Marine environments are complex and dynamic systems that are deeply intertwined with human societies, cultures, and economies. As such, effective management of these systems requires an interdisciplinary approach that acknowledges the intricate relationships between social, ecological, and cultural dynamics.
In this seminar, we will delve into the intricacies of marine socio-ecological systems, exploring the importance of integrating multiple ways of knowing and diverse perspectives to inform decision-making. We will examine the key components of effective institutional management, including team building, governance, and funding strategies, as well as the need to balance conservation goals with social justice and human rights considerations. By examining these interconnected themes, we will gain a deeper understanding of the complex challenges facing marine conservation and develop practical strategies for achieving co-benefits that support both people and the planet.
CONTENT:
Throughout this program, we will explore:
- Social, ecological, and cultural dynamics of marine environments as socio-ecological systems and the importance of integrating multiple ways of knowing.
- Effective and equitable institutional management through building strong team dynamics, institutional structures, and funding strategies.
- Governance and politics in marine spaces, focusing on collaborative management, stakeholder and rightsholder mapping and engagement, and navigating your regulatory environment.
- Balancing conservation with social justice – understanding the importance of considering historical context, human rights, and social equity in marine protected areas.
- Planning and managing conservation efforts that balance diverse values to achieve co-benefits.
- Human interactions with marine environments, mitigating conflict and building effective compliance.
- Social impacts, wellbeing, and livelihoods – the importance of human wellbeing, managing social impacts, and developing strategies to engage with local communities on livelihood concerns.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE:
- 14-weeks of virtual asynchronous content.
- Live online sessions held at the end of each module to foster connections with other participants from around the globe.
- Part 1 (modules 1-3): November 6th – December 18th, 2024.
- Participants will then have a break to catch up over the end of the year from December 19th, 2024 – January 14th, 2025
- Part 2 (modules 4-7): January 15th – March 12th, 2025
STEP 1: Fill out our online application form.
Regardless of applications prior to any of our training courses or seminars, you must formally request admission to the 2024 social aspects of marine protected areas online seminar by filling out and submitting the application form through our online system.
The application has 4 pages and will be located here shortly.
Please make sure you have filled out all possible information on the form. The information marked with an asterisk (*) must be completed in order to submit the form.
TIPS FOR SLOW CONNECTIONS: For slow connections, be sure to periodically save your progress while filling out the application. Select “Save” at the bottom right of the online form. You will be asked to enter your email, and a link to your saved application will be sent to you by email. This way, you may continue at another time without losing any of the data you have already entered.
ATTENTION: If you have problems with our online system, please contact protectedareas@colostate.edu.
STEP 2: Finalize application.
To finalize your application, you must upload the following information during the last step on page 4 of the online application:
- Your summarized curriculum vitae (no more than 2 pages in Word or PDF format)
STEP 3: Search for funding.
If you do not have funding to participate in the seminar, you will be responsible for seeking opportunities to support your participation in the seminar. Colorado State University does not directly manage scholarships for the seminar. It is recommended that candidates seek financing from national and international sources. A source of funds for candidates from certain countries is the WWF Education for Nature Education Scholarship Program. Depending on the country, region and institution where the applicant works, several entities may offer financing opportunities, including United Nations organizations (FAO, UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO / World Heritage), the Ramsar Convention, and National and international conservation foundations and non-governmental organizations (such as IUCN, TNC, WWF, CI, FFI, WCS, SNV, CARE, the Moore Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, etc.). Candidates should also contact the embassies of their countries and the offices of bilateral donors, such as GIZ, DFID, USAID and others, as well as national and project offices financed by multilateral agencies, including the World Bank, OAS, Bank Inter-American Development, the GEF/GEF and the European Union.
ATTENTION: If you are an applicant that requires a provisional acceptance letter to apply for a specific funding opportunity, please write protectedareas@colostate.edu. In some cases, the Center is willing to provide a provisional acceptance letter for applicants who require proof of acceptance in order to request a financing opportunity.
STEP 4: Be proactive and communicate with us.
Please keep in touch with our center (protectedareas@colostate.edu) during the selection process, including sending us updates on the status of your funding search. If you secure funding, you will need to e-mail us with a letter highlighting the details of your scholarship on behalf of your donor.
STEP 5: Wait for the results.
The Center will send each applicant an official communication about the results of the selection process. For the online seminar in 2023, the final communication will be sent during the last week of August or first week of September. For those who are selected to participate in the seminar, we will be in communication with you to facilitate your preparation to attend the seminar. For those who are not selected to participate in this year’s seminar, we advise you to apply next year.
Do you have more questions about the process of applying for this seminar? Please read our FAQ section.
