In this relationship, the EU maritime policy and the coherence of policies of neighbouring states with it are seen as a basis for regional cooperation, a main focus of this year’s course. Also, these seas have different levels of experience in regional environmental cooperation and maritime use and the diversity of experience provides an opportunity for comparative learning. The course also included a full day “Seminar on the Evolving EU Integrated Maritime Policy - Making the move to ensure coherence in the Regional Seas”.

The Seminar dealt with the process of putting the EU Integrated Maritime Policy in practice, and on achievements made since the adoption of the Blue Book. The focus of the Seminar was on the implications in the governance of the Mediterranean, Black sea and Baltic sea as regional entities, and on the linkages of the European Maritime Policy with the EU Neighbouring States to ensure coherence with the policies of these countries in a wider context. Holding to the view of an indivisible ocean, the coherence nature of the EU integrated maritime policy presents a formidable challenge that can only be surmounted by the degree of understanding, cooperation and synergies achieved with the neighbouring countries.

Drawing upon the 30 years of experience of the International Ocean Institute in conducting training and capacity building programmes in ocean governance, the course also emphasized upon the conduct of maritime affairs in line with the Lisbon Strategy, targeting the Millennium Development Goals and building upon a holistic and integrated maritime policy following the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The course focused on the linkages between the natural, social and economic sciences to the development of sustainable ocean governance, and on the research-management interface that can render governance operable. It highlighted the inter-linkages of multi-disciplinary inputs, and the support of technology to enable the effective achievement of ocean management and sustainable development.

The course was run by the IOI-Malta Operational Centre under the aegis of the International Ocean Institute and was accredited by the University of Malta. It was sponsored by the Lighthouse Foundation, the United Nations University/EHS, the International Maritime Organisation, UNDP - Special Unit For South-South Cooperation and the European Commission.

Further information on this course may be found on the course website. Queries about future courses should be directed to Dr. Aldo Drago, Director of IOI-Malta on aldo.drago@um.edu.mt.

The IOI-Malta Operational Centre carries out research and provides services in physical oceanography. It aims to promote education and training in the sustainable use of ocean resources. For more information on the activities of IOI-Malta, please refer to the Centre’s website on http://www.capemalta.net      

The IOI-Malta Operational Centre carries out research and provides services in physical oceanography. It aims to promote education and training in the sustainable use of ocean resources. For more information on the activities of IOI-Malta, please refer to the Centre's website on www.capemalta.net