Capacity development for integrated ocean governance is essential to achieve sustainable development of oceans and coasts including responses to address new challenges, climate change and biodiversity , loss and provide sustainable ocean and coastal livelihoods. Funding is limited and there has been little collaboration and coordination of efforts among the many actors that assist in capacity development. A global strategy for ocean readiness, mobilizing expertise and partnerships, will be developed to ensure that governments and institutions have the skills, knowledge, and capacity to develop Blue Economy frameworks, and to address challenges on oceans and coastal communities in a long-term, integrated manner.

The focus of the initiative is to support capacity projects that are forward-thinking, comprehensive, and integrated across sectors. While various international fora, have mechanisms for financing, these programs continue to be aimed at sector-specific projects that fail to integrate capacity building projects into long-term strategic development of institutions and capacity among high-level decision-makers and ocean leaders.The focus of this initiative is to help build the skills and networks that are required for effective leadership, policy development, negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and communication. In addition, long-term capacity building will be supported through the introduction of effective governance, system knowledge, and strategic planning skills and frameworks. The combined focus at the individual and institutional level will ensure oceans remain on the top of the sustainable development agenda, and ensure effective long-term implementation. This will be achieved through training programs for high level, local, and next generation ocean leaders. At the organizational level, the focus will be on strengthening institutional structures, processes, and resources through analysis, development and sharing of best practices.The capacity development program in integrated ocean governance will be aimed at four majoraudiences:--high-level national ocean leaders--local/community leaders--next generation leaders--the general public

Global Ocean Forum (GOF)
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, UNESCO
World Ocean Network
Ocean Policy Research Foundation, Japan