOInforma News Bulletin series
(0417) in the Archives section (Documents & Publications);
reports of the WOD events held each year are included.
“Healthy Oceans – Healthy Planet”
International Leadership Seminar towards achieving SDG 14
“Current challenges and opportunities in ocean and coastal sustainable development”
~ Celebrating 45 years of IOI and its work in Sustainable Ocean Governance ~
25-26 April 2017, Hong Kong, CHINA
Following the recent Ocean Forum on trade-related aspects of Sustainable Development Goal 14 held at UNCTAD on 21-22 March 2017 in Geneva-Switzerland, the IOI is pleased to announce
the organization of a Leadership Seminar in Hong Kong on the issues of Oceans and Ocean Health, and the sustainable Development Goals especially SDG 14 concerning the Oceans. The
event will focus specially on the ocean-coast interaction with a view to achieving SDG 14.
This event builds upon earlier collaborations of the IOI in 2016 and 2017 with partners and supporters, such as the UN Conference on Trade and Development, the Commonwealth
Secretariat, and the European Commission Representation in Malta, and an intended outcome of this Seminar is that results be expected to feed into the high-level Ocean Conference
scheduled later this year for 5-9 June in New York (Our Oceans, Our Future: Partnering for the Implementation of SDG 14). Co-organizers with the IOI in this Leadership
Seminar are UNCTAD (DITC) and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU).
Information about the event as well as conference presentations can be found here.
Celebrating 45 Years of IOI and its work in Sustainable Ocean Governance (1972 -2017);
25 April; Hong Kong, China
This year 2017 also coincides with the forty fifth anniversary of the foundation of IOI by Professor Elisabeth Mann Borgese; and the occasion of the Seminar in Hong Kong shall also be
an opportunity to mark this event in the ongoing development of the IOI as an institution focused on capacity development for the benefit of future generations and the sustainable use
of our oceans.
Internal Meeting of IOI Experts Putting It All Together: Bringing the Message of the Leadership Seminar to Implementation through Outreach
and Capacity Development
27 April; Hong Kong, China
This specially convened meeting held back-to-back with the Leadership Seminar provided an opportunity for the IOI network members to build upon the presentations and dynamic
discussions of the previous days, and to identify ways to implement these outcomes and recommendations through the IOI programmes, outreach and capacity development actions and other
actions. The meeting provided an opportunity to capture this feedback to use in several occasions and opportunities over the next months, not least the Oceans Conference in New York,
and also for the growing set of topics for mainstreaming into IOI training course syllabi. The collection of initial ideas and vision for the IOI arising from this meeting were
intended to inform further decision making by the IOI Governing Board.
A report on the outcome of the events is available for download from the Publications - IOInforma News Bulletin section (0217 issue).
THE 2017 TRAINING PROGRAMME ON OCEAN GOVERNANCE FOR AFRICA IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD FROM THE 4th TO THE 29th SEPTEMBER
2017
The Course Brochure and application form for IOI-South Africa's 2017 training programme can be downloaded from the Training section of the website: http://ioisa.org/2016/12/02/2017-course-in-ocean-governance/or by clicking on the downloads in
the training section on this
website. Any queries and expressions of interest may be addressed to: Mr. Adnan Awad, Director, IOI South Africa on
e-mail: awad.adnan(at)gmail.com.
The official application deadline is the 13th April 2017.
OceansForum on Trade-Related Aspects of Sustainable Development
Goal 14 Salle XXVI, Palais des Nations - Geneva, Switzerland 21 - 22 March 2017
The Oceans Forum on trade-related aspects of Sustainable Development Goal 14 was hosted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and partners in Geneva, Switzerland and
took place in the Palais des Nations from 21 to 22 of March 2017. The multi-stakeholder event fostered debates and the development of specific policy options and novel ideas to feed into the
processes of two upcoming intergovernmental conferences:
the High-level UN Ocean Conference (New York, June 2017), whose aim it is to identify ways and means to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14;
and the 11th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (Buenos Aires, December 2017), which is the highest decision-making body of the WTO.
The forum specifically focused on advancing the implementation of trade in fish-related targets under SDG14 by drawing on global, regional and cross-country experiences, sharing lessons,
sensitizing development partnerships and designing more effective support measures.
Ultimately, the forum also explored options to implement the UNCTAD-FAO-UNEP Statement on Fisheries Subsidies, which is supported by 91 countries, 4 IGOs (Intergovernmental Organizations) and
more than 15 Global Civil Society Organisations.
The IOI (a partner of this forum) was represented in Geneva by Awni Behnam (Honorary President); Antonella Vassallo (Managing Director), Peter Leder (Treasurer, IOI Governing Board), Werner Ekau
(Director, IOI Germany) and Behzad Alipour Tehrany. Dr Ekau presented, on behalf of the IOI, an intervention titled: “People, pollution and plastics: Modern anthropogenic factors
affecting fisheries”.
