The Strengthening Sea Level Monitoring and Data Management in East Africa for Coastal Resilience and Community Safety Technical Training – SEAMARCS is a five-day technical capacity development course designed to strengthen national and regional capabilities in sea-level observation, data management, and applied sea-level science within the Sub-Saharan Africa and South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) region

The course aims to provide participants with practical and theoretical knowledge required to install, operate and maintain tide gauge stations contributing to the Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS). Core content includes:

1. Sea-level measurement technologies, station installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
2. Data telemetry and operational data exchange with the IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility (SLSMF) and other international data centres
3. Sea-level data processing, quality control (including automated QC using the IOC SLSMF API), tidal analysis and interpretation
4. Fundamental sea-level science, including tides, surges, seiches, tsunamis, sea-level rise, and vertical land motion
5. Practical field exercises, including a site visit to operational tide gauge stations and basic surveying and levelling techniques (optical and GNSS).
6. The training targets technicians, hydrographers, surveyors, and early-career oceanographers who are directly involved in water level observations and data analysis, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and operational problem-solving in a real-world context.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Strengthening Sea Level Monitoring and Data Management in East Africa for Coastal Resilience and Community Safety Technical Training – SEAMARCS, participants will be able to:

 Identify and describe the main sea-level measurement technologies used in GLOSS tide gauge stations and explain their operational strengths and limitations.

• Configure and manage data telemetry systems to enable timely transmission of sea-level data from national stations to the IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility (SLSMF) and other relevant international data centres.
• Apply standard sea-level data processing and quality control procedures, including the use of automated quality control tools and the IOC SLSMF API.
• Interpret sea-level time series (mareograms) to identify and distinguish physical phenomena such as tides, seiches, storm surges, tsunamis, and longer-term sea-level variability.
• Perform basic tidal analysis and explain the concept and use of tidal datums in hydrographic, oceanographic, and maritime applications.
• Explain the role of vertical land motion and site stability in sea-level observations and integrate levelling and GNSS information into station assessments.
• Demonstrate practical field skills through site visits and hands-on exercises, including basic surveying and inspection of operational tide gauge infrastructure.

Course content

The training will support the subsequent installation of SEAMARCS tide gauge stations at locations in Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar and Seychelle. The training will strengthen the technical and operational capacities of personnel responsible for sea-level monitoring systems and associated data management in participating countries. The training will provide both theoretical and practical knowledge on tide gauge operation, calibration, maintenance, quality control and data management.

The training combines theoretical lectures, practical exercises, system demonstrations, and a field visit to ensure participants gain applied operational skills in sea-level observation and data management.

1. Introduction and Regional Context

• Overview of the GLOSS and its role within IOC programmes
• Network reports and experience-sharing by participating Member States
• Regional sea-level monitoring challenges and priorities in the Indian Ocean region

2. Sea-Level Measurement Technologies

• Overview of sea-level measurement principles
• Types of tide gauges and sensors used in GLOSS stations
• Strengths, limitations, and suitability of different technologies for operational monitoring

3. Tide Gauge Installation, Operation, and Maintenance

• Anatomy and components of a tide gauge station
• Installation requirements and best practices
• Routine maintenance procedures and operational checks
• Troubleshooting common technical problems affecting station performance

4. Data Telemetry and International Data Exchange

• Data transmission systems and telemetry options
• Establishing and maintaining data delivery links with the IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility (SLSMF)
• Overview of other international and GLOSS sea-level data centres
• Practical troubleshooting session to establish or improve data links

5. Sea-Level Data Processing and Quality Control

• Introduction to sea-level data formats and processing workflows
• Manual and automated quality control procedures
• Use of the IOC SLSMF API for automated quality control
• Practical exercises using real sea-level datasets
• Tidal analysis using TTide

6. Sea-Level Science and Data Interpretation

• Interpretation of mareograms and sea-level records
• Identification of physical processes affecting sea level, including:
• Tides
• Seiches
• Storm surges
• Tsunamis
• Sea-level rise and variability
• Overview of tidal analysis methods and tidal datums

7. Vertical Land Motion and Site Stability

• Concepts of vertical land motion (VLM) and its impact on sea-level observations
• Theory of levelling methods (optical levelling and GNSS)
• Integration of GNSS and levelling data with sea-level observations
• Overview of GNSS and VLM data centres supporting sea-level monitoring

8. Practical Field Activities

• Site visit to an operational tide gauge station
• Hands-on inspection of station components and surroundings
• Basic surveying and levelling exercises in the field
• Application of learned concepts in a real operational environment

Target audience 

The training is intended for professionals from IOC Member States in Sub-Saharan Africa and SWIO region who are currently involved, or expected to be involved, in sea-level observation and data management activities. Specifically, the target audience includes:

• Technicians responsible for the operation and maintenance of tide gauge stations including the prospective SEAMARCS stations
• Hydrographers and surveyors working with coastal and water level measurements
• Data analysts involved in processing and quality control of sea-level data
• Early-career or entry-level oceanographers engaged in sea-level or coastal observation programmes

Participants are typically affiliated with national oceanographic, hydrographic, or maritime institutions contributing, or planning to contribute, sea-level data to IOC systems such as GLOSS and the IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility (SLSMF).

Prerequisites

• No prior specialised knowledge of tides or advanced sea-level science is required
• Basic understanding of oceanographic or tidal concepts is desirable
• Basic computer skills are required, including the ability to work with digital data and software tools
• Some familiarity with water level data processing requirements or operational measurement environments is expected
• Willingness and ability to participate in hands-on fieldwork, including a site visit to a tide gauge station and basic survey exercises

Selection Criteria

Professional relevance

• Candidates must be currently involved, or expected to be involved, in sea‑level observation, tide gauge operation, or water‑level data analysis within a national oceanographic, hydrographic, or maritime institution

 Institutional role and applicability

 Priority is given to nominees whose responsibilities allow them to directly apply the training outcomes to the operation, maintenance, or data management of tide gauge stations contributing to GLOSS and IOC systems

 Regional eligibility

• Applicants have been selected from countries which are in the scope of the SEAMARCS project and a follow-on project.

 Basic computer skills

• Some familiarity with water‑level data processing or measurement environments
• An ability to participate fully in hands‑on technical and field activities

 Language proficiency

• Sufficient working knowledge of English, as the training will be conducted entirely in English

Commitment to full participation

• Availability to attend the entire onsite training period (29 June – 03 July 2026), including practical sessions and the site visit
• Gender and geographic balance (where applicable)
• Selection may take into account equitable geographic representation and gender balance, in line with IOC capacity development principles

Course language: English

Instructors

• Angela Hibbert
• Jeff Pugh
• Francisco Hernandez
• Sinibaldo Canhanga

Duration: 37 hours - 5 days onsite

Learner assessment

Written and oral assessments throughout the training course

Certificate

After completing the written and oral assessment, and the feedback survey, a certificate will be provided.

