Unveiling Ocean's True Value: Ocean Accounting and Blue GDP Training Course

Introduction

Traditional economic metrics, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), largely fail to capture the true value of our ocean ecosystems and the profound impact of human activities on marine resources. This oversight leads to incomplete decision-making, where the depletion of natural marine capital often goes unrecorded, undermining long-term sustainability. Ocean accounting and the concept of "Blue GDP" emerge as critical tools to bridge this gap, offering a comprehensive framework to integrate economic, environmental, and social data related to the ocean, thus providing a more holistic picture of ocean wealth and its contribution to national economies.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of ocean accounting principles and the methodologies for measuring Blue GDP. From mastering the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) applied to the ocean and developing ocean asset accounts to quantifying the economic contribution of various marine sectors and understanding the non-market value of ocean ecosystem services, you will gain the expertise to produce robust and policy-relevant ocean statistics. This empowers you to inform evidence-based decision-making, track progress towards sustainable ocean development, and advocate for investments that truly enhance ocean health and human well-being.

Target Audience

  • National Statistical Office (NSO) professionals and statisticians.
  • Economic Planners and Policy Makers in Government Ministries (e.g., Finance, Environment, Maritime, Fisheries).
  • Researchers and Academics in Environmental Economics, Oceanography, and Statistics.
  • Professionals from Central Banks and Financial Institutions.
  • Development Agencies and International Organizations focused on Ocean Sustainability.
  • Environmental Accounts Practitioners.
  • Managers of Marine Protected Areas and Coastal Management Agencies.
  • Consultants in Natural Capital Accounting and Sustainable Development.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

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

  • Understand the fundamental concepts of ocean accounting and its relationship with national accounts and environmental-economic accounting.
  • Grasp the methodology for compiling Blue GDP and other key indicators of ocean wealth and sustainability.
  • Analyze the various components of ocean accounts, including economic, environmental asset, and ecosystem accounts.
  • Comprehend the process of valuing ocean ecosystem services and integrating non-market values into accounting frameworks.
  • Evaluate the challenges and best practices in data collection, compilation, and dissemination for ocean accounting.
  • Develop practical skills in using the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) framework for ocean applications.
  • Navigate the complexities of linking ocean accounting data to policy development, strategic planning, and performance monitoring.
  • Formulate robust strategies for establishing or enhancing national ocean accounting systems to support the Blue Economy.

Course Content

  1. Introduction to National Accounts and Environmental-Economic Accounting
  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP) : its strengths and limitations in measuring well-being
  • Overview of the System of National Accounts (SNA)
  • System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) : central framework and ecosystem accounting
  • The need for integrating environmental and economic data
  • Transitioning from "Green GDP" to "Blue GDP"
  1. The Concept and Framework of Ocean Accounting
  • Defining Ocean Accounts : integrated records of ocean environment assets, economic activity, and social conditions
  • Purpose and benefits of ocean accounting: evidence-based policy, monitoring SDGs, attracting finance
  • The Global Ocean Accounts Partnership (GOAP) framework
  • Linkages between ocean accounting and the Blue Economy concept
  • Data requirements and sources for ocean accounting
  1. Measuring Blue GDP: Methodologies and Challenges
  • Defining the "Blue" in Blue GDP : identifying ocean-dependent sectors
  • Methodologies for calculating Blue GDP: direct and indirect contributions
  • Challenges in Blue GDP Measurement : data availability, sectoral classification, attributing value
  • Complementary indicators beyond Blue GDP: employment, trade, investment in ocean sectors
  • Comparing Blue GDP across different regions and countries
  1. Ocean Economic Accounts: Supply and Use
  • Classifying Ocean Economic Activities : based on ISIC and national classifications
  • Estimating output, intermediate consumption, value added, and employment for ocean sectors
  • Input-output tables for ocean economy analysis
  • Supply and Use Tables : tracing economic flows related to ocean goods and services
  • Identifying forward and backward linkages in the ocean economy
  1. Ocean Environmental Asset Accounts
  • Defining Ocean Environmental Assets : fish stocks, coral reefs, mangroves, marine minerals, clean water
  • Physical Asset Accounts : measuring the extent and condition of ocean assets
  • Monetary valuation of ocean assets: methods and challenges
  • Changes in asset stocks due to human activity and natural processes
  • Accounting for natural capital depreciation
  1. Ocean Ecosystem Accounts and Services Valuation
  • Defining Ocean Ecosystem Services : provisioning (fish), regulating (carbon sequestration), cultural (tourism), supporting (nutrient cycling)
  • Spatial Accounting : mapping the extent and condition of marine ecosystems
  • Valuation Methods for Ecosystem Services : market-based, revealed preference, stated preference methods
  • Integrating ecosystem services into decision-making
  • Challenges in non-market valuation
  1. Social Aspects in Ocean Accounting
  • Measuring Ocean-Related Employment : formal and informal sectors
  • Income and welfare from ocean-dependent communities
  • Social indicators related to ocean health and access to resources
  • Gender-Disaggregated Data : understanding gender roles and benefits in the Blue Economy
  • Cultural values and heritage associated with coastal and marine areas
  • Data collection for social accounts
  1. Data Collection, Compilation, and Dissemination
  • Sources of Ocean Data : national statistics, administrative records, remote sensing, scientific surveys
  • Data harmonization and integration from diverse sources
  • Quality assurance and validation of ocean data
  • Compilation Tools and Software : leveraging existing statistical software
  • Dissemination strategies for ocean accounts: reports, dashboards, online platforms
  • Communication of complex data to policymakers and the public
  1. Linking Ocean Accounts to Policy and Decision-Making
  • Evidence-Based Policy-Making : how ocean accounts inform policy development
  • Informing Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
  • Monitoring progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national targets
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of ocean policies and interventions
  • Activating Blue Finance : providing data for investors and blue bonds
  1. Case Studies and Future Directions for Ocean Accounting
  • Review of National Ocean Accounting Initiatives : successes and lessons learned from various countries
  • International cooperation and capacity building for ocean accounting
  • Emerging Data Technologies : AI, machine learning, blockchain for ocean data management
  • Integrating climate change impacts into ocean accounts
  • The role of ocean accounting in promoting a sustainable and equitable Blue Economy globally.

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

 

Unveiling Ocean's True Value: Ocean Accounting And Blue Gdp Training Course in Senegal
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