International Ocean Institute Southern Africa

International Ocean Institute Southern Africa The IOI-SA is one of the operational centers within the IOI global network, we are the training centre for the African Region. Web: http://www.ioisa.org

The IOI-SA is based at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) within the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town, South Africa. The IOI-SA Operational Center is a registered Non-Profit Organization assisting governmental, local and regional bodies in priority areas of ocean and coastal management and governance. The IOI-SA and its Director work through a network of Associate

s to develop, implement and support capacity, research and technical advancement initiatives throughout Africa.

04/08/2026

🌊 Registrations are now open!

Join us in Goa, India, from 10 to 12 February 2027 for the International Workshop on Ocean Literacy Outreach, jointly organised by the International Ocean Institute (IOI) and TERRE Policy Centre, in collaboration with the Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Programme.

Bringing together global experts, practitioners and early-career professionals, this three-day workshop will explore how Ocean Literacy can support integrated action across Ocean, climate and biodiversity, helping to move from reactive crisis management towards long-term, science-based resilience.

Underpinned by more than five years of global experience through the IOI Ocean Academy, the programme will combine masterclasses, keynote contributions, panel discussions and interactive activities. Participants will gain practical tools for designing and implementing Ocean Literacy initiatives, exchange experiences and build connections across countries, disciplines and sectors.

The workshop will also feature parallel masterclass streams, a field visit and a collaborative Action Lab focused on translating knowledge and ideas into action.

📍 Goa, India
📅 10–12 February 2027
👥 Limited to 60 participants
⏳ Registration deadline: 30 September 2026

Registration may close earlier if all available places are filled.

🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/e5n7LHX9nWSo9Umb8

29/07/2026

On 1 August 2019, South Africa implemented 20 new or expanded marine protected areas.

MPA coverage went from 0.4% to 5.4% of South African waters. That's the moment MPA Day commemorates. Not just because it was historic, but because it proved that big change is possible with political will, backed by science and supported by communities.

It also reminded us that 5.4% is not enough. The world has committed to 30%, and MPA Day is a celebration for the world. In 3 days, we will highlight our MPA successes - wherever we are in the world. The ocean needs you - let’s connect and celebrate.

Ocean literacy, understanding the role the ocean plays in our day-to-day lives, is critical to South Africans, and how w...
24/06/2026

Ocean literacy, understanding the role the ocean plays in our day-to-day lives, is critical to South Africans, and how we can cause a change in the oceans, empowers us to make decisions that better preserve our natural heritage, open opportunities in the blue economy, and enable us to become active and engaged stakeholders in our community.

The International Ocean Institute - Southern Africa (IOI-SA) has partnered with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation for a free online course suitable for early-career professionals, or anyone with an interest in the ocean. Covering a variety of topics such as marine biodiversity, an introduction to ocean governance, and economic growth opportunities.

To take advantage of this free training, please apply by Friday 10 July 2026.
Application form: Link in Bio

Ocean literacy, understanding the role the ocean plays in our day-to-day lives, is critical to South Africans, and how w...
15/06/2026

Ocean literacy, understanding the role the ocean plays in our day-to-day lives, is critical to South Africans, and how we can cause a change in the oceans, empowers us to make decisions that better preserve our natural heritage, open opportunities in the blue economy, and enable us to become active and engaged stakeholders in our community.
The International Ocean Institute Southern Africa (IOISA) has partnered with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation for a free online course suitable for early-career professionals, or anyone with an interest in the ocean. Covering a variety of topics such as marine biodiversity, an introduction to ocean governance, and economic growth opportunities.
Application details and the course breakdown are available here:
https://ioisa.org/ioi-ocean-academy-online-module-july-2026/
To take advantage of this free training, please apply by Friday 10 July 2026.
Application form: https://forms.gle/9SHkVFcd8H6tHYsU8

World Oceans Day 2026 - 8 June, we are thrilled to share this beautiful illustration created by Cape Town artist and oce...
08/06/2026

World Oceans Day 2026 - 8 June, we are thrilled to share this beautiful illustration created by Cape Town artist and ocean advocate Dedré Fouquet

Inspired by a decade of guiding ocean safaris with Dedré has captured the magic, biodiversity and interconnectedness of our marine environment. Its more than just a space, filled with diverse life. The illustration features Table Mountain backdrop and the incredible "Ocean Big 5" that can be encountered along our coastline, reminding us of the extrordinary natural heritage that surrounds us.

"Being a guide for Cape Kayak Adventures in Cape Town for 10 years - I have re-imagined our ocean in this illustration to share the 'Ocean Big 5' we see from our 'ocean safari' adventures from the kayaks and the beautiful view of the iconic Table Mountain. This 'celebration of the ocean' is my contribution to World Oceans Day 2026. As an illustrator, my legacy lies in imagining concepts and letting them fall onto paper through line work sketch, or straight into ink, completed digitally. I am passionate about the ocean and reminding people to respect the complex nature beneath." - Dedre Fouquet

Thank you, Dedré, for sharing your talent, passion and love for the ocean through this stunning design. May it inspire all of us to appreciate, protect and reimagine our relationship with the ocean.🚣🏽‍♀️💙🌊

Join us this Saturday, 6 June for our Community Paddle Out event. Sea you on the water🌊

UPDATE: Due to continued interest in the Ocean Governance Training Programme, the application deadline has been extended...
25/05/2026

UPDATE: Due to continued interest in the Ocean Governance Training Programme, the application deadline has been extended to Sunday, 31 May, to accommodate additional submissions.
We encourage interested candidates to take advantage of this opportunity to apply.