Technology requirements

Participants should be able to:

• Use a personal computer confidently, including basic operating system functions (file management, installing or running software, connecting to networks)
• Work with digital datasets, including opening, viewing, and managing sea-level or time‑series data files
• Use common productivity software, such as spreadsheets and document viewers, to review, organize, and inspect data outputs
• Access and use web-based platforms and online tools, including browser-based data portals and APIs demonstrated during the training (e.g. IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility tools)

Technical Skills:

• Basic knowledge of water level data processing requirements, sufficient to follow instruction on data quality control and analysis workflows
• Familiarity with digital communication and data transmission concepts, supporting understanding of telemetry and data exchange with international data centres

Willingness and ability to engage in hands-on technical sessions, including practical exercises using IOC tools, APIs, and real sea-level dataset

Venue

Hotel Tivoli Maputo, Av. 25 Setembro, nº 1321

340 Maputo, Moçambique

Organisers

• Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO‑IOC)’s Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS)
  Ex-employees of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), United Kingdom
• Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ)
• UNESCO‑IOC Project Office for IODE (Ostend, Belgium)

Contacts

For course organization, please contact: Angela Hibbert (course organiser)

For additional questions, please contact OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) always using the name of the course as e-mail subject.

Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.

Descripción del curso

Las observaciones de hielo marino y témpanos son una fuente de información sobre lugares remotos como las regiones polares y son de gran utilidad para la cartografía de hielo y la validación de estudios climáticos.

Este curso está diseñado para certificar la capacidad de los observadores en aguas polares. Desde el proceso de formación del hielo marino hasta la realización de observaciones desde buques o estaciones utilizando el Sistema de Información Glaciología (SIGLAC).  Además, se darán los conocimientos para la interpretación de cartas de hielo y otras herramientas para usos operativos 

Objetivos

Este curso tiene como objetivo proporcionar los conocimientos para la realización de observaciones desde buques y estaciones polares y las herramientas para comprender los productos disponibles para usos operativos a través de la navegación en aguas polares. 

Resultados de aprendizaje

Una vez finalizado el curso los participantes tendrán los conocimientos, capacidades y experiencia para:

Reconocer tipos de hielo marino y témpanos.

Realizar observaciones de hielo marino y témpanos desde su codificación hasta exportación del mensaje final.

Usar y entender cartas de hielo.

Conocer los recursos disponibles para su uso operativo en aguas polares. 

Contenido del curso

Introducción al Continente Antártico.

Introducción a las observaciones glaciológicas.

Hielo marino, proceso de formación, estados de desarrollo, formas, concentración, aberturas en el hielo, características de la superficie del hielo, estados de fusión.

Hielo de origen terrestre, témpanos, tempanitos y gruñones.

Indicadores relativos al cielo y aire.

Técnicas de reconocimiento y codificación de las observaciones del hielo marino y témpanos desde buques y bases.

Uso del software SIGLAC.

Cartas de hielo y recursos para usos operativos. 

 Público objetivo y requisitos previos

Investigadores y personal con actividades que involucren aguas polares y/o requieran de herramientas para el reconocimiento y registro del hielo marino y témpanos. 

Idioma de instrucción: Español

Requisitos tecnológicos/habilidades em informática

Sistema de Gestión de Aprendizaje (Moodle)

• Computadora con Windows o Mac OS

• Última versión de los navegadores web Chrome, Edge, Firefox o Safari

• JavaScript y cookies habilitados

• Acceso a Internet de banda ancha (ancho de banda mínimo de 0,5 Mbps) Recepción y Envío

• Altavoces o auriculares, Micrófono

Sistema de conferencia web Big Blue Button

• Se recomienda la última versión de los navegadores Chrome, Edge o Firefox

Habilidades informáticas requeridas

Uso del software SIGLAC 

Instructores

Lic. Esp. Soledad Tiranti– Servicio de Hidrografía Naval

Formato del curso: En Línea

Sesiones sincrónicas

Clases virtuales en vivo, casos de estudio y ejercicios prácticos.

Duración estimada del curso

15 horas 

Evaluación del aprendizaje

Se incluyen ejercicios y examen final como formas de evaluación.  

Evaluación/Certificado

Para obtener un certificado es necesario completar con éxito (puntuación de corte) estas evaluaciones y completa la encuesta de retroalimentación.

Requisitos previos: n/a

Número de participantes: -

Costos: El curso es gratuito

La UNESCO está comprometida con la promoción de los principios de igualdad de acceso. Se alienta especialmente la presentación de solicitudes por parte de personas pertenecientes a grupos minoritarios o subrepresentados. Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con la Secretaría de la OTGA (ioc.training@unesco.org), indicando siempre el nombre del curso en el asunto del correo electrónico.

Proceso de solicitud

Complete el formulario de solicitud en línea disponible en: La fecha límite para presentar las solicitudes es el 21 de junio 2026 (23:59 CEST: hora de Europa Central).

Política de cancelació:

En caso de cancelación del curso por parte de la OTGA o sus afiliados, notificaremos la cancelación con al menos 7 días de antelación a la fecha del curso. En caso de cancelación por parte del participante, deberá notificarnos la cancelación con al menos 7 días de antelación a la fecha del curso.

Summary

This blended training course, titled in Spanish “Monitoreo de la contaminación por microplásticos en aguas costeras: del muestreo y análisis a los datos”, aims to build the capacity of upper secondary school teachers and boat operators in the Comunidad Valenciana to participate in harmonised microplastic monitoring in coastal waters through the Erasmus Maris initiative. 

The course combines online theoretical learning with practical field, laboratory, and data-management training. Participants will learn the full monitoring chain: understanding microplastic pollution in aquatic environments, collecting surface-water samples using a manta net, processing and analysing samples in the laboratory following standard operating procedures, applying quality assurance and quality control principles, managing data and metadata, and uploading validated information to the MARIS database. 

The course is designed to empower teachers to implement microplastic monitoring activities with their students and to contribute to a wider citizen-science and environmental monitoring network. Boat operators will be trained to support safe and harmonised sampling operations at sea. The training includes online lessons and quizzes, practical laboratory work with reference material, boat-based sampling demonstrations, and hands-on use of the MARIS data portal. 

Participants will learn the full monitoring chain: understanding microplastic pollution in aquatic environments, collecting surface-water samples using a manta net, processing and analysing samples in the laboratory following standard operating procedures, applying quality assurance and quality control principles, managing data and metadata, and uploading validated information to the MARIS database.

The course is organised by ASE / Ayam Sailing Europe and the University of Alicante, implemented in the framework of the Erasmus Maris initiative, with the support of the UNESCO IOC OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA).

Needs and priorities

Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern in coastal and marine environments. Reliable monitoring requires harmonised sampling, analysis, data management, and quality-control procedures. At the same time, effective microplastic monitoring requires data collection over wider geographical areas and repeated time periods, which is difficult to achieve through conventional scientific monitoring alone. Citizen science can help address this gap by expanding monitoring capacity through trained local actors. Schools and teachers are especially relevant in this context: once trained, teachers can support recurring monitoring activities with students, embed ocean literacy and environmental science into education, and contribute harmonised data and metadata to a shared monitoring system. Local maritime actors further strengthen the approach by supporting safe and standardised sampling operations.  

This course responds to the need for practical capacity development in coastal microplastic monitoring in Spain, with a specific focus on the Comunidad Valenciana. The training supports teachers and boat operators to become local actors in a structured monitoring system. By combining scientific protocols with educational implementation, the course strengthens the capacity of schools to contribute to ocean literacy, citizen science, and evidence-based environmental action. 

The course contributes to IOC capacity development priorities by: 

• providing applied training for teachers and local operators; 
• supporting access to standardised scientific methods and digital tools; 
• promoting ocean literacy and environmental education in secondary schools; 
• strengthening local capacity to generate comparable environmental data; 
• supporting the use of harmonised data and metadata systems for future integration with wider marine data infrastructures. 

