OceanTeacher Global Academy

• Understand Co-design Concepts (Understanding)
  • Understand the key principles and elements of co-design.
  • Explain the significance of co-design in the context of the Ocean Decade.
• Analyze the objectives and strategies outlined in the Ocean Decade's implementation plan (Analyzing)
  • Evaluate how co-design principles can be integrated into Ocean Decade activities.
• Apply the learned co-design steps to develop a conceptual Decade Action Project idea (Applying).
  • Apply the learned co-design steps to develop a conceptual Decade Action project idea.
  • Design a basic framework for implementing co-design in a Decade Action Project.
• Develop Joint Vision and Objectives for Co-design Projects (Creating)
  • Create a joint vision statement for a Decade Action Project.
  • Formulate specific, measurable objectives and expected outcomes for the project.
• Identify and Map Relevant Stakeholders (Analyzing)
  • Identify potential stakeholders in a project using co-design principles.
  • Construct a stakeholder map, highlighting their roles and importance in the project.
• Formulate Stakeholder Engagement Strategies (Creating)
  • Develop a comprehensive stakeholder engagement plan tailored to a project idea.
  • Propose strategies for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Design an Equal Partnership Plan (Creating)
  • Construct a plan for ensuring equal partnership in a co-design project, incorporating inclusive practices.
  • Critique and improve partnership strategies to enhance collaboration efficiency.
• Develop a Sustainability and Impact Monitoring Plan (Creating, Evaluating)
  • Develop a sustainable plan for a co-design project, ensuring long-term viability and impact.
  • Formulate methods for monitoring and evaluating the impact of the project over time.

Course content

Module 0: Welcome and Inception Workshop

Module 1: Introduction to Co-Design and the Ocean Decade

Module 2: Joint vision and impact pathway: develop joint goals for your Decade Action

Module 3: Stakeholder engagement and equal partnership: clarify whom to involve in your Decade Action

Module 4: Jointly conducting research project: project management and communication

Module 5: Sustainability: how to evaluate your co-designed project and make it last longer

Module 6: Participants’ presentations and course evaluation 

Instructors

• Rebecca Lahl, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT)
• Dr. Julian Lilkendey, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT)

Note that other invited speakers and facilitators may be joining some of the sessions. Names and affiliation will be updated once confirmed.

Pre-requisites 

IOC-UNESCO Co-design for the Ocean Decade is strongly recommended (optional).

Assessment

This training includes tutoring and group activities, to be evaluated through participation and performance. A Certificate will be awarded for completion of the course for those who successfully complete the course assignments, attend 60% of the synchronous sessions during the modules, and submit an enhanced proposal in the next call for Decade Actions.

Duration

Estimated time required to complete the course is 30 hours, starting from 22 April until 31 October 2025. Timetable will be discussed and decided together with the participants. (Note that time spent on extra group activities is not included). 

Minimum technology requirements

• Computer with Windows or Mac OS
• Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari web browsers
• JavaScript and cookies enabled
• Broadband internet access (minimum bandwidth of 0.5 Mbps (Receive and Send)
• Speakers or headphones, Microphone

Computer skills required 

You should be proficient in the following:

Certificate

This training includes tutoring and group activities, to be evaluated through participation and performance. In order to successfully complete the course and be awarded a Certificate at the end, the following is mandatory:

• Complete the course assignments;
• Attend 60% of the synchronous sessions (Modules); and 
• Submit an enhanced proposal in the next call for Decade Actions.

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

Costs: This course has no tuition fees

Contact

OTGA secretariat:ioc.training@unesco.org

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 training course is part of CoastPredict UN Ocean Decade GOOS Programme’s capacity-building efforts and is a collaboration with the SUSTAIN project (UN endorsed project affiliated to CoastPredict). The training focuses on advancing skills in coastal ocean, wave, and biogeochemical modeling, and introduces innovations in observation and remote sensing, to strengthen coastal resilience in the Philippines. The course is organized by CoastPredict in collaboration with the Decade Collaborative Centre for Coastal Resilience (DCC-CR) ‘Coastal Resilience School’ and CMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change, Italy, with the support of OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA).

Details: https://oceanexpert.org/event/4643

Course objective

The course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of numerical ocean modeling, machine learning techniques, and remote sensing applications to simulate and analyze the dynamic and biodiverse marine environments of the Philippines. 

A key feature of the course is hands-on training using the SURF ocean modeling platform, enabling participants to simulate real-world scenarios through detailed tutorials and case studies centered on the Philippine coastal region. The program emphasizes integrating physical, biological, and chemical processes in marine systems to support the protection and sustainable management of natural resources. Through this initiative, the course aims to enhance capacity for implementing data-driven solutions and strategies for resilience that can serve as a replicable model for other regions facing similar challenges.

