Course summary
The MSPglobal online training course on Biodiversity Inclusive and Climate-Smart MSP, offered through the Ocean Teacher Global Academy (OTGA), supports ocean practitioners in understanding how biodiversity and climate science and knowledge can be integrated into MSP to contribute to a healthy, productive, and resilient ocean.
Building on the MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning, particularly Volume 2: Biodiversity Inclusive and Volume 3: Climate-Smart Principle, the course translates technical guidance into practical learning and knowledge. It explores the ecological connections between biodiversity and climate systems, their influence on ocean health and human well-being, and the role of MSP in helping countries meet global and regional biodiversity and climate commitments.
Structured around the different phases of the MSP process, the course provides recommendations, examples and practical tools for integrating biodiversity and climate considerations into MSP. It also highlights the importance of inclusive governance, diverse knowledge systems, and effective communication.
Designed as a self-paced online course for a broad international audience, it provides a shared learning framework to strengthen MSP practice and contribute to a well-informed, connected global community of MSP practitioners and stakeholders.
Course content
The course is structured into eight modules combining short lessons, reading materials, videos and interactive learning activities. Knowledge checks, scenario-based questions and guided self-assessment reflections keep learners consolidate their understanding and explore how biodiversity and climate considerations can be integrated into Maritime/Marine Spatial Planning (MSP).
The course is divided into the following modules:
- Module 0: Welcome and course orientation
- Module 1: Foundations and evolving needs of Marine Spatial Planning
- Module 2: Ecosystems, climate pressures, and nature-based solutions
- Module 3: Global and regional biodiversity and climate policy framework
- Module 4: The Ecosystem-Based Approach as common ground
- Module 5: Key elements of biodiversity inclusive and climate-smart MSP
- Module 6: Integrating biodiversity and climate across the MSP process
- Module 7: Inclusive governance and communication