The course also supports the objectives of the Erasmus Maris initiative by preparing teachers and local partners to collect, analyse, document, and upload microplastic monitoring data following common procedures. 

Format and Duration

This is a blended course combining online self-paced learning with two days of synchronous practical training.

Online component (self-paced)

Lessons and quizzes on microplastic pollution, sampling and analysis methods, standard operating procedures, data management, unique identifiers, and MARIS/EMODnet integration. Approximately 4 hours. Participants may complete the online quizzes during or after the practical training days.

Onsite practical training:

• Day 1 - 22 May 2026, 16:00–20:00 CEST: Laboratory training and MARIS database/data-entry training. Venue: IES LA MAR, Jávea, Spain.
• Day 2 - 23 May 2026, 09:30–13:30 CEST: Manta-net sampling practice, online course/quizzes, and final debriefing. Venues: Club Náutico Dénia and IES Sorts de la Mar, Dénia, Spain.

Total estimated workload: approximately 14 hours (10 hours synchronous + 4 hours asynchronous).

⚠️ Attendance at both practical sessions is mandatory for certification.

Venue

• IES LA MAR, Jávea, Spain - laboratory training
• Club Náutico Dénia, Dénia, Spain - boat-based manta-net sampling
• IES Sorts de la Mar, Dénia, Spain - online quizzes and computer-based work

Language of Instruction: Spanish. The online lessons and quizzes are currently in English; a Spanish translation may be made available before the course.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the main sources, pathways, and environmental relevance of microplastic pollution in aquatic and coastal environments
• Describe how microplastics are distributed in surface waters and sediments, and why harmonised monitoring is needed
• Apply the Erasmus Maris manta-net sampling protocol for surface-water microplastic monitoring
• Record essential sampling metadata including GPS coordinates, environmental conditions, sea state, and sampling duration
• Process microplastic samples in the laboratory following the Erasmus Maris standard operating procedure
• Carry out main laboratory steps: sample preparation, digestion, density separation, filtration, visual counting, and optional Nile Red staining
• Understand the purpose of reference material and QA/QC checks
• Use the MARIS database and data portal to enter monitoring data and metadata in a structured way
• Explain the importance of unique identifiers, standardised formats, and traceability for environmental data management
• Implement Erasmus Maris / M.A.R.I.S. monitoring activities with students and local partners after the course

Course Content

Online

1. Definition of microplastics and distinction between primary and secondary microplastics
2. Microplastics in aquatic environments: transport, distribution, density, and accumulation
3. Pathways through which microplastics enter aquatic environments
4. Sampling and analysis methods for microplastic assessment
5. Standard operating procedures for microplastic analysis
6. Challenges of integrating data from multiple sources
7. Data management approaches: Back-End Consolidation and Front-End Responsibility
8. Unique identifiers and data structure in the MARIS monitoring system
9. Integration of MARIS data into wider marine data systems, including EMODnet

Onsite

• Welcome and group distribution
• Delivery and explanation of sampling protocols
• Boat-based manta-net sampling demonstration and practice
• Recording of sampling metadata and environmental conditions
• Laboratory training and MARIS database/data-entry training
• Introduction to the UNESCO/OTGA online microplastics course and quizzes
• Final debriefing and explanation of next steps for certification and post-course monitoring

Target Audience

The course is primarily designed for upper secondary school teachers from the Comunidad Valenciana, Spain, interested in implementing microplastic monitoring activities with their students. A small group of boat operators supporting sampling activities are also included.

Expected participants: approximately 60 upper secondary school teachers and approximately 4 boat operators.

Basic science background recommended. No advanced laboratory experience required.

Organizers

• ASE / Ayam Sailing Europe
• University of Alicante

Implemented in the framework of the Erasmus Maris initiative, with the support of the UNESCO IOC OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA).

Facilitators

• Kamel Labibes - Ayam Sailing Europe (ASE)
• Carlos Sanz Lázaro - University of Alicante
• Raquel Sánchez Romero - University of Alicante
• Alba Benito Kaesbach - University of Alicante
• Antonia Trompeta - ASE / Ayam Sailing Europe, Erasmus Maris Educational Network Coordinator, Valencian Community

Registration, Costs, and Technological Requirements

There are no tuition fees for participants. Travel, accommodation, and any personal costs are the responsibility of participants or their institutions.

Participants need access to:

• A computer or tablet for online lessons and quizzes
• A web browser and ability to use an online learning platform
• Basic familiarity with spreadsheets or data-entry forms (useful but not mandatory)
• A smartphone or GPS-enabled device (useful for recording coordinates during sampling)
• Access to the MARIS data portal

No advanced software installation is required.

UNESCO is committed to promoting equal access principles. Applications from minority or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

Assessment & Certificate

• To receive the certificate, participants must:
• Attend the mandatory practical sessions on 22 and 23 May 2026
• Complete the required online lessons and quizzes
• Actively participate in sampling, laboratory, and data-management activities
• Follow the Erasmus Maris sampling and analysis SOPs
• Correctly process and analyse reference samples within an accepted recovery range
• Correctly upload complete data and metadata to the MARIS database
• Complete the mandatory course evaluation/feedback form

Contacts

For course organisation, please contact: Dr Kamel Labibes - coordination@ayamsailing.eu

For additional questions, please contact the OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org), always using the name of the course as email subject.

Cancellation Policy

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.

Descripción del curso

Este curso tiene como objetivo proporcionar un contexto esencial sobre los datos derivados del ADN y la importancia de gestionar y publicar esta información de manera eficaz en la región, con especial énfasis en los datos derivados de muestras de ADN ambiental (ADNe). El curso abarca conceptos clave relacionados con los datos de ADN, incluyendo datos genéticos, compilación de datos y campos esenciales de datos de ADN. Se hace hincapié en la información necesaria para estructurar correctamente los conjuntos de datos y los metadatos asociados para su publicación en OBIS.

Finalmente, los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de trabajar con sus propios conjuntos de datos, abordar los desafíos comunes en la preparación y el envío de datos, y recibir orientación para facilitar una publicación exitosa.

Resultados del aprendizaje

 Al completar con éxito este curso, el alumno podrá:

• Comprender los registros de ocurrencia basados ​​en ADN

• Identificar las diferentes categorías de datos genéticos

• Definir los datos de ocurrencia derivados del ADN

• Reconocer la importancia de procesar los datos antes de formatearlos para DwC

• Manejar datos brutos de ADN ambiental

• Crear el núcleo de ocurrencia y la extensión de datos derivados del ADN

• Cargar el conjunto de datos en OBIS

• Recuperar información de OBIS

• Importancia y beneficios de la carga de datos

Contenido del curso

Módulo 1: Introducción a los datos de ADN

• Datos de ADN

• Tipos de datos genéticos

Módulo 2: Recopilación de datos de ADN

• Recopilación de datos de ADN para las categorías I y II: ADN ambiental y metabarcoding

• Recopilación de datos de ADN para la categoría III: datos de qPCR

• Ejemplo de las categorías I y II: ADN ambiental

Ejercicio 4-1: Describir los campos de datos de ADN

Caso de estudio

Público objetivo y requisitos previos

Este curso está dirigido a hispanohablantes interesados ​​en aprender a gestionar datos derivados del ADN:

• Personal encargado de la gestión de datos.

• Investigadores que trabajan con ADN ambiental.

Requisitos:

• Conocimientos básicos de informática.

• Capacidad para autogestionar el aprendizaje (por ejemplo, siguiendo guías paso a paso, videotutoriales y manuales).

