WIOMSA has recognised for some time that we need to have a better understanding of what is known as Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge (ITK), and how this can help in strengthening the management of our marine and coastal resources. This knowledge has developed over many hundreds of years and can add an important dimension to
Effective Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) require strong governance, strategic planning, and active, equitable management to achieve ecological, socio-economic, and cultural goals. Crucially, compliance with regulations ensures the ongoing success of MPAs. A new MPA Enforcement Toolkit has been developed to provide essential knowledge on monitoring, control, surveillance, and enforcement (MCS&E) systems. This toolkit offers marine
Join the #WIOMSA2025 “One Ocean, One Future” Communications Campaign. Become an ocean champion for the upcoming #WIOMSA2025by sharing a 2–3 minute video about what drives your work, a personal narrative (up to 600 words) on the ocean’s importance, or a brief quote or statistic that inspires action. Submissions are open on a rolling basis. For more
How can interdisciplinary approaches be implemented to strengthen the social and environmental resilience of marine social-ecological systems exploited by fishing, in the face of growing global pressures? Over five immersive days, the BRIDGES research program, in partnership with WIOMSA, is inviting a new generation of researchers and stakeholders from the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) region
The Hifadhi Blu initiative has completed Stage 2 submissions, with 8 out of 29 applicants having submitted their applications for the next phase. These candidates represent a diverse range of marine conservation efforts across the region. Selected sites include two MPAs from South Africa, one from Tanzania, one from Kenya, one from Comoros, and one
Ocean and coastal ecosystems are seriously threatened and affected by human activities. Yet, the ocean plays a crucial role in climate regulation, and more than 3.8 billion people live within 150 km of the shore, all depending on these ecosystems for their livelihood and food security. Based on this observation, the BNP Paribas Foundation has
Réserves Naturelles de France (RNF) is looking for an international project management assistant to join their team on a 6-month full-time fixed-term contract. The role involves providing key administrative, financial, organizational, and logistical support to the team, particularly in supporting NatureXpairs activities, including missions, training, and event organization. The successful candidate will work closely with
Are you about to submit a scientific article? Dear RECOS member, As part of our efforts to strengthen scientific cooperation within the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) countries, we offer a range of support to researchers, including consultation platforms (thematic working groups) and funding opportunities for theses, post-doctorates, and master’s research. But did you know? We
We’re excited to announce the launch of the new MPA Finance Toolkit, a comprehensive resource designed to empower marine protected area (MPA) managers with essential financial strategies and tools. Developed in collaboration by the Reef Resilience Network and The Nature Conservancy with the Blue Nature Alliance, , a global partnership dedicated to advancing large-scale ocean
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Tanzania Marine Program is inviting proposals for a critical initiative aimed at enhancing monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) capabilities among Marine Protected Area (MPA) managers in Zanzibar. This project is part of WCS’s support for the USAID Heshimu Bahari Activity, focusing on strengthening Tanzania’s network of MPAs. Project Overview: WCS seeks
