International Oceans Institute- IOI Academy Liberia

🌊 The Conversation on ocean careers is gaining momentum!

We are excited to share Episode 44 of the ECOP Programme Webinar Series!
Ocean Careers: From First Steps to Finding Your Path

Career journeys in the ocean sector are rarely straightforward. This webinar gathers diverse perspectives on how ocean-related careers develop and how to navigate key challenges - from the very first steps to finding your direction.

IOI Project Officer Cosmin Chivu will be contributing as one of the speakers in Episode 44 of the ECOP Programme Webinar Series, focusing on the role of training opportunities and professional networking in shaping ocean career pathways, drawing on his experience in capacity development and international cooperation.

A must-attend for early-career ocean professionals and students considering a future in the blue economy.

📅 Tuesday, 28 April 2025
⏰ 10:00 CEST / 8:00 UTC
📝 Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oXs9uBhDTw6T1y5CJqalZA #/

Since its global inception in 1972, the International Ocean Institute (IOI) has been the leading voice for the "Common Heritage of Mankind." Here in Liberia, we are currently in the midst of a rigorous three-month intensive program, which officially launched on February 15 and will conclude on May 31, 2026.

The IOI Ocean Academy Liberia was established to bridge the gap between global maritime policy and our local coastal reality, ensuring that Liberian professionals are equipped to lead the regional Blue Economy.

Entering the second half of our journey, our participants took center stage last night to present strategic solutions for ocean sustainability. The depth of their research proves that Liberia’s maritime future is in capable hands.

Group 1: Managing the High Seas – An analysis of the BBNJ Treaty. They highlighted how protecting the "Global Commons" is not just a legal duty, but a necessity for Liberia’s national food security and the health of our local fish stocks.

Group 2: Regional Strength – A masterclass on the Abidjan Convention and FCWC. The team argued convincingly that regional cooperation is Liberia’s strongest shield against maritime crime and transboundary oil spills.

Group 3: Disappearing Shores – An urgent assessment of coastal erosion in West Point and Buchanan. They proposed a bold "Hybrid Framework," combining hard infrastructure with nature-based mangrove restoration to save our vulnerable communities.

As we move toward our May 31st climaxing, this program continues to build a collaborative brain trust of Liberian ocean governance experts. I am incredibly proud of the growth these leaders have shown since our February start.

Watch the full presentation session below to see our scholars in action!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hi5R59akvcGYui4NUh0cTfeJA04yrNOI/view?usp=drive_link

drive.google.com

📢REGISTER NOW for the next module offered by IOI Ocean Academy (Black & Mediterranean Seas), Sustainable Coastal Tourism Development and Ocean Governance, 24 February - 17 March 2026 in the English language🌊: https://www.ioinst.org/ioi-ocean-academy-1/black-mediterranean-seas-1/
Deadline for Application: 22 February 2026

Congratulations to the first cohort of the IOI Ocean Academy Liberia! 🇱🇷🌊

We have officially completed the selection process for our course, "Introduction to Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Protection for a Sustainable Blue Economy in Liberia." The level of interest was inspiring, and we are excited to welcome a dedicated group of participants ready to champion Liberia's marine and coastal environments.

What’s Next?
• Orientation Day: We are looking forward to meeting all successful applicants this Sunday, February 15th, for our official course orientation.
• Course Journey: Following the orientation, we will dive into our modules, running from February 15th through May 31st, 2026.
• Check Your Inbox: All successful candidates should have received their confirmation details.

To those who were selected: Get ready to explore the intersection of science, policy, and our traditional knowledge as we work toward a sustainable blue economy.

To everyone who applied: Thank you for your passion for our environment. This is just the beginning of our efforts to protect Liberia's vital ecosystems!

A huge thank you to everyone who applied for the IOI Ocean Academy Liberia course, "Introduction to Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Protection for a Sustainable Blue Economy in Liberia." We are overwhelmed and inspired by the incredible level of interest from students and professionals across the country.