• Familiaridad con el uso de hojas de cálculo para el análisis de datos (por ejemplo, Excel).

Idioma de instrucción

español

Instructoras

1) Elizabeth Lawrence, IOC-UNESCO

2) Emilie Boulanger, IOC-UNESCO

3) Saara Suominen, IOC-UNESCO

4) Vanessa Yepes-Narvaez, INVEMAR

Fechas del curso

29 de junio - 31 de julio 2026

Formato del curso

en línea & in situ (Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras “José Benito Vives de Andreis”- INVEMAR- Colombia)

en línea: 29 de junio - 31 de julio 

in situ: 20 de julio - 24 de julio

Informaciones del curso

Habrá dos sesiones síncronas: el 10 y el 17 de julio a las 9:00 GMT-5. La asistencia es obligatoria.

16-20 horas

Evaluación del alumno

Evaluaciones (cuestionarios)

Certificado

El estudiante recibirá el certificado una vez que haya completado la revisión exhaustiva de cada módulo.

Requisitos tecnológicos/habilidades informáticas

• Equipo informático

• Conocimientos básicos de informática.

• Familiaridad con el uso de hojas de cálculo para trabajar con datos (por ejemplo, Excel, Numbers).

Cómo inscribirse

Los participantes del curso serán seleccionados y se les proporcionará información sobre cómo inscribirse directamente.

Para cualquier consulta, póngase en contacto con la Secretaría de la OTGA (ioc.training@unesco.org) indicando siempre el nombre del curso en el asunto del correo electrónico.

La inscripción es gratuita.

Encuesta de satisfacción

Al finalizar el curso, se le pedirá que complete una encuesta de satisfacción. Esta información se utilizará para mejorar los cursos futuros.

Política de cancelación

En caso de cancelación del curso por parte de la OTGA o sus afiliados, se notificará la cancelación con al menos 7 días de antelación a la fecha del curso. En caso de cancelación por parte del participante, deberá notificarnos la cancelación con al menos 7 días de antelación a la fecha del curso.

Neste curso online, os participantes aprenderão a aceder a dados oceanográficos in situ e remotos disponíveis gratuitamente online e a explorar software gratuitos para desenvolver dados e análises básicas de ecossistemas marinhos e costeiros de meso a larga escala. Trata-se de uma formação de nível introdutório, ideal para quem está dando os primeiros passos na utilização de dados oceanográficos.

Objetivos 

Como resultado deste curso, os participantes irão adquirir conhecimentos básicos para apoiar uma análise inicial, de meso a grande escala, de ecossistemas marinhos e costeiros. Estes incluem:

•  Obtenção de variáveis auxiliares (e.g., limites administrativos, batimetria) e oceanográficas (e.g., temperatura da superfície do mar, concentração de clorofila-a)
• Funções básicas em Sistemas de Informação Geográfica (SIG) em software geral (QGIS) e específicos à oceanografia (Ocean Data Viewer)
• Visualização e o desenvolvimento de produtos online e em ambiente SIG.

Resultados de aprendizagem 

No final deste curso, os participantes deverão ser capazes de:

• Capacidade demonstrada de acessar, extrair e gerenciar conjuntos de dados oceanográficos de acesso livre, provenientes tanto de fontes in situ quanto remotas, aplicando-os no apoio à análise de ecossistemas marinhos e costeiros.
• Aplicou ferramentas de visualização e geoespaciais de código aberto, incluindo Ocean Data View (ODV) e QGIS, para processar, realizar o controle de qualidade e interpretar Variáveis Oceânicas Essenciais e outros conjuntos de dados ambientais relevantes.
• Desenvolveu e apresentou produtos de dados marinhos integrados para áreas de interesse definidas, demonstrando competência na organização de processos analíticos, na produção de mapas e figuras e na condução de avaliações preliminares de ecossistemas. 

Conteúdo

• Importância da oceanografia observacional e do Sistema Global de Observação do Oceano (GOOS)
• Plataformas de observação e amostragem 

• Seleção e delimitação da área de interesse.
• Organização da estrutura de pastas e nomes de arquivos

• World Ocean Database (WOD), selecionar e baixar dados WOD
• Ocean Data View (ODV), baixar e instalar ODV
• Criar coleção de dados no ODV
• Importar e analisar dados WOD no ODV
• Controle de qualidade no ODV
• Preparar e exportar produtos no ODV

• Sistema de Informação Geográfica e formatos básicos de arquivos SIG
• QGIS, baixar e instalar, interface do usuário

• Fontes de dados marinhos simples e auxiliares para SIG
• Importar dados de formato vetorial (shape) e matriz (raster) no SIG
• Recorte de camadas vetoriais (shape) e matriciais (raster)
• Preparar e exportar figura cartográfica

• Obter EOVs a partir de diversos portais
• Ferramentas de SIG tais como interpolação, recorte com máscaras, extração de isolinhas, cálculos, derivação de vetores de componentes escalares

• Familiarização com portais de dados oceanográficos e suas ferramentas básicas para plotagem e consulta de variáveis de interesse
• Exportar produtos (figuras, plots, dados, arquivos de formato SIG)

Público-alvo

Alunos de graduação (bacharelado) e pós-graduação (mestrado e doutorado), e profissionais em início de carreira nas áreas de oceanografia, ciências do mar, biologia marinha e/ou afins.

Idioma: Português

Instrutores/Organizadores

Dr Lilian Anne Krug^1,2

¹ Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO)

² Centre of Marine Sciences of the Algarve (CCMAR)

Duração e formato do curso:

O curso terá lugar on-line maioritariamente em modo assíncrono. O curso inclui cerca de 7 horas de trabalho individual assíncrono, por semana, num total de cerca de 30 horas de trabalho, a serem concluídos no período entre 15  de junho a 15 de julho de 2026. Os módulos do curso devem ser concluídos sequencialmente.

Caso os organizadores considerem necessário, poderão organizar-se algumas sessões síncronas para discussão ou esclarecimento de dúvidas. Em todo o caso, haverá assistência assíncrona durante o curso.

Pré-requisitos tecnológicos:

• Computador com sistema operativo Windows
• Versão mais recente dos browsers Chrome (preferencial) e Firefox
• Direitos de administrador no computador/laptop a utilizar durante o curso
• Java Runtime Engine (Java 9 JRE) instalado ou 70 MB de espaço para o instalar
• Processador Intel® Core™ i3 ou similar/superior
• Espaço em disco de 3 GB ou mais
• 2 GB ou mais de RAM
• QGIS versão 3.40 ou a mais recente (estável) disponível no momento do curso
  

Nota: o curso destina-se a utilizadores de Windows

Avaliação / Certificado

Um certificado de participação será emitido se todos os segmentos dos módulos do curso forem concluídos e um mínimo de 70% for alcançado no total das avaliações (questões de múltiplas respostas, V/F, exercícios).

Processo de candidatura

O número de lugares disponíveis é limitado (Até 30 brasileiros e até 5 de outras nacionalidades de língua portuguesa). Preencha o formulário de inscrição on-line disponível em: https://otga.wufoo.com/forms/m1dacw9o0rkb4ow/

O prazo para submissão da candidatura é 30 maio, 2026 (23:59 CEST: Central European Time). Critérios de seleção:

• Alunos de graduação (bacharelado) e pós-graduação (mestrado e doutorado), e profissionais em início de carreira nas áreas de oceanografia, ciências do mar, biologia marinha e/ou afins.
• Fluência em Português e conhecimentos práticos de inglês
• Competências informáticas básicas
• Preferência a candidatos brasileiros que não tenham participado em formações anteriores semelhantes no âmbito do OTGA

Custos: Não se aplicam propinas ou taxas de inscrição.

