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.

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.

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.

Descripción del curso 

Esta capacitación tiene como objetivo ayudar a los profesionales del sector marino y marítimo a comprender cómo se pueden integrar los conocimientos sobre biodiversidad y ciencia climática en la Planificación espacial marina/marítima (PEM), contribuyendo así a un océano saludable, productivo y resiliente. Se basa en las ideas clave de los nuevos volúmenes de la Guía Internacional de MSPglobal sobre Planificación Espacial Marina/Marítima (Volume 2 – Biodiversity Inclusive Principle y Volume 3 – Climate-smart Principle) que traduce la guía técnica en una capacitación accesible y orientada a la práctica. 

Durante el curso, los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de analizar las conexiones ecológicas entre la biodiversidad y los sistemas climáticos y cómo estas interacciones influyen en la salud del  océano y el bienestar humano. El curso también revisa los principales marcos globales y regionales de biodiversidad y clima que hacen un llamado a la acción de medidas y explora la función de la PEM para ayudar a los países a cumplir estos compromisos. Estructurado en torno a las fases del proceso de PEM, el curso ofrece recomendaciones, ejemplos y herramientas prácticas para integrar las consideraciones sobre la biodiversidad y el clima en cada etapa. Se hace énfasis en la gobernanza inclusiva, la integración de diversos sistemas de conocimiento y los enfoques de comunicación eficaces.

Resultados del aprendizaje 

Al completar con éxito el curso, los [AM3.1]participantes serán capaces de:

1. Explicar los fundamentos de la PEM y el enfoque ecosistémico (EE), y describir cómo contribuyen a la sostenibilidad, la conservación de la biodiversidad y la resiliencia climática.
2. Explicar las interconexiones entre la biodiversidad marina, los sistemas climáticos y el bienestar humano, e identificar ejemplos de soluciones basadas en la naturaleza que contribuyen a la adaptación y la mitigación.
3. Reconocer los principales marcos globales y regionales en materia de biodiversidad y clima (como el CDB, el GBF, la CMNUCC y los ODS) y explicar cómo la PEM puede apoyar la implementación nacional de estos compromisos globales.
4. Relacionar las recomendaciones inclusivas de la biodiversidad y climáticamente inteligentes con las diferentes fases del proceso de la PEM, y describir enfoques prácticos para su implementación, incluidos los principios de gobernanza equitativa.
5. Sintetizar los mensajes clave sobre la integración de las consideraciones relativas a la biodiversidad y el clima en la PEM y articular su relevancia para la gobernanza inclusiva y la participación de las partes interesadas.

Destinatarios 

Esta capacitación, que se imparte como un curso en línea a ritmo propio con inscripción abierta, y está diseñado para profesionales del ámbito marino/marítimo, tales como:
Planificadores marinos y marítimos, responsables políticos, funcionarios gubernamentales, expertos técnicos, profesionales involucrados en la Gobernanza oceánica, representantes de la sociedad civil, científicos y estudiantes de posgrado.

Contenido del curso 

El curso se estructura en ocho módulos:

• Módulo 0: Bienvenida y orientación del curso
• Módulo 1: Fundamentos y necesidades cambiantes de la Planificación espacial marina
• Módulo 2: Ecosistemas, presiones climáticas y soluciones basadas en la naturaleza
• Módulo 3: Marcos políticos globales y regionales sobre biodiversidad y clima
• Módulo 4: El Enfoque ecosistémico como denominador común
• Módulo 5: Elementos clave de la PEM inclusiva de la biodiversidad y climáticamente inteligente
• Módulo 6: Integración de la biodiversidad y el clima en todo el proceso PEM
• Módulo 7: Gobernanza inclusiva y comunicación

Las actividades de aprendizaje incluyen lecciones breves, materiales de lectura, vídeos, pruebas de conocimientos interactivas, preguntas basadas en escenarios y reflexiones guiadas de autoevaluación.

Evaluación del alumno 

El progreso de los participantes se evalúa mediante métodos de evaluación formativa, que incluyen cuestionarios de verificación de conocimientos con calificación automática (para evaluar la comprensión de los conceptos clave y las conexiones), preguntas basadas en escenarios y actividades de reflexión de autoevaluación sin calificación (tareas de reflexión que invitan a los participantes a relacionar el contenido del curso con su contexto laboral). Las verificaciones de conocimientos al final del módulo combinan la memorización de hechos y datos así como el razonamiento aplicado, que confirman la preparación para avanzar.

