Training
Certification Programme for MPA Professionals Launched in Western Indian Ocean
The first ever certification programme for marine protected area (MPA) professionals in the Western Indian Ocean region has been developed by the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) and the Coastal Resources Center, University of Rhode Island (CRC/URI) in partnership with regional organizations. The Western Indian Ocean Certification of Marine Protected Area Professionals (WIO-COMPAS) Programme assesses and certifies Marine Protected Area (MPA) professionals in the WIO region based on recognized standards of excellence. It promotes core competencies, professional growth and ethical conduct. Level 2 Certification—the first course offered—is accepting applications up until May 23. Fifteen MPA professionals within the WIO region will conduct a practicum to produce case studies in July followed by an eight day professional development and assessment event in Malinidi, Kenya. The first class of certified professionals—called MPA-PROs—will be awarded in August 2008. Visit the WIO-COMPAS Programme in August for more details and to apply. Click here for the application. (More Info: secretary@wiomsa.org).
2007 Coastal Institute
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Coastal Resources Center at the University of Rhode Island (CRC/URI) hosted a three-week certificate level course on Integrated Coastal Ecosystem Management in Thailand. The 2007 Coastal Institute was the 10th in the biannual series conducted by CRC/URI, and the first to be held in Asia. It built upon the Post-Tsunami Sustainable Coastal Livelihoods Project and shared lessons learned in coastal community resilience, resulting from the US-Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System Program, supported by the 
United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The course was an early step in advancing the Mangroves For the Future initiative of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) , which funded eight participants from Indian Ocean coastal communities. For the first time, the course combined a cadre of Master degree students with field practitioners, and partnered AIT’s Academic program with their Extension program.
Participants increased their knowledge of: the characteristics of coastal ecosystems and the application of appropriate management tools, ranging from government regulation to economic incentives; project design for behavior change in the larger context of public policy; techniques to enhance coastal community resilience to natural hazards; and a holistic approach to managing freshwater for coastal ecosystems.