This annual 4-week course will run from 31 August to 25 September 2026 and will be delivered in a hybrid format:
Week 1: Online learning sessions
Weeks 2–4: In-person training at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa
This programme offers a unique opportunity to engage with key ocean governance concepts, connect with practitioners from across the region, and build capacity for sustainable ocean management.
For more information:
https://drive.google.com/.../1fn4Kx258bLkiglCRUjZ.../view...
IOI-SA Website:
http://ioisa.org/2026-ioi-sa-ocean-governance-training.../
To apply:
Complete the online application form by Sunday, 31 May 2026:
https://forms.gle/vukhfo73PDxXc6DcA
Please note the course registration fee of 60 USD
No late applications will be considered.
📅 Save the date and don’t miss the opportunity to join the 2026 cohort!

🌊 COMMUNITY PADDLE OUT 🌊Join us this World Oceans Day 2026 as we come together to celebrate, protect, and connect with t...
18/05/2026

🌊 COMMUNITY PADDLE OUT 🌊
Join us this World Oceans Day 2026 as we come together to celebrate, protect, and connect with the ocean 💙
The World Oceans Day 2026 theme, “Reimagine: Beyond The World We Know, A New Relationship With Our Ocean,” invites us to rethink how we engage with and protect our blue planet for future generations 🌍
Bring your kayak, surfboard, SUP, canoe, or any non-motorised craft and be part of a special community paddle out focused on ocean awareness, conservation, and unity.
Let’s celebrate our oceans and stand together for a healthier ocean future 🐋✨
Location: Three Anchor Bay, Sea Point
Date: Saturday, 6 June 2026
Time: 09h30-12h00
Please note: This event is weather dependent, and final confirmation will be communicated closer to the date should conditions be unfavourable.

APPLICATIONS CLOSING DATE IS FRIDAY, 15 MAY. The International Ocean Institute – Southern Africa (IOI-SA) is pleased to ...
05/05/2026

APPLICATIONS CLOSING DATE IS FRIDAY, 15 MAY.

The International Ocean Institute – Southern Africa (IOI-SA) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Ocean Governance Training Programme.
This annual 4-week course will run from 31 August to 25 September 2026 and will be delivered in a hybrid format:
Week 1: Online learning sessions
Weeks 2–4: In-person training at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa
This programme offers a unique opportunity to engage with key ocean governance concepts, connect with practitioners from across the region, and build capacity for sustainable ocean management.
For more information:
https://drive.google.com/.../1fn4Kx258bLkiglCRUjZ.../view...
IOI-SA Website:
http://ioisa.org/2026-ioi-sa-ocean-governance-training.../
To apply:
Complete the online application form by Friday, 15 May 2026:
https://forms.gle/vukhfo73PDxXc6DcA
Please note the course registration fee of 60 USD
No late applications will be considered.
📅 Save the date and don’t miss the opportunity to join the 2026 cohort!

06/04/2026

📢TWO DAYS TO GO! Join Us for the First IOI Alumni CPD Webinar of 2026! 🌊
From Commitment to Action: Marine Biodiversity and the BBNJ Agreement in Practice.

📅 Wednesday, 8 April 2026
⏰ 15:00 – 16:30 CET
📍 Online (Microsoft Teams)
🔗 Register Now: 05e4f18b-5338-4e5d-9265-730cc22d9789@3419afcd-7c0c-4a83-8ee6-4238e5a642af" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/05e4f18b-5338-4e5d-9265-730cc22d9789@3419afcd-7c0c-4a83-8ee6-4238e5a642af
In January 2026, the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction - known as the BBNJ Agreement - officially entered into force. This marks a watershed moment in global ocean governance: for the first time, nations have agreed to a legally binding framework for the protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas.

Coinciding with this milestone, the 9th edition of the World Ocean Review (WOR), titled Marine Biodiversity – The Vital Foundation of Our Oceans, has been launched in English. Produced by the International Ocean Institute (IOI), the Cluster of Excellence “The Future Ocean,” and mare, WOR9 provides essential scientific and governance context for understanding the state and significance of marine biodiversity.

This IOI CPD Webinar brings together expert voices who contributed to WOR9 to reflect on:
🔷What the BBNJ Agreement means in practice;
🔷How scientific insights, like those in WOR9, can support implementation;
🔷What early opportunities and governance gaps might emerge as the world moves from treaty adoption to action.

This timely session aims to equip ocean professionals with the knowledge and framing needed to understand the steps and actions needed to operationalise the treaty and implement it effectively across the globe.

Key Topics to Be Explored:
🔶Why marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction matters — and why protection has been so difficult until now;
🔶The four pillars of the BBNJ Agreement and their implications for national and international governance;
🔶The science-policy interface: how assessments like WOR9 can inform and strengthen treaty implementation;
🔶Capacity building and technology transfer: what equity means in high seas governance;
🔶The road ahead: timelines, responsibilities, and the role of stakeholders.

🔗 Register Now: 05e4f18b-5338-4e5d-9265-730cc22d9789@3419afcd-7c0c-4a83-8ee6-4238e5a642af" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/05e4f18b-5338-4e5d-9265-730cc22d9789@3419afcd-7c0c-4a83-8ee6-4238e5a642af

Address

C/o SANBI, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Private Bag X7
Cape Town
7735

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

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