What’s next for our applicants?
• Review Process: Our team is now carefully reviewing all submissions.
• Notification: If you are selected, you will receive an email from us in due time before February 15.
• Course Start: For those successful, mark your calendars! We begin our journey on February 15th and will continue through May 31st.

Thank you for your passion for Liberia’s marine environment. We look forward to meeting the first cohort soon!

The Ocean Yearbook - Volume 41 - Request for Manuscripts 📢
The Ocean Yearbook co-editors are seeking manuscripts for Ocean Yearbook Volume 41, to be published in June 2027 by Brill Nijhoff Publishers. The official annual deadline for manuscript submissions is March 31st; however, the co-editors will accept manuscript submissions until July 3rd, 2026. Please see additional information in the annual Call for Papers and the Student Paper Prize announcements below.

Call for Papers:
https://www.dal.ca/faculty/law/melaw/research/journals-publications/ocean-yearbook/call-for-papers.html
Student Paper Prize (submission deadline is May 15, 2026):
https://www.dal.ca/faculty/law/melaw/research/journals-publications/ocean-yearbook/OYB-student-prize.html

Some see a beautiful view. Others see food, a job, or a way of life. This photo captures the silent bond between Liberians and the Atlantic, a bond that sustains us.

But to keep this view and these resources for the next generation, we need to understand them. We need to move from just watching the ocean to protecting it.

IOI-Academy Liberia is inviting you to join us for a FREE journey into understanding our waters.

🌊 Course: Introduction to Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Protection for a Sustainable Blue Economy in Liberia

📜 Certification: International Ocean Institute (IOI)
📅 Starts: Feb 15, 2026
Let’s ensure that the sun never sets on Liberia’s potential.
Apply here (Select Liberia): https://www.ioinst.org/ioi-ocean-academy-1/

Today, the world celebrates wetlands under the theme "Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage."

In Liberia, our wetlands—from the Mesurado to Marshall—are not just "swamps." They are our history. They are the breeding grounds for the fish we eat, the rice we grow, and the natural barriers that protect our communities from flooding.

But to protect this heritage, we need knowledge. 🧠💡

IOI-Academy Liberia is proud to announce that we will be offering a FREE online course in partnership with Blue Liberia.

🌊 "Introduction to Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Protection for a Sustainable Blue Economy in Liberia"

If you want to understand how to save these vital ecosystems using both science and policy, this course is for you.

📅 Dates: Feb 15 – May 31, 2026
💻 Format: Online & Free
🗣️ Language: English & Koloqua

Apply here: https://www.ioinst.org/ioi-ocean-academy-1/ (Scroll to the Liberia tile to apply!)

IOI Ocean Academy The IOI Ocean Academy is endorsed as Decade Action “No 65.6. IOI Ocean Academy - Ocean Knowledge for All” We need a healthy Ocean to survive. But our Ocean is in trouble, and so are we. Understanding the individual human and collective impact on the Ocean and its impact on our lives and liveliho...

Want to learn how we can protect our waters and build a sustainable future? We are offering a free course through the International Ocean Institute (IOI) Ocean Academy right here in Liberia!

Topic: Coastal & Marine Ecosystem Protection for a Sustainable Blue Economy
When: Feb 15 – May 31, 2026

Where: Online
Language: We will be using both English and Koloqua!
We are looking for passionate participants to join this first cohort. Whether you are a student or just care about our environment, this course is for you.
Apply Now: https://www.ioinst.org/ioi-ocean-academy-1/
(Look for the Liberia tile on the page)
Please share this with anyone who might be interested!

IOI Ocean Academy The IOI Ocean Academy is endorsed as Decade Action “No 65.6. IOI Ocean Academy - Ocean Knowledge for All” We need a healthy Ocean to survive. But our Ocean is in trouble, and so are we. Understanding the individual human and collective impact on the Ocean and its impact on our lives and liveliho...