Fully Funded Ocean Sustainability Workshop 2025 – Apply Now
Apply Now: WIOMSA-SCALABLE Co-Design Workshop for Ocean Sustainability 2025 – Cape Town, South Africa
Are you a professional working in marine or coastal sustainability in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region? The WIOMSA-SCALABLE initiative, in partnership with leading regional and international organizations, invites applications for a transformative 5-day training workshop on co-design for ocean sustainability, taking place from 11–15 August 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa.
This fully-funded workshop will equip participants with practical skills and tools to collaboratively develop sustainable and inclusive marine and coastal solutions.
Application Deadline: 30 May 2025
About the Ocean Sustainability Workshop
The Western Indian Ocean is home to extraordinary marine biodiversity and vibrant coastal communities. However, the region faces growing threats such as climate change, overfishing, and habitat degradation. Tackling these challenges requires inclusive, participatory approaches that bridge science, policy, and community voices.
This interactive 5-day training workshop is designed to empower participants with co-design tools and systems-thinking approaches that foster sustainable and locally adapted solutions for ocean conservation and coastal management.
The training will include:
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Expert-led sessions and hands-on exercises
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Real-world case studies and group discussions
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A field trip to engage with local marine stakeholders
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Peer-to-peer learning and practical application
WIOMSA-SCALABLE Co-Design Workshop (Key Learning Topics)
Participants will explore key topics such as:
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Principles of co-design, co-management, and transdisciplinary collaboration
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Overcoming barriers in participatory processes
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Balancing power and integrating different knowledge systems
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Inclusive communication with diverse stakeholders
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Designing projects for long-term societal and environmental impact
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Applying co-design methods to real-world marine challenges
WIOMSA-SCALABLE Co-Design Workshop (Who Should Apply?)
This workshop is open to applicants from the Western Indian Ocean region with a strong interest or background in marine or coastal sustainability. Ideal candidates should have experience working in related fields and a desire to apply co-design in practice.
Strongly encouraged to apply:
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Community representatives and local leaders from coastal areas
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Marine and coastal scientists (natural or social sciences)
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NGO staff and program managers
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Government officials, policymakers, and marine spatial planners
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Science-policy facilitators and brokers
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Early-career professionals working in ocean conservation
The workshop is limited to 15–20 participants to ensure deep engagement and meaningful collaboration.
We encourage you to Join us on our different channels if you want to be the first to learn about immigration and scholarship opportunities.
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WIOMSA-SCALABLE Co-Design Workshop (Participant Benefits)
Selected participants will receive:
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Full or partial sponsorship for travel, accommodation, meals, and training materials
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Access to regional and international experts in ocean sustainability and co-design
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Practical, adaptable tools for use in current and future projects
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Opportunities to work on personal case studies and real-world project challenges
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Enhanced capacity to engage stakeholders and design impactful solutions
WIOMSA-SCALABLE Co-Design Workshop (Selection Criteria)
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
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Professional Relevance: Current involvement in marine or coastal work, ideally with a community, policy, conservation, or resource management focus.
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Co-design Commitment: Clear interest or experience in applying participatory and co-design practices in ongoing or future projects.
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Multiplier Effect: Willingness and ability to share knowledge and tools gained with peers, communities, or organizations.
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Contribution: Readiness to bring a relevant case study or active project to develop during the workshop.
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Language: Proficiency in English is required.
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Availability: Full attendance for the in-person 5-day workshop is mandatory.
WIOMSA-SCALABLE Co-Design Workshop (How to Apply)
To apply:
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Fill out the online application form by 30 May 2025.
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If employed, provide a signed letter of support from your organization.
For full details and application, contact: wiocodesign@gmail.com
Organizers & Partners
This workshop is hosted by WIOMSA-SCALABLE, in collaboration with:
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Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
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South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
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University of Cape Town (UCT)
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International Ocean Institute (IOI) – Southern Africa & Germany
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Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT)
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IOC-UNESCO
These leading institutions bring decades of experience in co-design, ocean governance, science-policy integration, and sustainable marine development.
Don’t Miss This Opportunity
If you are committed to advancing ocean sustainability through inclusive, participatory solutions, this workshop is for you. Apply now and join a community of changemakers shaping the future of the Western Indian Ocean.
Deadline: 30 May 2025 | Workshop Dates: 11–15 August 2025
Location: SANBI, Cape Town, South Africa