Venue

The course will be subdivided into two phases:

An online phase will take place through OTGA e-learning platform.

An in-person phase which will be held in Quezon City, Philippines, at the University of Philippines. 

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the participants should be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of ocean circulation, wave dynamics, and biogeochemical modeling.
• Set up and execute downscaling experiments using the SURF platform.
• Apply advanced AI modeling techniques to predict and analyze coastal chlorophyll concentrations.
• Understand key concepts in satellite data processing and remote sensing for oceanographic monitoring
• Understand how decision-support systems can assist in marine hazard management, oil spill forecasting, and ship route optimization
• Gain practical knowledge of coastal observations and hands-on experience in implementing and operating low-cost sea-level monitoring systems.

Target audience

The course is targeted particularly towards mid-career scientists and professionals from environmental protection agencies, governmental officers and postgraduate students (with basic knowledge of oceanography and modeling).                  

Technological requirements/computer skills

• Python, Jupyter notebook

Course content and agenda

• Module 1 Lessons (online through BigBlueButton on OTGA platform) 

24 Feb 2025: 8.00 CET / 15:00 GMT+8 (3 hours)

• Lesson 1: Overview of the Relocatable Ocean Modeling platform SURF
• Lesson 2: Overview of coastal wave modelling
• Lesson 3: Introduction to biogeochemical 1-D modelling
• Lesson 4: Introduction to Cineca’s cloud computing system
• Lesson 5: Practical application of SURF
• Assignment of exercises: Instructions and overview (for downscaling and wave modeling).

Course Duration

The course has a total of approx 46.5 hours, according to the following structure:

• 24 Feb - 8:00 CET/15:00 Philippines time (GMT+8) - 3.5 hours (synchronous, online)
• 26 Feb - 8:00 CET/15:.00 Philippines time (GMT+8) 1 hour (synchronous, online)
• Assignments ~ 8 hours (asynchronous, online) 
• 5 days (3-7 March)-  9:00-16:00 (GMT+8) ~ 6 hours /day ( ~ 30 hours) (synchronous, face-to-face)

Certificate

OTGA Certificate will be awarded to the participants upon successful completion of assignments online and delivery of a group presentation according to the course planning.

Notes

Application process

This course is by invitation only, with a limited number of seats (10-15) participants.

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.

The course is offered free of charge to the participants. The participants would have to cover their own costs of their travel and stay in Quezon city. Instructors are self-funded.

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 Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) is a partnership of UK organisations committed to improving access to marine data. MEDIN is open to all with an interest in marine data and information. MEDIN is funded by a consortium of 16 sponsors and has over 60 partners that represent government departments and agencies, research organisations and private companies committed to practise good data management. MEDIN reports to the UK Marine Science Coordination Committee. 

This ONLINE course demonstrates how data management ‘best practice’ can improve organisational efficiency in data acquisition, analysis, curation and sharing. It covers data use with respect to corporate risk, re-use, audit and traceability, whilst at the same time helping minimising costs.

The course will equip attendees to better meet the challenge of keeping on top of the ever-increasing volumes and types of data that is being created and how to manage this data and make it available to users as meaningful information, whether using proprietary or open-source software and systems as enablers. 

Aims & Objectives

The course aims to give participants a broad understanding of data governance, management principles, and system components and how data can be published information and re-used with a focus on the tools that the Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) provides as examples of best practice. 

Expected Learning Outcomes 

Course content

The course comprises a series of presentations, demonstrations and check-point reviews, with a large practical element to help users become familiar with:

• Why data management is important and how it can and arguably should be part of an organisations business management framework alongside quality, occupational health and safety, and information security, all of which are covered by ISO accreditation.
• The role of a data policy and management plan, and things to consider and how data can be shared, published and re-used.
• Data management principles, standards and components, including data lifecycle and quality, the role of vocabularies (or data dictionaries) and the importance of creating, maintaining and publishing metadata.
• The resources and other benefits of MEDIN and practical instruction in the use of the MEDIN data guidelines, metadata standard and controlled vocabularies.

