Purpose and Approach The International Ocean Institute (IOI) has offered an intensive, interdisciplinary training programme at Dalhousie University since 1981, and has nearly 600 alumni from over 90 countries. The purpose of this course is to: - deepen understanding of the ever-increasing importance of the oceans and their resources in world politics and sustainable economic development;
- assist developing countries in the formation of a core of decision-makers fully aware of the complex issues of ocean management; and,
- maximise benefits to be derived from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea through the proper integration of ocean management into national and international development strategies.
The course emphasises the importance of viewing the ocean as a system with varied users and multiple, often competing and conflicting, uses. It also stresses the need for broad interdisciplinary skills, new institutional and legal infrastructures, and new forms of intergovernmental and non-governmental organisation and cooperation at the local, national and international levels. Participants The training programme is designed primarily for developing country professionals, e.g. civil servants, academics, NGO staff or private sector representatives, who are responsible for some aspect of ocean or coastal governance. It is intended to be a foundational course rather than providing specialised training, so participants should be prepared to step out of their fields of specialisation and be exposed to broadly interdisciplinary work. The class size for 2010 is likely to consist of up to nine male and nine female participants in total. Participants are typically aged 25-45, with at least one degree or equivalent, and strong English language skills. They should be commited to a very intensive workload during the course -- up to seven hours per day, five days per week, as well as some evenings and weekends -- and will be required to share their knowledge and skills on their return home. Course Content The programme consists of over two hundred hours of lectures, interactive discussions, exercises, field trips, and an international round table. A detailed syllabus will be available nearer the time, and is expected to include: - Ocean Sciences
- Law of the Sea & Principled Ocean Governance
- Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management
- Sustainable Development
- Implementation of the UNCED Programmes with emphasis on Chapter 17 of Agenda 21
- Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Energy
- Marine Security
- Ports and Harbours
- Marine Transportation
- Project Cycle Management
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Media and Communications
- Negotiation
- International Round Table
Applications Forms can be downloaded from the training section of the IOI website (www.dal.ca/ioihfx) or requested from ioi@dal.ca. |