CoastalOceanEnvironmentSchoolintheWesternIndianOcean(COES-WIO)
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The Coastal Ocean Environment School in the Western Indian Ocean (COES-WIO) is a regional summer school strengthening ocean science capacity across Africa and beyond.

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about us

A Regional Platform for Ocean Science Excellence

COES-WIO was initiated by the University of Michigan, building on successful programmes previously delivered in West Africa. Planning began in 2023 under the leadership of Prof. Brion Arbic in collaboration with Kenyan partners. What started as a national initiative quickly evolved into a regional programme following strong interest from institutions and early-career professionals across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region.

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The inaugural 2025 school was co-hosted in Kenya by:

Technical University of Mombasa (TUM)

Pwani University

Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)

Additional regional and international collaborators included:

Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA)

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO)

COES-WIO now serves as a growing network of institutions and professionals committed to strengthening marine science capacity in the region.

our objectives


Strengthening Capacity.
Building Networks.
Advancing Knowledge.
1
Enhance regional capacity in ocean science, especially among early-career professionals
2
Provide hands-on, practical training in key thematic areas of coastal and marine environmental research
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3
Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and networking among ocean scientists, researchers, and policymakers across Africa
4
Promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices in sustainable marine resource management
5
Attract professionals from across the globe to work in partnership with the rich network in the WIO region
6
Strengthen partnerships among academic institutions and research organizations within the WIO region

our impact

The inaugural COES-WIO 2025 programme achieved:

75trained participants
17countries represented

  • Participation from early-career professionals, postgraduate and undergraduate students

  • Engagement of instructors and experts from across Africa and beyond

We are a multiregional network in action

Ocean – COES-WIO network

Beyond training, COES-WIO fostered lasting professional networks that will contribute to future research collaboration, policy engagement, and sustainable marine management throughout the Western Indian Ocean region.

our
partners

A Collective Effort Across Institutions and Borders

COES-WIO thrives through institutional collaboration and cross-border partnerships. Universities, marine research institutes, development agencies, and international organizations contribute expertise and support to ensure the programme's success.

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  • Academic institutions
  • Research organizations
  • Development partners
  • Policymakers
  • Early-career professionals and emerging researchers

programme themes

Five Core Areas of Hands-On Training

Our programme themes deliver practical skills for ocean professionals.

Training focuses on real-world challenges across the Western Indian Ocean.

Small-Scale Fisheries, Mariculture & Post-Harvest Management

Strengthening sustainable fisheries systems and improving coastal livelihoods.

Chemical & Physical Oceanography

Advancing understanding of ocean dynamics and coastal processes.

Climate Change & Physical Processes

Exploring climate variability and its impact on marine and coastal systems.

Marine Pollution & Plastics

Addressing marine debris and pollution challenges affecting ecosystems and communities.

Ecological Survey Techniques & Data Management

Equipping participants with field methodologies and analytical tools for marine ecosystem monitoring and research.