Detailed information about the event can be found here.
THE IOI ANNOUNCES THE DANIELLE DE ST. JORRE SCHOLARSHIP - CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 2017
The IOI hereby invites applications/nominations for the 2017 Danielle de St. Jorre Scholarship. Further information on the Scholarship as well as the application form and explanatory
notes may be either requested/obtained by sending an email to:Madeleine Coffen-Smout, Programme Officer, IOI
Canada on e-mail: ioi(at)dal.ca.
The deadline for receipt of applications is 29th January 2017.
THE 2017 TRAINING PROGRAMME ON OCEAN GOVERNANCE: POLICY, LAW AND MANAGEMENT IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD FROM THE 24th MAY
TO THE 21st JULY 2017
The 2017 training programme on Ocean
Governance: Policy, Law and Management is scheduled to be held from the 24th May to 21st July 2017 in Halifax, Canada. The
programme is aimed primarily at developing country professionals aged 25-45 with at least one degree, relevant experience, strong English language skills, and a desire to step outside
their own field of work and explore interdisciplinary issues around coastal and ocean management.
The Course Announcement and application form for IOI-Canada's 2016 training programme can be downloaded from the Training section of the website: www.dal.ca/ioihfx. Any queries or expressions of interest may be addressed
to: Madeleine Coffen-Smout, Programme Officer, International Ocean Institute Dalhousie University on
e-mail: ioi(at)dal.ca, http://www.dal.ca/ioihfx.
The official application deadline is the 1st January 2017.
SPECIAL SEMINAR ON OCEAN LITERACY DURING THE IOI TRAINING PROGRAMME ON REGIONAL OCEAN GOVERNANCE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN, BLACK, BALTIC AND CASPIAN
SEAS (MALTA 2017)
A Special Seminar on Ocean Literacy is being organised during the IOI Training Programme on Regional Ocean Governance for the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic
and Caspian Seas. The seminar is scheduled for the 2nd December between 9:00-13:00hrs at Europe House – 254, St Paul Street, Valletta. It is open to the general public but is
also of special interest to persons in the science and education sector and decision makers. This event is being organised by the International Ocean Institute with the support and collaboration
of the European Commission Representation in Malta.
The programme of the event may be downloaded by clicking on the link below.
Kindly RSVP by 30th November by sending an email to ioihq(at)ioihq.org.mt and/or celine.farrugia(at)um.edu.mt.
THE 2016/2017 ELISABETH MANN BORGESE (EMB) BURSARY
The 2016 EMB Bursary is awarded to Dr. Stefano Moncada to carry out research titled “Climate Coping Strategies, Economic Wellbeing and
Sustainability in Vulnerable Coastal Communities”. The award ceremony for this year’s Bursary was held on 13 October at the offices of
the IOI Headquarters on campus. Present at the ceremony were Pro-Rector Professor Joseph Cacciattolo, Professor Louis Cassar, Dr Stefano Moncada, Ms Antonella Vassallo (IOI Managing
Director) and the previous EMB Bursary award winner Ms Kristina Edwards.
THE 2016 3-WEEK TRAINING PROGRAMME ON OCEAN GOVERNANCE, OCEAN SCIENCES AND GEOETHICS
PRE-REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
The 2016 Training Programme on Ocean Governance, Ocean Sciences and Geoethics is scheduled to be held in Pontal do Sul, PR-Brazil from the 21st November to the 9th December 2016.
Pre-registration is now open. The form may be obtained by clicking on the website here or by downloading it by clicking on this link. The deadline for registration is the 1st
October 2016.
THE 2016 5-WEEK TRAINING PROGRAMME ON REGIONAL OCEAN GOVERNANCE FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN, BLACK, BALTIC AND CASPIAN SEAS,
MALTA
FINAL CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
The 2016 Training Programme on Regional Ocean Governance for the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and Caspian Seas held in Malta will be held from the 6th November to the 8th December 2016.
In order to obtain an application form kindly click here.
The official application deadline is the 9th September 2016.
THE 2016/2017 ELISABETH MANN BORGESE (EMB) BURSARY
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
The 2016-2017 Bursary will be awarded to one person/research team carrying out postgraduate studies/research in ocean/marine/maritime related studies at the University of Malta. Staff or
students are to be registered with the University of Malta where research in the relevant fields is carried out.
For more information as well as the application form/guidelines kindly click here.
The official application deadline is the 22nd July 2016.
THE MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN OCEAN GOVERNANCE: 2016-2017 SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATIONS OPEN
One scholarship is being offered by the IOI, to cover the tuition fees associated with the Master of Arts Degree in Ocean Governance, commencing in October 2016. This MA degree held at the
Valletta Campus of the University in Malta is being offered by the University of Malta in collaboration with the International Ocean Institute as part of the University’s International
Collaborative Programmes.