Course modules include:

• Module 1. Course content and objectives 
• Module 2. Introduction to MEDIN as an exemplar data partnership and management framework  
• Module 3. Data management overview, principles and organisation 
• Module 4. Data in a Business Management Framework (Policy, Planning, Review) 
• Module 5. Standards Overview 
• Module 6. Data management components frameworks and infrastructure
• Module 7. Practical session
• Module 8. MEDIN Data Guidelines
• Module 9. Data Sharing and Publishing
• Module 10. Course Summary

Target audience and prerequisites

This training course is suitable for anyone responsible for collecting or managing marine environmental data in the public sector, industry, or for education or research, for example:

• Existing and potential data managers who wish to gain an overview of data governance, policy and principles and/or want to learn more about using the MEDIN metadata standard data guidelines in their day to day work.
• Contractors who want to implement good data management practice and/or have been asked to supply MEDIN compliant metadata.
• Bachelors/masters/PhD students or recent graduates interested in data management best practice and adding to their professional skill set.

Pre-requisites: An understanding of marine data collection is beneficial, however no prior knowledge of MEDIN or data management is required. Familiarity with different marine data types, and how data is acquired and used, would be helpful but not essential. Prior knowledge or practical experience in data management is not required.

Language of Instruction: English 

Instructors

• Roseanna Wright (MEDIN/NOC)
• Colm Walsh (MEDIN/NOC)
• Alice Rysiecki (MEDIN/NOC)
• Chloe Figueroa-Ashforth (DASSH/MBA)
• Mike Osborne (OceanWise)

Course Format and Duration

The course takes place over 5 days with online lectures delivered in live sessions (2-3 hours, with regular breaks) in the mornings (UK time) and independent-study and practical assignments in the afternoons.

The Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) is a partnership of UK organisations committed to improving access to marine data. MEDIN is open to all with an interest in marine data and information. MEDIN is funded by a consortium of 16 sponsors and has over 60 partners that represent government departments and agencies, research organisations and private companies committed to practise good data management. MEDIN reports to the UK Marine Science Coordination Committee. 

This ONLINE course demonstrates how data management ‘best practice’ can improve organisational efficiency in data acquisition, analysis, curation and sharing. It covers data use with respect to corporate risk, re-use, audit and traceability, whilst at the same time helping minimising costs.

The course will equip attendees to better meet the challenge of keeping on top of the ever-increasing volumes and types of data that is being created and how to manage this data and make it available to users as meaningful information, whether using proprietary or open-source software and systems as enablers. 

Aims & Objectives

The course aims to give participants a broad understanding of data governance, management principles, and system components and how data can be published information and re-used with a focus on the tools that the Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) provides as examples of best practice. 

Expected Learning Outcomes 

Course content

The course comprises a series of presentations, demonstrations and check-point reviews, with a large practical element to help users become familiar with:

• Why data management is important and how it can and arguably should be part of an organisations business management framework alongside quality, occupational health and safety, and information security, all of which are covered by ISO accreditation.
• The role of a data policy and management plan, and things to consider and how data can be shared, published and re-used.
• Data management principles, standards and components, including data lifecycle and quality, the role of vocabularies (or data dictionaries) and the importance of creating, maintaining and publishing metadata.
• The resources and other benefits of MEDIN and practical instruction in the use of the MEDIN data guidelines, metadata standard and controlled vocabularies.

Course modules include:

• Module 1. Course content and objectives 
• Module 2. Introduction to MEDIN as an exemplar data partnership and management framework  
• Module 3. Data management overview, principles and organisation 
• Module 4. Data in a Business Management Framework (Policy, Planning, Review) 
• Module 5. Standards Overview 
• Module 6. Data management components frameworks and infrastructure
• Module 7. Practical session
• Module 8. MEDIN Data Guidelines
• Module 9. Data Sharing and Publishing
• Module 10. Course Summary

Target audience and prerequisites

This training course is suitable for anyone responsible for collecting or managing marine environmental data in the public sector, industry, or for education or research, for example:

• Existing and potential data managers who wish to gain an overview of data governance, policy and principles and/or want to learn more about using the MEDIN metadata standard data guidelines in their day to day work.
• Contractors who want to implement good data management practice and/or have been asked to supply MEDIN compliant metadata.
• Bachelors/masters/PhD students or recent graduates interested in data management best practice and adding to their professional skill set.

Pre-requisites: An understanding of marine data collection is beneficial, however no prior knowledge of MEDIN or data management is required. Familiarity with different marine data types, and how data is acquired and used, would be helpful but not essential. Prior knowledge or practical experience in data management is not required.

Language of Instruction: English 

Instructors

• Roseanna Wright (MEDIN/NOC)
• Colm Walsh (MEDIN/NOC)
• Alice Rysiecki (MEDIN/NOC)
• Chloe Figueroa-Ashforth (DASSH/MBA)
• Mike Osborne (OceanWise)

Course Format and Duration

The course takes place over 5 days with online lectures delivered in live sessions (2-3 hours, with regular breaks) in the mornings (UK time) and independent-study and practical assignments in the afternoons.