Capacity development is a core aspect of the Mami Wata project. Through training workshops, expert and practitioner exchange, knowledge sharing and online learning, the project will enhance knowledge of and competence on Integrated Ocean Management (IOM) in the Abidjan Convention Region. The capacity development activities are especially designed to create stronger and more connected networks between the countries, institutions and stakeholders. They are undertaken in partnership with regional and international initiatives, making use of existing solutions and practical experience. The Mami Wata project collaborates with organisations acting as hub for a communities of practice for the three IOM tools (Ecologically or Biologically Significant marine Areas (EBSA), Marine Environment Reporting (SoME) and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) ). The objectives of the collaboration between the are to make existing expertise in the Centres available to the countries in the region, to develop further capacity within those Centres, and to enable the Centres to continue to provide technical support to the region after the duration of the project. The Mami Wata project is collaborating with the Centre de Suivi Ecologique in Dakar, Senegal, serving as the Centre of Expertise on EBSAs, making available its expertise on spatial data and management, and cooperating on training workshops and capacity development initiatives.