For enquiries and further information please contact IOI HQ on: ioihq(at)ioihq.org.mt.
Applications have to reach the offices of the University of Malta by not later than 27th June 2016.
THE 2016 TRAINING PROGRAMME ON REGIONAL OCEAN GOVERNANCE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC (CHINA) IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD FROM THE 22nd
AUGUST TO THE 18th SEPTEMBER 2016
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
The application form, guidelines and programme for IOI-China's 2016 training programme is available for download under the training section of this website. Any queries and
expressions of interest may be addressed to: Prof. Qin Li, Director, IOI China on e-mail: ioiwestpac(at)sina.com.
The official application deadline is the 15th June 2016.
WORLD OCEAN DAY (WOD) ACTIVITIES IN 2016
The 8th June has been designated as World Oceans Day (WOD) by the United Nations following paragraph 171 of its resolution 63/111 on
Oceans and the Law of the Sea. The theme of World Oceans Day is selected on an annual basis to reflect an issue of importance. This years theme was "Healthy Oceans, Healthy
Planet".
On the 8th June of each year, the IOI joins the rest of the maritime world in celebrating World Oceans Day. The global IOI network
of Centres and Focal points respond enthusiastically each year to the invitation to commemorate this day by organising and celebrating a diverse range of scientific, social and cultural
activities.
As we individually or collectively celebrate World Oceans Day, all our activities are inspired by what Elisabeth Mann Borgese wrote:
“The ocean is the real thing, covering almost three-quarters of the surface of our blue planet; the continents are islands floating on the world ocean; the ocean links and
unites the continents, rather than separating them and isolating them. The world ocean is our common heritage”.
(Mann Borgese, E: The Oceanic Circle: Governing the Seas as a Global Resource; United Nations University Press; pub 1998; 346pp; ISBN-13:
978-92-808-1028-8)
To see how World Oceans Day was celebrated by the IOI network worldwide kindly click on the IOInforma News Bulletin series
(08/16) in the Archives section (Documents & Publications); reports of the WOD events held each year are included. Various photos can be seen in
the Gallery 2016 section.
THE 2016 TRAINING PROGRAMME ON OCEAN GOVERNANCE FOR AFRICA IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD FROM THE 12th SEPTEMBER TO THE 7th
OCTOBER 2016
The Course Brochure and application form for IOI-South Africa's 2016 training programme can be downloaded from the Training section of the website: http://ioisa.org/ocean-governance-courseor by clicking on the downloads in the training section on this website. Any
queries and expressions of interest may be addressed to: Mr. Adnan Awad, Director, IOI South Africa on e-mail: awad.adnan(at)gmail.com.
The official application deadline is the 27th May2016.
A MASSIVE OPENONLINECOURSE (MOOC) TO BRING TO YOU THE SCIENCE AND FASCINATION OF THE OCEAN WAS SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED ON THE 25TH APRIL
2016.
The Ocean is the largest interconnected ecosystem on earth. It provides services on which we rely; food, energy, transportation,
environmental resilience, but also immaterial benefits such as beauty, cultural identity and recreation. The pivotal role of the ocean in stabilizing climate, enabling a just distribution of
economic prosperity and allowing for sustainable management and good governance of human activities is recognized in Goal 14 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that focuses on
the Ocean. For the Massive Open Online Course, marine scientists team with economists, lawyers and philosophers to bring you a holistic view of how the ocean functions, how human interactions
with the ocean can be understood, and what solutions are available to support both sustainable use and stewardship of our blue planet.
To access the free series of lectures, videos, links to reference material and additional links that were provided by participants of the course that ran from the 25th
April to the 18th July 2016 kindly click here (The MOOC is not currently online).
THE IOI ANNOUNCES THE DANIELLE DE ST. JORRE SCHOLARSHIP - CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 2016 - REMINDER
The IOI hereby invites applications/nominations for the 2016 Danielle de St. Jorre Scholarship. Further information on the Scholarship as well as the application form and explanatory
notes may be either requested/obtained by sending an email toioihq(at)ioihq.org.mt or antonella.vassallo(at)ioihq.org.mt.
The deadline for receipt of applications is 29th January 2016.
THE 2016 TRAINING PROGRAMME ON OCEAN GOVERNANCE: POLICY, LAW AND MANAGEMENT IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD FROM THE 18th MAY TO
THE 15th JULY 2016
The 2016 training programme on Ocean
Governance: Policy, Law and Management is scheduled to be held from the 18th May to 15th July 2016 in Halifax, Canada. The
programme is aimed primarily at developing country professionals aged 25-45 with at least one degree, relevant experience, strong English language skills, and a desire to step outside their
own field of work and explore interdisciplinary issues around coastal and ocean management.
