The theme of the course on regional ocean governance draws upon the conduct of maritime affairs in line with the Lisbon Strategy, targeting the Millennium Development Goals and building upon a holistic and integrated maritime policy following the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

World Ocean Week in Xiamen 2011 is scheduled to be held on November 4-10 with the theme "Land-Sea Use Integration for Sustainable Marine Economy: Planning for Sustainable Marine Economy Development." The week-long event will feature the International Ocean Forum in Xiamen (Main Forum), Seminar on Integrated Coastal Management and Urban Development for Developing Countries (Ministry-Level), and other events.

At the Tenth Conference of the Parties (COP 10) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the engagement of and collaboration with key actors and stakeholders, including the private sector, as partners in the implementation of the CBD and integration of biodiversity concerns into their relevant sectoral and cross-sectoral plans, programmes, and policies was actively promoted.

Inaugurated in 2002-2003, the UNITAR Series on Sea and Human Security examines, from a comprehensive point of view, the concept of human security as it pertains to seas and the ocean. The Series has to date achieved a degree of thematic development with each subsequent Session alluding to its forebears while also adapting to participant evaluations and changes in the global approach and understanding of ocean management.

2011 Session

The Dekeyser & Friends Foundation offers unique and fully funded Fellowships for the Engage in Conservation Project with world renowned primatologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall PhD, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace in Hamburg, Germany.

The application deadline is October 16, 2011 (midnight CET), so apply now on our website!

With an area size of 5.7 million square kilometres, the Coral Triangle is known as the richest area of marine life in the world. It generates about US$3 billion from fisheries exports and coastal tourism each year and about 120 million people depend on the sea for their livelihood. However, this area is facing increasing threat from over fishing, pollution and unsustainable coastal development over the last few years. Although the Coral Triangle is an area of hope, it is also an area in distress.

In collaboration with the North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES) and IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC), the Special Monitoring & Coastal Environmental Assessment Regional Activity Centre (CEARAC) of the Northwest Pacific Action Plan (NOWPAP), will conduct an intensive training course at V.I. Il'ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute in Vladivostok, Russia from 8 to 12 October 2011 on the analysis of remote sensing data, with a focus on the Northwest Pacific Ocean.

UNDP/Global Environment Facility's Small Grants Programme, China (UNDP/GEF SGP China) announces the 2011 "call for proposals" to award US$500,000 totally this year with US$10,000 to US$50,000 for each the most innovative initiatives in various GEF focal areas.

Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme China supports NGOs/CBOs implementing projects on biodiversity conservation, climate change abatement, protection of international waters, prevention of land degradation, and reduction of the impact of POPs while generating sustainable livelihood.

As the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico demonstrates, coastal seas are both valuable and vulnerable. To manage the world's coastal seas and restore their ecosystems will require the best science-based approaches, commitment and resources. But it will also require accountability, effectiveness, and efficiency. It will require the best use of limited resources, for clear communication between governments and stakeholders, to determine what works and what does not.

This roving three-day Oil Spill Management Course sets the benchmark for regional IMO level 3 accredited training courses. Predominantly, this course shares all of the same elements as the four-day programme except for the practical deployment of equipment. In addition, all courses will be tailored to deal with response issues and environmental sensitivities specific to that region, giving added value to the local and regional delegates.

Accreditation: IMO Level 3, MCA Level 5 / 5P
Refresher course: Code UREF
Period: 3 years

Schedule of Courses