From rangers on remote islands, to young scientists, to senior decision-makers, WIOMSA invests in a future-ready ocean workforce for the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). Our capacity work helps countries deliver on national priorities and global commitments such as the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, 30×30, the UN Ocean Decade, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

This is not “one-off training”. It is a long-term, regional effort to build careers, institutions, and communities of practice that can sustain change.

Equipping researchers and practitioners with the skills, tools, and networks needed to generate high-quality, policy-relevant knowledge and to thrive in an increasingly digital era. Through hands-on courses, field and laboratory training, graduate research support, and mentorship, WIOMSA strengthens core scientific skills while advancing expertise in modern techniques such as GIS, remote sensing, Earth observation, blue carbon assessment, eDNA, drones, and AI-assisted monitoring. By partnering with universities, innovation hubs, and regional networks, WIOMSA helps co-develop digital tools, data systems, and curricula that support evidence-based decision-making. These investments ensure a confident, connected, and technologically capable scientific community—one that can use innovation wisely and drive marine conservation and governance across the WIO.

WIO-COMPAS (Western Indian Ocean Certification of Marine Protected Area Professionals) is the only professional competency certification programme for MPA practitioners in the region.

• Recognises real-world skills and experience, not just classroom hours
• Provides different certification levels matched to responsibility and leadership roles
• Has certified over 150 MPA professionals and supported career progression across the WIO
• Helps agencies link staff performance, incentives, and management effectiveness

WIO-COMPAS turns “training” into recognised professional status.
Learn more: [WIO-COMPAS Programme] (insert link)

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Areas Network (WIOMPAN) and other regional platforms are the “living classroom” of our capacity work.

Through these networks, WIOMSA:

• Connects MPA managers, rangers, and practitioners across the region
• Organises exchanges, learning visits, and regional learning events
• Hosts communities of practice on enforcement, climate resilience, blue carbon, and co-governance
• Shares tools, guidelines, and success stories that can be adapted and scaled

Networks ensure that learning doesn’t end when a course finishes – it grows.