A UNESCO está empenhada em promover os princípios de igualdade de acesso. As inscrições de grupos minoritários ou sub-representados são fortemente encorajadas.

Em caso de dúvidas entre em contato com a Secretaria da OTGA (ioc.training@unesco.org) usando sempre o nome do curso como assunto do e-mail.

Política de cancelamento
Em caso de cancelamento do curso pela OTGA ou afiliados, notificaremos o cancelamento pelo menos 7 dias antes da data do curso. Em caso de cancelamento pelo participante, deveremos receber notificação de cancelamento pelo menos 7 dias antes da data do curso.

Course description:

The IOC of UNESCO GLOSS Sea Level Training for North Africa is a five-day technical capacity development course designed to strengthen national and regional capabilities in sea-level observation, data management, and applied sea-level science within the North-Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean region, with a particular focus on North African Member States. The course aims to provide participants with practical and theoretical knowledge required to operate, maintain, and sustain tide gauge stations contributing to the Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS).

Core content include:

• Sea-level measurement technologies, station installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting

• Data telemetry and operational data exchange with the IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility (SLSMF) and other international data centres

• Sea-level data processing, quality control (including automated QC using the IOC SLSMF API), and interpretation

• Fundamental sea-level science, including tides, surges, seiches, tsunamis, sea-level rise, and vertical land motion

• Practical field exercises, including site visits to operational tide gauge stations and basic surveying and levelling techniques (optical and GNSS).

Audience:

The training is intended for professionals from IOC Member States in North Africa and the NEAM region who are currently involved, or expected to be involved, in sea-level observation and data management activities.

Specifically, the target audience includes:

• Technicians responsible for the operation and maintenance of tide gauge stations

• Hydrographers and surveyors working with coastal and water level measurements

• Data analysts involved in processing and quality control of sea-level data

• Early-career or entry-level oceanographers engaged in sea-level or coastal observation programmes

Participants are typically affiliated with national oceanographic, hydrographic, or maritime institutions contributing, or planning to contribute, sea-level data to IOC systems such as GLOSS and the IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility (SLSMF).

Learning outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the IOC of UNESCO GLOSS Sea Level Training for North Africa, participants will be able to:

• Identify and describe the main sea-level measurement technologies used in GLOSS tide gauge stations and explain their operational strengths and limitations.

• Configure and manage data telemetry systems to enable timely transmission of sea-level data from national stations to the IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility (SLSMF) and other relevant international data centres.

• Apply standard sea-level data processing and quality control procedures, including the use of automated quality control tools and the IOC SLSMF API.

• Interpret sea-level time series (mareograms) to identify and distinguish physical phenomena such as tides, seiches, storm surges, tsunamis, and longer-term sea-level variability.

• Perform basic tidal analysis and explain the concept and use of tidal datums in hydrographic, oceanographic, and maritime applications.

• Explain the role of vertical land motion and site stability in sea-level observations and integrate levelling and GNSS information into station assessments.

• Demonstrate practical field skills through site visits and hands-on exercises, including basic surveying and inspection of operational tide gauge infrastructure.

Course content:

The training combines theoretical lectures, practical exercises, system demonstrations, and a field visit to ensure participants gain applied operational skills in sea-level observation and data management.

1. Introduction and Regional Context

• Overview of the GLOSS and its role within IOC programmes

•  Network reports and experience-sharing by participating Member States

• Regional sea-level monitoring challenges and priorities in North Africa and the NEAM region

2. Sea-Level Measurement Technologies

•  Overview of sea-level measurement principles

• Types of tide gauges and sensors used in GLOSS stations

• Strengths, limitations, and suitability of different technologies for operational monitoring

3. Tide Gauge Installation, Operation, and Maintenance

• Anatomy and components of a tide gauge station

• Installation requirements and best practices

• Routine maintenance procedures and operational checks

• Troubleshooting common technical problems affecting station performance

4. Data Telemetry and International Data Exchange

• Data transmission systems and telemetry options

• Establishing and maintaining data delivery links with the IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility (SLSMF)

• Overview of other international and GLOSS sea-level data centres

• Practical troubleshooting session to establish or improve data links

5. Sea-Level Data Processing and Quality Control

• Introduction to sea-level data formats and processing workflows

• Manual and automated quality control procedures

• Use of the IOC SLSMF API for automated quality control

• Practical exercises using real sea-level datasets

6. Sea-Level Science and Data Interpretation

• Interpretation of mareograms and sea-level records

• Identification of physical processes affecting sea level, including: Tides/Seiches/ Storm/surges/Tsunamis/ Sea-level rise and variability /  Overview of tidal analysis methods and tidal datums

7. Vertical Land Motion and Site Stability

• Concepts of vertical land motion (VLM) and its impact on sea-level observations

• Theory of levelling methods (optical levelling and GNSS)

• Integration of GNSS and levelling data with sea-level observations

• Overview of GNSS and VLM data centres supporting sea-level monitoring

8. Practical Field Activities

• Site visit to an operational tide gauge station

• Hands-on inspection of station components and surroundings

• Basic surveying and levelling exercises in the field

• Application of learned concepts in a real operational environment

Prerequisites:

• No prior specialised knowledge of tides or advanced sea-level science is required

• Basic understanding of oceanographic or tidal concepts is desirable

• Basic computer skills are required, including the ability to work with digital data and software tools

• Some familiarity with water level data processing requirements or operational measurement environments is expected

• Willingness and ability to participate in hands-on fieldwork, including a site visit to a tide gauge station and basic survey exercises

Language of instruction: English

Instructors: 

Angela Hibbert

David Sydney Jones

Jeff Pugh

Technology requirements:

Participants should be able to:

• Use a personal computer confidently, including basic operating system functions (file management, installing or running software, connecting to networks)

• Work with digital datasets, including opening, viewing, and managing sea-level or time‑series data files

• Use common productivity software, such as spreadsheets and document viewers, to review, organize, and inspect data outputs

• Access and use web-based platforms and online tools, including browser-based data portals and APIs demonstrated during the training (e.g. IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility tools)

Technical Skills:

• Basic knowledge of water level data processing requirements, sufficient to follow instruction on data quality control and analysis workflows

• Familiarity with digital communication and data transmission concepts, supporting understanding of telemetry and data exchange with international data centres

• Willingness and ability to engage in hands-on technical sessions, including practical exercises using IOC tools, APIs, and real sea-level datasets

re-requisites: not applicable

Selection criteria:

• Professional relevance

Candidates must be currently involved, or expected to be involved, in sea‑level observation, tide gauge operation, or water‑level data analysis within a national oceanographic, hydrographic, or maritime institution

• Institutional role and applicability

Priority is given to nominees whose responsibilities allow them to directly apply the training outcomes to the operation, maintenance, or data management of tide gauge stations contributing to GLOSS and IOC systems

• Regional eligibility

Applicants must be nominated by eligible IOC Member States from North Africa and the NEAM region, as specified in the call (Algeria, Cabo Verde, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia)

• Basic computer skills

• Some familiarity with water‑level data processing or measurement environments

• An ability to participate fully in hands‑on technical and field activities

• Sufficient working knowledge of English, as the training will be conducted entirely in English

• Commitment to full participation

• Availability to attend the entire onsite training period (18–22 May 2026), including practical sessions and the site visit

• Gender and geographic balance (where applicable)

• Selection may take into account equitable geographic representation and gender balance, in line with IOC capacity development principles

 Learner assessment:

Written and oral assessments throughout the training course.

