WIOMSA-SCALABLE "Building Bridges between Science, Policy, and Society" training Workshop
- Omran Aburayya
- May 16
- 2 min read
If you're passionate about marine sustainability and co-designing impactful solutions for coastal and ocean challenges, applications are now open for the WIOMSA-SCALABLE "Building Bridges between Science, Policy, and Society" Workshop. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, network with leading experts, and co-create real-world solutions for ocean sustainability in the Western Indian Ocean region. Details in this article.
📝 Workshop Summary
Location: South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Cape Town, South Africa
Organisers: WIOMSA-SCALABLE, SANBI, Nelson Mandela University (NMU), University of Cape Town (UCT), IOI, ZMT, IOC-UNESCO
Target Group: Community leaders, scientists, policymakers, early-career professionals, NGOs in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region
Focus Areas: Co-design, ocean sustainability, science-policy-society collaboration, participatory governance
Workshop Dates: 11–15 August 2025
Application Deadline: 30 May 2025
Eligible To: Individuals working in or committed to marine/coastal initiatives in the WIO region
💡 Workshop Overview
The "Building Bridges between Science, Policy, and Society" workshop is a 5-day intensive training designed to foster co-creation of sustainable ocean solutions. Hosted in Cape Town, this in-person workshop will bring together a diverse group of actors — scientists, policymakers, community representatives, and civil society — to collaboratively address pressing challenges in marine and coastal ecosystems.
Through interactive sessions, case studies, group work, and a field trip, participants will be trained on:
Systems thinking and co-design principles
Tools for facilitating inclusive collaboration
Balancing power dynamics and integrating diverse knowledge systems
Communicating across sectors and cultures
Designing solutions with long-term societal impact
This is not an introductory course. Selected participants are expected to bring their own real-world projects or challenges and apply new tools to develop them during the training.
🎁 Benefits
Full or partial sponsorship covering travel, accommodation, meals, and training materials
Mentorship and training by leading regional and global experts
Opportunity to refine your own case study/project with expert input
Networking with like-minded peers, policy actors, and academics
Access to post-training support and community of practice
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be based in or working within the WIO region
Have a track record or strong interest in marine/coastal sustainability, co-management, or science-policy engagement
Be proficient in English
Be available for the full 5-day workshop
Submit a clear motivation for applying, including how they will apply the co-design approach in their work
Submit a letter of support from their employer (if applicable)
Priority will be given to:
Coastal community leaders
Women and underrepresented groups
Early-career professionals
Individuals with a concrete case study or project to contribute to the workshop
📝 Application Procedure
Interested applicants should:
Fill out the online application form by 30 May 2025
Provide a signed letter of support (if employed by an institution)
Be prepared to demonstrate commitment and capacity to integrate training into their work
ℹ️ For more details, contact: wiocodesign@gmail.com and download the official brochure here
