The EU Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) is extending its arms, embracing a cross-sectoral approach, and a new way of undertaking maritime affairs is unveiling, putting an emphasis on the optimal use of marine data, with the application of cross-cutting tools for planning, and adopting an ecosystem-based approach. Furthermore, the EC has recently outlined a vision for the governance of the Mediterranean Sea within the EU IMP.

The International Ocean Institute and the IOI-Malta Operational Centre (IOI-MOC) of the University of Malta organised a seminar on the 2nd December for stakeholders, academia, and institutions to share their views together with keynote speakers from the EU DG MARE and local experts, who addressed these important issues.

This followed on the 3rd December by a dedicated session on the practice of MSP, delivered by invited speakers from the UNESCO/IOC Man and the Biosphere programme.

Both events were organized on the wings of the 5th Session of the IOI Malta Training Course on Ocean Governance for the Mediterranean and Eastern European Countries, a flagship activity of the International Ocean Institute and a very prestigious international course for the University of Malta which is held annually over a 5-week period.

The course is specifically designed to benefit mid-career professionals, government officials, educators, researchers and civil society participants, preferably with coastal/marine-related responsibilities, of the Mediterranean, the Black, the Baltic and the Caspian Seas.

It draws 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.