Building Capacity on Biodiversity-Inclusive and Climate-Smart MSP and Area-Based Management for ABNJ [onsite training]
IOC/MSP/WESTAC/CDF/OTGA/KIOST/IMI

Training Course

13 - 17 July 2026

Location

Busan
South Korea


Organiser(s) & Staff
Participation

Attendance by application.

Building Capacity on Biodiversity-Inclusive and Climate-Smart MSP and Area-Based Management for ABNJ [onsite training]
Summary

This in-person training is a joint initiative aiming to enhance national and regional capacity for marine spatial planning (MSP) with tools applied to areas within and beyond national jurisdiction, including ecosystem-based and climate-resilient approaches, and area-based management methodologies and processes.

The training includes two parts: 

Part 1  - Regional training on Biodiversity Inclusive and Climate Smart Marine Spatial Planning for Asia and Pacific  

A 2-day course aiming to strengthen the capacity of MSP practitioners and decision-makers to integrate biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation and mitigation, and inclusive governance into planning processes. Building on the MSPglobal International Guide and its complementary volumes on Biodiversity-Inclusive and Climate-Smart MSP , the course combines conceptual alignment with hands-on application. Participants will develop a shared understanding of ecosystem-based and climate-resilient planning principles, explore the implications of biodiversity loss and climate change for marine management, and examine policy alignment and inclusive governance approaches. Through interactive exercises and a simulated MSP process, they will learn how to apply these principles across all phases of the MSP cycle from scoping and assessment to plan development, implementation, monitoring, and adaptive management. 

Part 2 - Applying Marine Spatial Planning Tools to Area-Based Management in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) for Asia and Pacific

This 3-day training equips practitioners working in MSP or MPA management, ocean governance, conservation, management, and related fields with the frameworks and practical knowledge needed to design Area-Based Management Tool (ABMT) proposals in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) under the BBNJ Agreement. Building on the MSPglobal International Guide on Marine Spatial Planning, the course bridges established MSP methodologies with the scientific and technical requirements of BBNJ governance and operationalization, exploring how biodiversity, climate, and equity — including the integration of traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) — apply in ABNJ contexts. 

Format and Duration

All sessions will happen synchronously ONSITE. The agenda of the sessions will be shared once confirmed. 

This course has an estimated time duration of: 

  • 16 hours (Part 1), from 13 to 14 July 2026

  • 24 hours (Part 2), from 15 to 17 July 2026

*Note that self-sponsored participants may choose or be selected to participate in only one or both parts of the training. Participants who receive sponsorship from the organization must attend both parts. 

Venue: 

South Korea, Busan; Hotel Conference Room 

Language of instruction: English

Learning outcomes

Part 1 - Regional training on Biodiversity Inclusive and Climate Smart Marine Spatial Planning for Asia and Pacific  

By the successful completion of the first part of the training, participants will be able to: 

    • Apply biodiversity-inclusive and climate-smart principles across the different phases of the MSP process;  

    • Identify entry points for integrating biodiversity, climate, and equity considerations throughout the MSP cycle;  

    • Design and facilitate stakeholder engagement processes that support inclusive and equitable marine governance;  

    • Communicate MSP strategies effectively to diverse audiences and stakeholders;  

    • Engage in and contribute to regional and global communities of practice on biodiversity-inclusive and climate-smart MSP. 

Part 2 - Applying Marine Spatial Planning Tools to Area-Based Management in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) for Asia and Pacific 

Upon successful completion of this second course, participants will be able to: 

    • Detail the scientific and technical requirements for ABMT proposals under the BBNJ Agreement, including supporting methodologies. 

    • Distinguish components of biodiversity-inclusive and climate-smart spatial planning applied to ABNJ governance. 

    • Understand the use of MSP-based analysis in ABMT proposals for ABNJ, including integration of global spatial datasets on biodiversity, human activities, and climate to identify areas of significance. 

    •  Discuss the implications of data gaps for spatial decision-making and ABMT design and implementation. 

    • Assess the transferability of MSP spatial analysis approaches demonstrated in the case studies to their own national or regional ABNJ contexts, identifying relevant data sources, governance actors (including the role of Indigenous Populations and Local Communities’ knowledge), and potential constraints. 

