Guiding Our Shared Ocean: Ocean Policy and International Agreements Training Course

Introduction

The world's oceans are interconnected, dynamic systems, transcending national boundaries and playing an indispensable role in global climate regulation, biodiversity, food security, and international trade. Effective governance of these vast and complex spaces necessitates a sophisticated interplay between national policies and a robust framework of international laws, conventions, and agreements. Navigating this intricate web of regulations is crucial for states, industries, and civil society to ensure responsible stewardship and sustainable utilization of marine resources.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of contemporary ocean policy and the critical international agreements that shape maritime affairs. From exploring the foundational principles of the Law of the Sea to mastering specialized conventions on marine pollution, fisheries management, biodiversity conservation, and emerging issues like climate change impacts, you will gain the expertise to analyze, develop, and implement sound ocean policies. This empowers you to contribute to a coherent and effective global ocean governance regime, fostering cooperation and ensuring the long-term health and productivity of our shared marine environment.

Target Audience

  • Government Policy Makers and Advisors (Environment, Fisheries, Foreign Affairs, Transport).
  • Legal Professionals specializing in Public International Law or Environmental Law.
  • Diplomats and Negotiators in International Fora.
  • Marine Resource Managers and Conservation Practitioners.
  • Maritime Industry Professionals (Shipping, Offshore Energy, Deep Sea Mining).
  • Naval and Coast Guard Personnel.
  • Academics and Researchers in Ocean Governance and Policy.
  • Professionals from Intergovernmental and Non-Governmental Organizations.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental principles and historical evolution of international ocean law and policy.
  • Grasp the comprehensive legal framework established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
  • Analyze key international agreements and organizations governing specific maritime sectors (e.g., shipping, fisheries, environment).
  • Comprehend the interplay between international obligations and national ocean policy development.
  • Evaluate mechanisms for international cooperation, dispute resolution, and compliance in ocean affairs.
  • Develop practical skills in interpreting legal texts and applying international principles to complex ocean management issues.
  • Navigate the challenges posed by emerging ocean issues, such as climate change, marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, and new technologies.
  • Formulate robust strategies for advocating for and implementing effective ocean policies at national, regional, and global levels.

Course Content

  1. Foundations of International Ocean Law and Policy
  • Evolution of Ocean Governance : from mare liberum to codified international law
  • Principles of Public International Law : sovereignty, jurisdiction, common heritage of mankind
  • Introduction to UNCLOS : its significance as the "constitution for the oceans"
  • Interplay of Treaties and Customary Law : how international agreements become binding
  • Role of international organizations in shaping ocean policy
  1. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
  • Maritime Zones : internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, EEZ, continental shelf, high seas, the Area
  • Rights and Duties of States : navigation, overflight, resource exploitation, environmental protection
  • Jurisdiction and Enforcement : coastal state, flag state, port state jurisdiction
  • Dispute Settlement Mechanisms : ITLOS, ICJ, arbitration under UNCLOS
  • Specific Regimes : straits used for international navigation, archipelagic states
  1. International Agreements for Marine Environmental Protection
  • MARPOL Convention : prevention of pollution from ships (oil, noxious liquids, sewage, garbage, air emissions)
  • London Convention and Protocol : regulation of dumping of wastes at sea
  • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) : Aichi Targets, Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, MPAs
  • Regional Seas Conventions : specific environmental protection frameworks (e.g., Barcelona Convention, Nairobi Convention, HELCOM)
  • Addressing land-based sources of marine pollution
  1. International Fisheries Management
  • UN Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFSA) : conservation and management of straddling and highly migratory fish stocks
  • FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries : non-binding guidelines for sustainable fishing
  • Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) : their role in setting quotas, regulating gear, monitoring
  • Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing : port state measures, flag state responsibility
  • Challenges of managing shared and transboundary fish stocks
  1. Maritime Safety and Security Agreements
  • SOLAS Convention : safety of life at sea, construction, equipment, operations
  • STCW Convention : standards of training, certification, and watchkeeping for seafarers
  • ISPS Code : international ship and port facility security code
  • SAR Convention : search and rescue operations
  • Suppression of Unlawful Acts (SUA) Convention : combating maritime terrorism and illicit activities
  • Piracy and Armed Robbery : international responses and legal frameworks
  1. Marine Scientific Research and Technology Transfer
  • UNCLOS Part XIII : rights and obligations regarding marine scientific research
  • Consent Regime : for research in EEZ and on continental shelf
  • International Cooperation : facilitating and promoting scientific research
  • Technology Transfer : provisions for sharing marine technology
  • Role of IOC-UNESCO in promoting marine science
  1. Emerging Ocean Policy Challenges: Climate Change and Oceans
  • Impacts of Climate Change on Oceans : ocean warming, acidification, sea level rise, extreme weather events
  • UNFCCC and Paris Agreement : relevance to ocean climate nexus
  • Role of Oceans in Climate Mitigation and Adaptation : blue carbon, renewable energy, coastal protection
  • Legal and Policy Gaps : addressing climate-induced migration, disappearing islands
  • Integrating ocean considerations into national climate policies
  1. Emerging Ocean Policy Challenges: Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)
  • The High Seas and the Area : definition and governance gaps
  • The BBNJ Agreement : objectives, key elements (MPAs, EIAs, MGR, Capacity Building/Technology Transfer)
  • Conservation and Sustainable Use : balancing exploitation with protection in ABNJ
  • Challenges of Implementation : ratification, entry into force, institutional arrangements
  • Significance of the BBNJ Agreement for global ocean governance
  1. National Ocean Policy Development and Implementation
  • Principles of Integrated Ocean Management : cross-sectoral, ecosystem-based, adaptive
  • Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) : tool for planning and managing human activities in marine areas
  • Developing National Ocean Strategies : aligning with international obligations
  • Stakeholder Engagement : involving diverse groups in policy formulation
  • Inter-Agency Coordination : ensuring coherence across government departments
  1. Future of Ocean Governance and Blue Economy
  • Sustainable Blue Economy : balancing economic growth with ocean health
  • Ocean Diplomacy : role of negotiation and cooperation in addressing global ocean issues
  • Technological Advancements : autonomous vessels, deep sea mining, aquaculture expansion and their policy implications
  • Data and Information for Ocean Policy : importance of science-policy interface
  • Pathways for strengthening international ocean governance and achieving SDG 14.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

Guiding Our Shared Ocean: Ocean Policy And International Agreements Training Course in Libya
Dates Fees Location Action