Se utiliza un cuestionario final de revisión de conocimientos para confirmar la finalización del curso.

Certificado 

Se expedirá un certificado de finalización a los participantes que cumplan los criterios de finalización del curso, de acuerdo con los procedimientos de certificación de la OTGA. Esto significa que los participantes deben completar todas las lecciones, actividades y evaluaciones y obtener una puntuación mínima del 70 % en el cuestionario final de revisión de conocimientos.

Es obligatorio rellenar la encuesta de opinión sobre el curso para obtener el certificado del curso.

Requisitos previos 

No se requieren requisitos previos formales. El curso está diseñado para participantes con diferentes niveles de conocimientos previos, y los conceptos se introducen de forma progresiva. 

Idioma de instrucción

Español. Los recursos externos pueden estar solo en inglés.

Requisitos tecnológicos/conocimientos informáticos 

• Acceso informático, conocimientos básicos de informática, conexión a Internet estable. 
• No se requiere ningún software especializado.
• Computador con sistema opertativo 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 

Instructores:

• Catarina Fonseca [OE profile] - Consultora de la COI, Experta en conservación y cambio climático de MSPglobal 
• Niccolò Bassan [OE profile] -COI, Oficial asociado de MSPglobal

Duración del curso

20 horas 

Cómo inscribirse

Regístrese en el sitio web de OceanExpert (www.oceanexpert.org). Una vez que se apruebe su cuenta de OceanExpert (esto no se realiza de inmediato), puede inscribirse por su cuenta en el curso. Si ya tiene una cuenta de OceanExpert, puede inscribirse por su cuenta en el curso utilizando su nombre de usuario y contraseña de OceanExpert. La inscripción está disponible hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2026 (para esta cohorte).

• Paso 1. Inicie sesión en OceanTeacher y luego acceda a la página del curso:https://classroom.oceanteacher.org/course/view.php?id=1192
• Paso 2. Haga clic en autoinscripción. La clave de inscripción para el curso es: BiodiversityMSP**2026

Esta cohorte estará abierta hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2026 (23:59 CEST: hora de Europa Central). La UNESCO se compromete a promover los principios de igualdad de acceso. Se recomienda encarecidamente la presentación de solicitudes de grupos minoritarios o subrepresentados.

Costos: No hay cuota de matrícula.

Encuesta de retroalimentación

Todos los cursos de la OTGA se evalúan mediante una encuesta estandarizada y anónima en línea que se utiliza para recoger las opiniones de los participantes en el curso. Cada curso se evalúa en función de los resultados de aprendizaje, las actividades de formación y las disposiciones requeridas, con el fin de mejorar los procesos de aprendizaje. Por ello, al finalizar cada curso, se pide a cada participante que rellene la encuesta de opinión el último día del curso.

Cancellation policy:

En caso de cancelación del curso por parte de la OTGA o sus afiliados, notificaremos la cancelación con al menos 7 días de antelación. En caso de cancelación por parte del asistente, recibiremos la notificación con al menos 7 días de antelación.

Course description

translating technical guidance into an accessible, practice-oriented training. 

Recognize key global and regional biodiversity and climate frameworks (such as the CBD, GBF, UNFCCC, and SDGs) and explain how MSP can support national implementation of these global commitments

recommendations and practical approaches for integrating biodiversity and climate considerations across the different phases of the Marine Spatial Planning process.

ocean practitioners, such as:
Marine and maritime planners, policymakers, government officials, technical experts, practitioners involved in ocean governance, civil society representatives, scientists, and postgraduate students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructors

• Catarina Fonseca [OE profile] - IOC Consultant, MSPglobal Expert on Conservation & Climate Change
• Niccolò Bassan [OE profile] - IOC, MSPglobal Associate Officer

hours

20 hours 

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Notes

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 possible till 30 December 2026 23: 59 CET

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

course link: https://classroom.oceanteacher.org/course/view.php?id=1190

The enrolment key for the course is: BiodiversityMSP_ENG

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. 

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.