Course content

Part 1 - Regional training on Biodiversity Inclusive and Climate Smart Marine Spatial Planning for Asia and Pacific  

Day 1 (From Concepts to Planning Foundations) focuses on establishing a common interpretation of what biodiversity-inclusive and climate-smart MSP means in operational terms, including implications of biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainability for MSP decisions. Through facilitated discussions and applied exercises, participants will examine marine ecosystem functioning, climate pressures, nature-based solutions, ecosystem-based planning principles, policy alignment, and inclusive governance, developing a shared conceptual language that distinguishes biodiversity-inclusive and climate-smart MSP from conventional planning approaches. This training day will include the following sessions: 

Session 1.1 —Why Biodiversity-Inclusive and Climate-Smart MSP? 

Session 1.2 — Marine Ecosystems, Climate Change and Nature-Based Solutions 

Session 1.3 — Ecosystem-Based Approach as the Operational Backbone of MSP 

Session 1.4 — Aligning MSP with Biodiversity and Climate Policy Frameworks 

Session 1.5 — Inclusion, Rights and Knowledge in Marine Planning 

Day 2 (Applying Biodiversity-Inclusive and Climate-Smart MSP Across the Planning Cycle) is fully application-oriented and structured around a simulated MSP process. Working in multidisciplinary teams, participants will apply biodiversity-inclusive and climate-smart principles across the full MSP cycle, from framing the planning context and objectives to assessment, plan development, implementation, monitoring, and adaptive management. Using simplified spatial data and planning scenarios, participants will explore ecological sensitivities, climate risks, cumulative impacts, trade-offs, and governance options, and translate plans into implementable strategies and communication messages. The training concludes with reflection on leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement, reinforcing the role of MSP as a strategic, adaptive, and inclusive governance tool in the face of biodiversity and climate challenges. This training day will include the following sessions: 

Session 1.6 — Framing the Planning Context and Designing a Biodiversity Inclusive Climate-Smart MSP Process 

Session 1.7 — Assessing Ecosystems, Climate Risks and Spatial Pressures 

Session 1.8 — Developing Biodiversity-Inclusive and Climate-Smart Spatial Strategies 

Session 1.9 — From Plan to Action: Implementation, Monitoring and Adaptive Management 

Session 1.10 — Communicating MSP and Building Long-Term Support 

Part 2 - Applying Marine Spatial Planning Tools to Area-Based Management in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) for Asia and Pacific 

Days 3 to 5 focus on applying biodiversity-inclusive and climate-smart planning within the framework of the BBNJ Agreement, with an emphasis on how the process feeds into developing Area-Based Management Tool (ABMT) proposals. These sessions guide participants from understanding proposal requirements and design options, building on scientific and spatial evidence to applying these elements through demonstration of practical case studies. 

Day 3 (Understanding ABMT and the development of proposals in the context of the BBNJ Agreement). Participants will work through the sequence from identifying a relevant candidate site in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, and examining the Annex I biodiversity criteria, including how each can be demonstrated through spatial and scientific evidence. The sessions will also introduce ABMT design approaches and relevant legal instruments, frameworks, and bodies , and, discuss how national MSP experience can inform ABMT design in areas beyond national jurisdiction, including how IPLC knowledge and rights can be reflected in proposals. 

Day 4 (Building the evidence base required for ABMT proposals). Participants will explore ecosystem-based management and conservation tools such as key biodiversity areas (KBAs) and ecosystem and biologically significant areas (EBSAs), and related approaches, in support of Annex I criteria. The sessions will also cover the role of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) under the BBNJ framework, including the data required to perform these evaluations and develop  proposals. 

Day 5 (Applying ABMT in single and multi-sector case studies and various data contexts. Participants will examine, through case scenarios, how biodiversity evidence, impact assessment, and governance arrangements inform ABMT proposals, including the coordination and cooperation across existing sectoral bodies to support decision-making. The training sessions conclude with reflection on lessons learned, common gaps, and the steps needed to advance ABMT development in participants’ own contexts. 

Target audience

This training is designed for practitioners working in marine spatial planning (MSP), ocean governance, or related fields — particularly those involved in MSP processes or BBNJ implementation at national or regional levels, including the design and application of area-based management tools (ABMTs) in ABNJ. It aims to strengthen participants’ capacity to integrate biodiversity and climate considerations across the MSP cycle, while also developing practical insights into the design and implementation of ABMT proposals in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) inspired by MSP principles, tools and experience. Typical participants include government officials, staff of regional organizations (e.g. RFMOs and Regional Seas Programmes), and technical operators from NGOs engaged in MSP or ABNJ-related work. 