Duration: 37 hours

Certificate: 

A certificate will be issued at the end of the training course - details to be defined 

Venue:

Innovocean campus- Unesco/IOC Project office for IODE - Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400 Oostende- Belgium.

Organizers:

• Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO‑IOC)

• Ex-employees of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), United Kingdom

• Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ)

• UNESCO‑IOC Project Office for IODE (Ostend, Belgium)

• CoastWAVE 2.0 Project (DG ECHO, co‑funding)

Contacts:

For course organization, please contact: [TO BE UPDATED]

For additional questions, please contact OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) always using the name of the course as e-mail subject.

Cancellation policy:

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.

Format and Duration

All sessions will happen synchronously ONSITE. The agenda of the sessions will be shared once confirmed. 

Venue: 

South Korea, Busan; Hotel Conference Room 

Language of instruction: English

Learning outcomes

Course content

Target audience

This training course is jointly organized by the IOC (in support of the MSPglobal, Ocean Decade Capacity Development Facility, OceanTeacher Global Academy, and IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) activities) in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), and the Irish Marine Institute.  

Facilitators

The training sessions will be delivered with the support of experts from IOC (including, Catarina Fonseca, Niccolo Bassan, NaYeon Kim, and Ana Carolina Mazzuco, others to be confirmed), the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (names to be confirmed); and the Irish Marine Institute (names to be confirmed). 

Registration, costs, and technological requirements

Assessment & Certificate

Contacts

For course organization, please contact: TO BE ADDED

For additional questions, please contact OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) always using the name of the course as e-mail subject.

Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.

This course will provide a comprehensive introduction for the management and archive of marine biological data, including the guiding principles of biological data management and typical responsibilities for data managers. Several types of biological data will be tackled, including observational data, image-derived data and omics data and how these data can be formatted, standardized and quality controlled before being submitted to wider regional, national and international initiatives. Watch the video below for a brief overview and introduction.

Find all the information on how to enroll in this course on:

https://oceanexpert.org/event/5000

As a follow-up of the bi-annually opened Ocean Data Management Training course, this course provides a comprehensive introduction for the management and archive of marine biological data, including the guiding principles of biological data management and typical responsibilities for data manager. Several types of biological data will be tackled, including observational data, image-derived data and omics data and how these data can be formatted, standardized and quality controlled before being submitted to wider regional, national and international initiatives.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to describe the core tasks required for the processing and distributing of biological marine data, explain the importance of following standards, both for the data and the metadata and identify possible data flow mechanisms and pathways to ensure their data are shared as widely as possible, thereby stimulating re-use.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this training, learners will be able to:

• Describe the core tasks required for the processing and distributing of biological marine data
• Explain the importance of following standards, both for the data and the metadata 
• Identify possible data flow mechanisms and pathways to ensure their data are shared as widely as possible, thereby stimulating re-use
  

Course contents

Topics will include: Guiding principles in data management, Data formats, metadata, quality control, data policy, data sharing and publishing, and a main focus on data management of various types of biological data. It is organized in the following modules:

• Module 1. Guiding principles in data management
• Module 2. Fundamentals of marine biological data management and the Research Data Life Cycle
• Module 3. Best practices for data capture
• Module 4. Transferring your (meta)data to Darwin Core
• Module 5. Common issues with data format and quality
• Module 6. Preservation & publication of marine biological data
• Module 7. Imagery data
• Module 8. DNA-derived data
• Module 9. Data archaeology & rescuing historical data

Target audience

• Marine data managers
• NODC and/or ADU staff
• Data stewards and researchers
• Early career researchers

Language and computer skills required

• a good working knowledge of English
• basic computer skills
• the ability to find resources through search engines
• the ability to be self-directed in learning new technology skills (e.g. following a step-by-step tutorial, online video help, or access to support to learn necessary skills)

Instructors/Organisers

This course is organised by the OceanTeacher Global Academy with the assistance of the Flanders Marine Institute:

• Leen Vandepitte (general coordination) – Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ)
• Laura Marquez
• Lynn Delgat
• Charlotte Dhondt
• Patricia Cabrera
• Carolien Knockaert
• Ruben Perez
• Salvador Fernandez
• Stefanie Dekeyzer 
• Wim Decock
• Cyril Radermecker

Course duration and format:

The course will be delivered online between April and December 2026. The estimated time to complete the self-paced course is approximately 35 hours.

Learner Assessment:

This is a self-taught course that includes quizzes designed to help learners assess their own learning at regular intervals. In order to successfully complete the course and award a Certificate at the end, the following is mandatory:

• • Complete all lessons in each Module of the course
  • Complete all quizzes with 70% minimum score. For each quiz you are allowed 2 attempts and the highest grade is recorded
  • Complete pre and post tests

Note: submitting the course feedback survey is mandatory to obtain the course certificate.

Technology requirements

To complete this course, participants should have access to:

• Computer with Windows or Mac operating system
• Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari web browsers

How to enrol

Please register on the OceanExpert website (www.oceanexpert.org). Once your OceanExpert account is approved (this is not done immediately), you can self-enrol in the course. If you already have an OceanExpert account, you can self-enrol in the course using your OceanExpert username and password. Enrolment is available until 15 December 2026 and the course closes 31 December 2026 

First log-in OceanTeacher, then access the course page and click on self-enrollment.

The enrolment key is BDM**2026

For any questions please contact the OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) always using the name of the course as email subject.

There are no tuition fees. 

UNESCO is committed to promote equal access principles. Applications from minority or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

Feedback survey

At the end of the course, you will be asked to fill out a feedback survey. This information will be used to improve future courses.

Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.

https://otga.wufoo.com/forms/m1sf4rew165zqw7/

If you have problems registering through our website, please contact directly our IPI coordinator Margarita Fernández Tejedor (margarita.fernandez@irta.cat).

The administrator will need your laboratory name and address, number of analysts, Analysts’ full name and e-mail addresses.

Payment must be received before samples are shipped to the participating laboratories.

Payments can be made by bank transfer or credit card. Please ensure that your payment includes all bank charges incurred for transferring fees.

Please note: Custom payments or fees incurred on delivery and release of parcels are paid by the receiving laboratory.

This comprehensive course provides an in-depth exploration of Coastal Resilience concepts that are key in supporting sustainable business practices and protecting communities against natural hazards and climate change-related impacts. Through five interconnected online modules and a range of interactive learning activities, participants will learn and implement the principles, technologies, and strategies needed to understand, assess, and bolster resilience within coastal regions, while emphasizing business responsibility and proactive risk management tailored to Asia-Pacific context. 

Building on the success of its first edition, this course is a fully online training focused on the Asia-Pacific regional needs and priorities, jointly coordinated by the Second Institute of Oceanography of China, Ministry of Natural Resources (SIOMNR), the IOC OceanTeacher Global Academy Regional Training Centre China (National Marine Data and Information Service-China, NMDIS), the Decade Collaborative Centre for Coastal Resilience (DCC-CR), the Western Pacific Subcommission of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC WESTPAC), Decade Capacity Development Facility (CDF), the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) of Italy and the CINECA Interactive Computing Services in Bologna, Italy.