The Course Announcement and application form for IOI-Canada's 2016 training programme can be downloaded from the Training section of the website: http://internationaloceaninstitute.dal.ca/training.html. Any queries or expressions of interest may be addressed
to: Madeleine Coffen-Smout, Programme Officer, International Ocean Institute Dalhousie University on e-mail: ioi(at)dal.ca,http://www.dal.ca/ioihfx.
The official application deadline is the 1st January 2016.
SPECIAL SEMINAR ON THE TRANSITION TO THE POST-2015 DEVELOPMENT GOALS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SDG 14
As part of the 11th Training Programme on Regional Ocean Governance for the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and Caspian Seas, the International Ocean Institute
organised a Special Seminar on The Transition to the post-2015 Development Goals with special reference to
SDG 14. During this seminar, issues related to these areas were presented by eminent experts in the field and presentations were followed by
discussion and interactions from the programme participants and selected guests. The Seminar took place on the 2nd December, at the European
Commission Representation in Malta, located in 254 St. Paul Street, Valletta, Malta.
More information is available for download under the2015 IOInforma News Bulletins in this section (Archives - Documents &
Publications).
ELISABETH MANN BORGESE (EMB) MEDAL FOR H.E. BAN KI-MOON
The International Ocean Institute (IOI) presented the Elisabeth Mann Borgese (EMB) medal to H.E. Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary General, during his visit to Malta. The medal
was awarded to H.E. Ban Ki-Moon for his work in securing the successful launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the stand-alone goal on the oceans – SDG 14 concerning
the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Oceans, Seas & Marine Resources for Sustainable Development.
During this event the IOI also launched an annual Scholarship on Sustainable Development to commemorate this award. The scholarship will enable the registration of a person for the M.A. degree in
Ocean Governance (MAOG) offered by the Faculty of Laws at the University of Malta in conjunction with the IOI (http://www.um.edu.mt/icp/ocean-governance)
The event took place on Saturday 28th November at 9.30 a.m. for a maximum duration of an hour. The award ceremony was held at
the Valletta Campus of the University of Malta in St Paul Street in Valletta.
More information & photos of the event is available for download under the2015 IOInforma News Bulletins in this section (Archives
- Documents & Publications).
"WORLD OCEAN REVIEW 4" LAUNCHED
BERLIN, November, 10th, 2015: "World Ocean Review 4" has been launched. The fourth edition of the World Ocean Review (WOR) focuses on sustainability and explores how that concept can
guide the management of our marine environment. WOR 4 explains the key ecosystem services supplied by our seas and identifies the main threats to them. It offers an overview of current marine
policy at regional and transnational level and shows how conservation and sustainable use of our oceans can be reconciled in future. http://worldoceanreview.com
More information can be found under the Publications section.
MALTA THIRD COUNTRY TRAINING PROGRAMME ON OCEAN GOVERNANCE AND BLUE GROWTH
The Malta Third Country Training Programme on Ocean Governance and Blue Growth was offered in Malta by the IOI and the Commonwealth Secretariat from the 17th -23rd September 2015.
The Ocean Governance and Blue Growth training course was held at The Palace Hotel, in Sliema, Malta from 17th to 23rd September, 2015 and was organised by the International Ocean Institute
(through the HQ in Malta) and the Commonwealth Secretariat (ComSec) through its Oceans and Natural Resources Advisory Division.
More information is available for download under the 2015 IOInforma News Bulletins in this section (Archives - Documents &
Publications).
WORLD OCEAN DAY (WOD) ACTIVITIES IN 2015
The 8th June has been designated as World Oceans Day (WOD) by the United Nations following paragraph 171 of its resolution 63/111 on Oceans
and the Law of the Sea. The theme of World Oceans Day is selected on an annual basis to reflect an issue of importance.
On the 8th June of each year, the IOI joins the rest of the maritime world in celebrating World Oceans Day The global IOI network of
Centres and Focal points respond enthusiastically each year to the invitation to commemorate this day by organising and celebrating a diverse range of scientific, social and cultural
activities.
As we individually or collectively celebrate World Oceans Day, all our activities are inspired by what Elisabeth Mann Borgese wrote:
“The ocean is the real thing, covering almost three-quarters of the surface of our blue planet; the continents are islands floating on the world ocean; the ocean links and unites
the continents, rather than separating them and isolating them. The world ocean is our common heritage”.
(Mann Borgese, E: The Oceanic Circle: Governing the Seas as a Global Resource; United Nations University Press; pub 1998; 346pp; ISBN-13:
978-92-808-1028-8)
To see how World Oceans Day was celebrated by the IOI network worldwide kindly click on the IOInforma News Bulletin series in
the Archives section (Documents & Publications);
reports of the WOD events held each year are included.