Organizers

This training course is jointly organized by the IOC (in support of the MSPglobal, Ocean Decade Capacity Development Facility, OceanTeacher Global Academy, and IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) activities) in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), and the Irish Marine Institute.  

Part 1 of the training is developed under the MSPglobal initiative with the support of co-funding from the European Union. Part 2 of the training is developed under CDF/OTGA with funding with the support of co-funding from KIOST and Irish Marine Institute (Our Shared Oceans). 

Facilitators

The training sessions will be delivered with the support of experts from IOC (including, Catarina Fonseca, Niccolo Bassan, NaYeon Kim, and Ana Carolina Mazzuco, others to be confirmed), the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (names to be confirmed); and the Irish Marine Institute (names to be confirmed). 

Registration, costs, and technological requirements

Candidates should meet at least one of the following criteria: 

  • Currently working in an operational MSP or BBNJ-related role (e.g.,  MSP or BBNJ focal point, or equivalent) 

  • Employed by a government agency, regional organization (RFMO, Regional Seas Programme), or NGO with an active mandate in marine spatial planning or ocean governance 

  • Formally nominated or endorsed by their organization or government, confirming institutional support for participation 

List of eligible countries for the open call for participation: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Torkelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.  

*Note remaining part of the available places will be dedicated to direct contact invitations issued by IOC WESTPAC to its Members.

Application and selection:

  • Individuals wishing to participate in the open call shall submit their information in this APPLICATION FORM, open from 10 to 30 April 2026 (23:59 CEST, Central Europe Summer Time). A limited number of seats will be available for this category of participation.
  • Invited participants will receive a direct email communication from IOC, and including additional guidance and instructions.

Costs:

This course has no tuition fees. 

Lunch and dinner will be provided on-site to all selected participants. 

For the open call for participation, travel support will be provided to a limited number of participants (approximately 12), including accommodation and flight tickets. 

Additional travel support may be available to a very restricted number of participants of the invited poll (WESTPAC). Details to be shared with selected invitees and adapted to the participation modality in reference of part 1 and 2. 

UNESCO is committed to promoting equal access principles. Registration from minority or underrepresented groups is strongly encouraged.

To follow this course, participants shall have: 

  • Access to a computer or mobile device with Windows, Android, or Mac OS.

  • Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari web browsers, with JavaScript and cookies enabled 

  • Broadband internet access (minimum bandwidth of 0.5 Mbps (Receive and Send) 

  • Audio speakers or headphones

  • Basic computer skills, such as finding resources through search engines and the ability to be self-directed in learning new technology skills (e.g. following a step-by-step tutorial, online video help, or access to support to learn necessary skills) 

Additional requisites:

All participants are strongly encouraged to complete the following online courses prior to attending the training: 

  • MSPglobal course on Biodiversity-Inclusive and Climate-Smart MSP (20h, OTGA) — strongly recommended for Part 1 

  • Using Science, Knowledge & Tools to Operationalise the BBNJ Agreement (35h, OTGA) required for Part 2, as the in-person sessions build directly on this content 

Assessment & Certificate

This training will include pre-and-post self-assessments, and a final assignment report.  

*Note that the preparation online courses suggested in the pre-requisites have a different assessment rationale, and certificate of completion. 

To receive a Certificate of Completion, for each part of the training course, participants shall: 

  • Fully attend to the in-person sessions 

  • Engage and complete every proposed training activity 

  • Successfully complete the report assignment 

  • Complete the mandatory pre- and post-assessment. 

Submit the required feedback form is mandatory. 

Contacts

For course organization, please contact: [TO BE UPDATED]

For additional questions, please contact OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) always using the name of the course as e-mail subject.

Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.

There are 0 participants associated with Building Capacity on Biodiversity-Inclusive and Climate-Smart MSP and Area-Based Management for ABNJ [onsite training] .

Participant Stats:
Total Invited: 0
Confirmed: 0
Not confirmed: 0
Unapproved: 0
Not-participating: 0
Rejected: 0
Group(s): CD, MPR, OTGA , WESTPAC.
 Label(s): OTGA Training course
Created at 12:47 on 09 Apr 2026 by Ana Carolina Mazzuco
Last Updated at 15:51 on 10 Apr 2026 by Ana Carolina Mazzuco