Needs and priority

Learning outcomes

Course content

The course is composed of five online modules: 

• Overview of Coastal Resilience and its importance for Business  
• Understanding coastal hazards from operational oceanography products 
• Impact Assessment and risk management  
• Enabling technologies for Coastal Resilience 
• Solutions for Coastal Resilience

The content will be further complemented by interactive discussions, case studies, and collaborative learning activities to support knowledge exchange and practical application.

Target audience

Pre-requisites

Language of instruction: English

Course Coordinators

Villy, Kourafalou

Contributing subject experts will be available later on.

Course Format & Duration

The online modules include both self-paced activities and weekly synchronous sessions (attendance is strongly recommended and tracked, but not mandatory). The online modules comprise an estimated 70 hours of training and will be available from 2 June until 11 August, 2026.  

Assessment & Certificate

This course contains self-paced automated assessments as well as written and oral assignments. A certificate will be awarded to the participants upon successful completion of: 

• All modules and lessons;
• Assessments and assignments (passmark: 70%);
• Completion of a pre and post-test; and
• Completion of a feedback survey. 

Application 

A limited number of seats are available, to be confirmed by the organizers at a later stage, depending on the support and accessibility required to the training activities. 

Applications process will run through OTGA online form. Please fill out the online application form available at this LINK. Applications open on 11 March 2026. The deadline to submit the application is 26 March 2026 (23:59 CET: Central European Time). Extended deadline: 02 April 2026 (23:59 CEST). NEW and LAST Extended deadline: 8 April 2026 (23:59 CEST).

Documents requested

Selection criteria

UNESCO is committed to promoting equal access principles. Applications from minority or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

Costs

Free of charge. There are no tuition fees.

Contacts

For any questions, please contact OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) always using the name of the course as e-mail subject.

Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.

Background

A legally binding agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) is the third implementing agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Entry into force in January 2026 marks 20 years since discussions at UN level had begun.  The BBNJ Agreement combines the conservation of marine species and their sustainable use and includes diverse stakeholders in the future design of ocean governance, including Indigenous Peoples and local communities, scientists, industry, and decision-makers. It is a significant step towards comprehensive protection and use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

The Agreement establishes a number of subsidiary bodies and mechanisms for its implementation: a scientific and technical body, providing science and knowledge advice in the process; a clearing house mechanism as a centralized data sharing platform, a financial mechanism, and various committees on benefit-sharing, capacity building and technology transfer, and implementation and compliance. Science and knowledge play a crucial role in the implementation of the agreement and are the focus of this course.  

Course overview and objectives

This online training introduces the BBNJ Agreement and focuses on the role that ocean science and knowledge play for its implementation, including implications for the global community and opportunities for science, services and management in and about ABNJ. 

The course aims to support individuals and institutions of diverse groups in understanding the scientific realities of the ocean and data sharing opportunities (i.e. across maritime zones between countries and different ocean depths; between the Exclusive Economic Zones and High Seas; and across sectors and geographical regions for enhanced cooperation and coordination with and among other instruments, frameworks and bodies). 

The use of science and knowledge on the ocean and its marine ecosystems are particularly evident in operationalization of the Agreement’s processes to assess potential impacts on the marine environment of planned activities, including in considerations for strategic environmental assessments and when assessing cumulative impacts, as well as in the establishment of area-based management tools, including marine protected areas, in the efforts to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity through geographical tools in a dynamic, connected and changing ocean. Additionally, understanding capacity needs, accessing existing capacity building and technology transfer initiatives, provided by different institutions and linking different types of ocean data and information can strengthen our knowledge on marine biodiversity in an interconnected ocean. 

Format and Duration

This is a self-paced online course, comprising various learning resources, activities and assessments, with a total of 20 hours estimated for completion.

Language of instruction: English

Learning outcomes

Course content

The course is composed of three online modules: 

Module 1. Introduction to marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, which provides an overview of natural environment of the open ocean, existing ocean governance framework, and the related ocean science and knowledge.

M1-Lesson 1. Life in the Sea: A connected and changing ocean

M1-Lesson 2. Ocean Biodiversity Governance

M1-Lesson 3. Global Ocean Science & Knowledge

Module 2. BBNJ Agreement in Practice, which covers elements & aims of the Agreement, technical competencies needed for its operationalization across all pillars, and needs and priorities for ocean science.

M2-Lesson 1. Marine Genetic Resources

M2-Lesson 2.  Area-Based Management Tools, including Marine Protected Areas

M2-Lesson 3. Environmental Impact Assessment

M2-Lesson 4. Capacity Building and Transfer of Marine Technology

M2-Lesson 5. Cross-cutting topics

Module 3. Actors, Mechanisms, Data Sharing and Tools under the BBNJ Agreement, which covers opportunities for individuals and nations, pathways for strengthening cooperation and coordination in the implementation of the Agreement, reflections on emerging technologies, and the intrinsic value of marine biodiversity.

M3-Lesson 1. Ocean Cooperation

M3-Lesson 2. Overview of Instruments, Frameworks, and Bodies

M3-Lesson 3. Potential opportunities to engage

M3-Lesson 4. Data and Tools supporting BBNJ Agreement

M3-Lesson 5. Emerging ocean technologies

M3-Lesson 6.  The inherent value of marine biodiversity 

Target audience

This course was developed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC), in support of the joint training activities of the Ocean Decade Capacity Development Facility (CDF) and the OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA). 

The learning materials compile ocean science data, information, and knowledge available globally in support of BBNJ Agreement, supplemented by consultations and contributions of invited experts, institutions, and national authorities worldwide.

Facilitators

This training was developed with the assistance of Dr. Ina Tessnow-Von Wysocki, in collaboration with NaYeon Kim, Dr. Ana Carolina Mazzuco, and Sophie Guibert. 

Learning materials were complemented by various Expert Contributions through interviews or lectures, including: Abbe Brown, Adel Heenan, Abdi Tunggal Priyanto, Adel Heenan, Aimée Komugabe-Dixson, Alice McDonald, Aline Kuehl-Stenzel, Amehr Hakim, Anna Metaxas, Ashley Dias, Becky Hitchin, Carlos A. Zuniga, Aurelie Spadone, Clement Mulalap, Cong Bailin, Daniel Kachelriess, David Johnson, Fuad Bateh, Gerald Singh, Harriet Harden-Davies, Hugo Gorziglia, Jaqueline Espenilla, Joelle Richard, Jodi Edwards, Julian Barbierie, Júlia Schütz Veiga, Karen Evans, Laurent Chmiel, Linlin Zhao, Lisa Levin, Lowri Griffiths, Marcel Jaspars, Makrita Solitei, Melissa Abderrahim, Michelle Bender, Olaf Meynecke, Paul DeBruyn, Paul Snelgrove, Peter Burger, Quentin Hanich, Robert Blasiak, Sarah Lothian, Shenghao Liu, Susan Gardner, Thomas Vanagt, Ward Appeltans, Yafeng Yang, and Youngdawng Moh.

Registration, costs, and technological requirements

This course is offered on a continuous basis, with open registrations as yearly cohorts, with no tuition fees.

To follow this course, participants shall have: 

Assessment & Certificate

This course contains self-paced automated online knowledge checks and assessments. 

In order to successfully complete the course and be awarded a certificate, the following are mandatory: 

• Complete all modules and lessons.  
• Complete all quizzes (80% pass mark, 3 attempts). 
• Complete the pre and post-assessment questionaries. 
• Submit the feedback survey. 

