International Oceans Institute- IOI Academy Liberia

24/08/2026

Dear Applicant,
Thank you for applying for the IOI Ocean Academy Liberia (Cohort 2)!

As a reminder, official applications close tomorrow, August 25, 2026. We have received an overwhelming response from across Liberia, and our team is excited to review your submissions.

Here is what you can expect in the coming phase:

Application Review & Shortlisting:
Our selection committee is currently evaluating all entries based on demographic diversity, regional representation across coastal communities, and dedication to ocean governance.

Acceptance Notifications September 1-5 2026: Shortlisted candidates will receive official acceptance letters and onboarding instructions via email and WhatsApp.

Cohort Onboarding & Virtual Orientation September 7 2026: Confirmed participants will be added to the official Cohort 2 WhatsApp group and invited to a brief virtual orientation session to test meeting links (Microsoft Teams / Google Meet) and access study materials.

Lectures Begin (September 10, 2026): Official classes for the 20-hour online programme will commence in September.

Please keep a close eye on your Email and WhatsApp over the next few days for updates regarding your application status.

29/07/2026

Applications Are NOW OPEN for IOI Ocean Academy Liberia (Cohort 2)!

The International Ocean Institute (IOI) Ocean Academy Liberia is proud to announce that applications for our Second Cohort (September – November 2026) are officially OPEN!

Following the remarkable success of our inaugural cohort, we are inviting a new group of passionate Liberians to build practical expertise in Ocean Governance, Coastal Resilience, and the Sustainable Blue Economy.

Course Title: Practical Oceans Governance, Coastal Stewardship and Blue Economy Actions for Liberia.

Duration: 20 Hours delivered over 16 Weeks (September – December 2026)

Format: Online via Google Meet / Microsoft Teams (Bilingual delivery in English & Liberian Koloqua)

Cost: 100% FREE (Capacity building fully sponsored by the International Ocean Institute)

Official Certificate of Completion issued by IOI HQ upon meeting the requirements.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We invite applications from laypersons, community leaders, and professionals across Liberia:

University & High School Students, Residents of Coastal Communities (West Point, New Kru Town, Buchanan, Robertsport, Marshall, etc.), Fisher Folks & Community Mobilizers , Youth Advocates, Women’s Groups & Civil Society Actors, Environmental Professionals, Teachers & Policy Advocates and people of different careers pathways interested in ocean conservation.

HOW TO APPLY

Ready to protect Liberia’s "Wet Wealth" and lead the wave for sustainable ocean management?

Click the link to complete your application form:🔗 https://forms.gle/sazZGTUhp7esgrD78

Deadline to Apply: Thursday, August 20, 2026

To ensure interactive group work, early application is highly recommended!

Check out the official program flyer attached below for more details! 📸👇Join us as we continue to build Liberia's maritime brain trust.

Please share this post with your network, local communities, and youth groups!

23/07/2026

SOMETHING BIG IS HEADING TO OUR SHORES!
Following the outstanding success of our inaugural cohort, the IOI Ocean Academy Liberia is gearing up to launch Cohort 2!

If you are ready to step up as a leader in ocean governance, environmental policy, coastal protection, and Liberia’s Blue Economy, your moment is almost here.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Application Opening Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Program Window: September – November 2026
Format: Online (Flexible & Accessible)
Cost: 100% FREE (Capacity building fully sponsored by the International Ocean Institute)

WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We are looking for passionate, driven individuals across Liberia:

Students & Academic Researchers
Coastal Residents & Community Mobilizers
Fisher Folks & Livelihood Advocates
Youth Activists & Civil Society Leaders
Policy Makers & Environmental Professionals

WHY JOIN COHORT 2?
You won't just learn about the ocean, you’ll gain direct insights from top Liberian and international experts, work on real coastal solutions, and join an elite network of trained maritime leaders across the nation.

WHAT TO DO NOW:
1. Like & Follow our page so you don't miss the link.
2. Share this post with a friend, colleague, or youth group who needs this opportunity!
3. Set a reminder for July 28, spaces will be limited!

The official application link drops here in just a few days. Get ready to ride the wave!

16/06/2026

16/06/2026

On Saturday, June 12, the IOI Ocean Academy Liberia hosted its very first in-person meeting to officially close out our incredible inaugural cohort!

After months of intensive virtual learning, data-sharing, and brilliant group presentations, it was a profound moment to finally gather face-to-face. This closing session wasn't just a wrap-up; it was a powerful celebration of the dedication, long hours, and passion our participants poured into mastering Ocean Governance and the Sustainable Blue Economy.

From analyzing global maritime frameworks to addressing urgent local crises like coastal erosion in West Point and Buchanan, these scholars have proven that Liberia’s "Wet Wealth" is in capable, forward-thinking hands.
As we wrap up this historic first chapter, our eyes are already on the horizon.

Due to the overwhelming success of this launch, we are thrilled to announce that planning is already underway for our next cycle. We hope to officially launch Cohort 2 by September of this year!

To our pioneering first cohort: You came in as students, but you leave as ambassadors and the official maritime brain trust of Liberia. The ocean connects us all, and your journey to protect it has just begun!

08/06/2026

Happy World Oceans Day 2026! 🇱🇷
Today, the world celebrates our blue planet, but here at the International Ocean Institute (IOI) Ocean Academy Liberia, we believe every day is an opportunity to protect our waters!
Over the past few months, our dedicated cohort of professionals and community leaders has been actively diving into Ocean Governance to secure Liberia’s maritime future. Here is how we’ve been taking action:

-Studying international frameworks like the BBNJ Treaty to stop illegal fishing and safeguard our national food security.
-Analyzing how partnerships with the Abidjan Convention and the FCWC protect our 579 km coastline from transboundary pollution and oil spills.
-Advocating for hybrid engineering and nature-based solutions—like mangrove restoration—to fight severe coastal erosion in West Point and Buchanan.

We aren't just teaching ocean literacy; we are building a collaborative network of leaders ready to protect Liberia’s "Wet Wealth."

To our recent participants, thank you for your incredible passion over the last three months. As you finalize your feedback forms for your certificates, remember: the lectures may be over, but your journey as ocean ambassadors has just begun!

Let’s keep riding the wave toward a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable ocean for Liberia.

26/04/2026

🌊 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 #/

06/04/2026

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

13/02/2026

📢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

12/02/2026

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!