Course Presentation

The theme of the course draws upon the conduct of maritime affairs in line with the Lisbon Strategy, targeting the Millennium Development Goals and building upon a holistic and integrated maritime policy following the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It focuses on the linkages between natural, social and economic sciences and the development of sustainable ocean governance, and on the interface of research-management and the support of technology to enable the effective achievement of ocean management and sustainable development.

The emphasis of the course will be on the implications of the EU maritime policy for the European regional seas and the practical implementation that takes into account the particularities of seas as different and sensitive as the Mediterranean, Black and Baltic and Caspian Seas. The EU maritime policy and the coherence of policies of neighbouring states with it, are investigated in depth as basis for regional cooperation. This year’s course will also draw on the 50th anniversary of the IOC (Intergovernmental Ocean Committee) and will include special reference to the two applications of data management and marine spatial planning (MSP).

This course consists of 4 modules, presented over a five-week period.  Topics covered include

• Global Ocean Governance Framework
• Managing our relations with the oceans
• Conflict Management and Consensus-Building
• Regional Ocean Governance Frameworks for the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic and Caspian Seas

It is specifically designed to benefit mid-career professionals, government officials, educators, researchers and civil society participants, preferably with coastal/marine-related responsibilities.  Preference will be given to candidates from developing countries of the Mediterranean and Eastern European countries. 

Targeted participants

Candidates should preferably have at least a first degree in a field relevant to marine affairs and science.  They must be nominated and sponsored by an appropriate Government entity, university or equivalent educational institution or by a national or regional organisation. A working knowledge of English is essential.

Applicants from developed countries or countries outside the region will be considered only if they are fully funded or are registered at the University of Malta as graduate students.

 Course Application: Applicants should register their interest in the course by submitting the online Preliminary Interest Form. Applicants are subsequently requested to send full details in an application form (including the Participant Nomination and Medical Form). The preliminary and full application forms can be accessed from http://www.capemalta.net/ioimoc/course2009 or by writing to the Course Coordinator.   The deadline for applications is the 08 September 2009.

Course Fee: 5500 euros, covering accommodation, daily allowance for meals, course delivery materials, all bench fees, use of university facilities, participation in field trips and social programme organised as part of the course.    

Scholarships: Limited scholarships covering all or part of the expenses of the course are available but preference will be given to self-sustaining participants.

Accreditation: Completion of the full course and fulfilment of the course work to the required standards will lead to a Certificate in Ocean Governance accredited by the University of Malta.