Within the framework of IOCAfrica the “Capacity Development Needs – concept note” has been prepared (2014).

 The Strategic Plan for the IOC Sub-Commission for Africa and the Adjacent Island States for 2014-2021 notes:

“The elements of the capacity development programme should include the following:

  1. Strengthening marine science laboratories to be engaged in marine science observations, monitoring and applications.

  2. Strengthening existing or creating new university programmes to educate the next generation of leaders.

  3. Strengthen UNESCO Chairs as a tool for capacity development and establishing centres of excellence (e.g. African node for the Ocean Teacher Global Classroom).

  4. Organisation of focussed training, such as workshops and “summer schools’, addressing specific needs identified by Member States.

  5. Continuous professional development to ensure that scientists and technical staff keep up to date with new developments in their fields (including fellowships/scholarships, participation in conferences, researcher mobility programmes).

  6. Ensuring equitable participation of African marine scientists in IOC programmes and other global ocean research and observation programmes.

  7. Collaboration with other IOC Sub Commissions (IOC-WESTPAC and IOCARIBE) in capacity development.

The focus should be on training young generation of scientists to ensure that marine sciences have a strong foundation. The UNESCO Chairs should be reinforced and utilised for this, and mechanisms should be developed to enable the Chairs to use the expertise of the African diaspora. Other ways of using the diaspora should be explored.

Training (skills acquired) will not be used if there is no improvement in work environment (facilities and equipment). The inclusion of a component for follow-up after training will address this. Though the Sub Commission should draw on the experiences from different parts of the world, Africa should be in charge of the training efforts on the continent – including identifying the priorities.”

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