The “International Oceans Institute African Region” (IOI-SA) focuses on Ocean Governance capacity development in Africa through training programmes aimed at harmonising management, policy and development. The IOI-SA produces research, policy and strategy-related outputs to address key challenges of sustainable ocean governance in support of the communities, governments, regions and international organizations concerned with securing a peaceful, prosperous and healthy future for all. The IOI-SA maintains particular focus on rural coastal communities, decision-makers, postÂgraduate students and schools. It achieves its mission through collaborating and networking with organizations and government agencies in Africa that are active in the sphere of marine and coastal management and sustainable livelihoods. The goals of IOI-SA are based upon its strategy to act as a training and networking organization within the region, and to promote science and other forms of knowledge in the service of sustainable livelihoods and good ocean governance. The institute applies innovative and best management practices as well as progressive technologies to increase engagement in the science-to-governance support process. Specific goals include: (1) Provide harmonized regional Ocean Governance training to create a core of well-informed decision-makers in Africa; (2) Participate in ocean conservation advocacy; (3) Facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills useful in the management of marine and coastal resources to community level, policy makers, planners, resource managers and other decision makers in Africa; (4) Promote marine environmental education in southern Africa; (5) Use skills and technology to develop as a center of focus in electronic resource sharing for IOI and related organizations in the global context.