Contacts

For any questions, please contact OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) always using the name of the course as e-mail subject.

Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.

The Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) is the most comprehensive gateway to the world’s ocean biodiversity and biogeographic data and information. OBIS provides open access to this quality-controlled data that adhere to biodiversity standards (Darwin Core, EML). This course is a continuation of the Contributing and publishing datasets to OBIS (self-paced), which remained open only for staff and collaborators of OBIS Nodes (under invitation of OBIS Secretariat).

The aim of this course is to teach the step-by-step basics for how to format and publish datasets according to these standards to contribute to OBIS, and adopt best practices in the management of marine life data. This training course is self-guided and designed to teach learners how to structure datasets to contribute to OBIS. The course will guide users step-by-step through the OBIS data life cycle, including: identifying an appropriate data structure, applying Darwin Core Archive formatting, conducting quality control steps, publishing data, and accessing data from OBIS. 

This course is an updated version - 2025/2026.

Participation in this course is restricted to staff and collaborators in OBIS Nodes, invited by OBIS Secretariat, open initially from 15 December 2025 to 15 December 2026. 

https://oceanexpert.org/event/4930

Watch the video below for a brief overview and introduction by the course instructor, Elizabeth Lawrence.

Learning goals

• Describe the OBIS data life cycle
• Restructure a flat dataset into a Darwin Core-Archive format, following OBIS best practices
• Identify appropriate Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG) vocabulary for your dataset
• Interpret and resolve quality control flags
• Publish data and metadata on an IPT
• Obtain OBIS data from the Mapper tool, R, API

Target audience 

Participation in this course is restricted to staff and collaborators in OBIS Nodes, invited by OBIS Secretariat, open initially from 15 December 2025 to 15 December 2026.

Course content

The course is divided into the following Modules:

Module 1. Introduction to data publishing and Darwin Core

Module 2. Introduction to data formatting

Module 3. Formatting data tables

Module 4. DNA Derived Data

Module 5. Controlled Vocabulary

Module 6. Conducting Quality Control

Module 7. Publishing your Data

Module 8. Accessing Data from OBIS

These modules will cover: 

• Darwin Core standards (Relational databases, Core and Extension tables)
• Formatting data to publish in OBIS (Creating Event, Occurrence, and ExtendedMeasurementOrFact tables; Mapping standardized vocabulary; Using World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) Taxon Match tool; Understand how to compile genetic, acoustic, habitat, imaging, and/or tracking data for OBIS)
• Conducting quality control (Dealing with uncertain data fields e.g. temporal, spatial, taxonomic; Troubleshooting difficult data types or missing data)
• Publishing data (Filling metadata; Using, publishing, and updating datasets on IPT)
• Accessing and downloading data from OBIS (Full data exports, R, API; Using Mapper tool to subset data) 

Duration

This is a 32-hour self-paced online course (asynchronously), open continuously from 15 December 2025 to 31 December 2026.

Lead Instructor

• Dr. Elizabeth Lawrence (OBIS training officer)

Other course contributors

• Carolina Peralta Brichtova
• Ruben Perez Perez
• Pieter Provoost
• Saara Suominen
• Leen Vandepitte
• Marcos Zárate

This online self-paced course aims to support ocean practitioners in understanding how effective data management and ocean observations underpin evidence-based Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP). It highlights the critical role that reliable, accessible, and well-managed data play in informing planning processes, supporting decision-making, and enabling sustainable use of marine and coastal areas.  

 Building on internationally recognized practices and guidance developed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and MSPglobal initiative, this course introduces fundamental concepts of data, metadata, and data management relevant to MSP, and suggests relevant tools and services for MSP practitioners. Participants will explore the role of Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs) as key enablers for data sharing, interoperability, and collaboration, and will examine why SDIs are particularly beneficial for MSP initiatives. Practical insights are provided on how SDIs can be established, maintained, and continuously improved to meet evolving planning needs.  

 Additionally, the course introduces key elements of ocean observations and their relevance for MSP, including an overview of observation systems, data types, and monitoring approaches. The basics of Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) and Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) are also included, explaining how these standardized variables support consistent, comparable, and policy-relevant information for marine planning. Participants will learn how to identify, access, and assess suitable ocean observation data to support specific MSP objectives and contexts. The course also highlights emerging trends and future directions in data management, SDIs, and ocean observations, and discusses implications for the evolving practice of MSP.  

Needs and priority

Format and Duration

This is a self-paced online course, comprising various learning resources, activities and assessments, with a total of 25 hours estimated for completion.

Language of instruction: English

Learning outcomes

Course content

The course is composed of four online modules: 

Module 1: Introduction to data and its importance to MSP

This module provides an introduction to MSP context, including the role of data in ocean management, fundamental data management principles and practices, the basics of spatial data, and principles of data security and responsible data sharing.

Module 2: Spatial Data Infrastructure for MSP

This module introduces Spatial Data Infrastructures and their role in supporting MSP, including its main components, creation and maintenance, institutional arrangements, stakeholder engagement, and capacity development.

Module 3: Ocean Observations for MSP

This module provides a comprehensive overview of ocean observation and its integration into MSP, within ocean data collection, management, coordination, and application to support evidence-based decisions. It also includes key concepts, technologies, frameworks, and practical aspects.

Module 4: Emerging trends in ocean observation for MSP

This module covers emerging topics of global importance, such as advances in sensor technology and autonomous systems applications, data availability and resolution, the Digital Twins of the Ocean, big data and artificial intelligence, global cooperation, transboundary marine spatial planning, and emerging ocean industries data.

Target audience

This course was developed by MSPglobal, through IOC’s Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section, Ocean Observations and Services Section, and the International Oceanographic Data & Information Exchange Programme.

Facilitators

This course was developed by: 

• Annette Scheffer [OE profile]
• Niccolò Bassan [OE profile]
• Michele Quesada da Silva [OE profile]

We also acknowledge the contribution of different experts:

• Andrej Abramic [OE profile]
• Carolina García Valencia [OE profile]
• Dawn Wright [OE profile]
• Louis Demargne [OE profile]
• Manuel Frias [OE profile]
• Maeva Tesan [OE profile]
• Nathalie Tonné [OE profile]
• Pascal Derycke [OE profile]
• Stefano Menegon [OE profile]
• Veronica Nieves [OE profile]

Registration, costs, and technological requirements

This course is offered on a continuous basis, with open registrations as yearly cohorts, with no tuition fees.

To follow this course, participants shall have: 

Assessment & Certificate

This is a self-taught course that includes quizzes designed to help learners assess their own learning at regular intervals. In order to successfully complete the course and award a Certificate at the end, the following is mandatory:

• Complete every lesson, activity, and assessment;
• Complete all quizzes (80% minimum score, maximum 3 attempts, 40 minutes time limit for each attempt, questions may differ between attemps);
• Complete the mandatory pre-test and post-test; and
• Submit the required feedback form, which is mandatory for all OTGA courses.

Contacts

For any questions, please contact OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) always using the name of the course as e-mail subject.

Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.

Additional acknowledgement

This course was developed based on the MSPglobal Data Toolboxes Volume 1“How to develop a Spatial Data Infrastructure for MSP” and Volume 2 “How to use Ocean Observations for MSP”. We gratefully acknowledge all contributors who made these publications possible.

We thank the external partners who granted use of images/visuals to enhance the materials of this course, including: British Antarctic Survey; European Space Agency (ESA) / ATG medialab; Clive McMahon.