Marine biodiversity underpins ecosystem resilience, food security, sustainable fisheries, conservation planning, and the growth of the blue economy, yet it is increasingly threatened by climate change, habitat degradation, pollution, overexploitation, and invasive species. Reliable, scalable, and standardized tools are therefore essential for detecting biodiversity change and supporting evidence-based ocean management.

This workshop is designed as a capacity-building initiative for early career ocean professionals and related practitioners from African countries. Delivered over two weeks, the programme combines a virtual theoretical component with an in-person practical component. The first week introduces participants to core principles of molecular genetics, DNA barcoding, sample collection and preservation, PCR amplification, sequencing, bioinformatics, reference databases, data management, and applications in fisheries, conservation, taxonomy, and environmental monitoring. The second week provides hands-on training in tissue subsampling, DNA extraction, PCR setup, gel electrophoresis, preparation of amplicons for sequencing, sequence quality control, database comparison, species identification using BOLD Systems and GenBank, and interpretation of barcode results.

Participants will also develop small project assignments linked to their current work or studies, using marine taxa such as fish, corals, crustaceans, polychaetes, sponges, echinoderms, bryozoans, or cnidarians. The workshop emphasises practical competence, methodological standardization, bilingual accessibility, and collaborative learning. Expected outcomes include strengthened regional capacity in molecular species identification, improved specimen and sequence data quality, contributions to national or institutional DNA barcode reference libraries, enhanced use of genetic data in biodiversity assessments, and expanded professional networks. Ultimately, the workshop will support long-term marine biodiversity monitoring, biobanking, conservation action, sustainable fisheries management, and informed ocean policy across the African region.

Venue

National Research Facility-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB), Makhanda, South Africa

Learning outcomes

After sucessful completing this course, participants should have:

• Increased knowledge and technical skills in DNA barcoding techniques;
• Improved understanding of bioinformatics tools such as BOLD and GenBank;
• Enhanced local capacity of molecular species identification;
• Improved molecular and specimen data quality for marine biodiversity assessments, research and management;
• Promoted regional and national DNA barcode databases to support ongoing marine research and monitoring.
• Facilitated rapid detection and management of identified invasive species.
• Strengthened regional collaborations in biodiversity scientific collections and biobanking;
• Fostered networks among participants;
• Facilitated future collaborative projects in biodiversity monitoring, conservation and resource management.
• Strengthened informed ocean and fishery policymaking and conservation initiatives based on reliable genetic data.

Course content

• Foundations of Molecular Genetics and DNA Barcoding
• Sample Collection, Preservation, and DNA Extraction
• Target Barcode Selection, PCR Amplification, and Sequencing
• Bioinformatics for Marine Species Identification and Case Studies
• DNA Barcoding Applications
• Sample handling and DNA extraction
• PCR setup and amplification
• Gel electrophoresis and sequencing preparation (Part I)
• Sequence data analysis and management (Part II)
• Sequence-based Species identification
• Workshop project seminar

Target audience and prerequisites

• Be an early career ocean professional (ECOP) as per definition of the ECOP Programme. See definition here: ECOP Programme – Early Career Ocean Professionals  
• Be a registered member of the Early Career Ocean Professionals Programme (ECOP).
• Originally from one of the African member states of UNESCO-IOC and/or partner countries of the EAF-Nansen Programme. 
• Proven work and/or study experience on subjects related to marine biodiversity, sustainable fisheries, marine conservation and/or ocean monitoring. 
• Previous work/study experience in taxonomy of marine organisms is not mandatory but it will be an asset. 
• Be fluent in English and/or French. 
• Submit a short project proposal for your workshop project assignment. Proposal must be aligned to the workshop objectives, proposed outputs and targeting one specific taxa within the following groups of marine animals: fish, bryozoans, polychaetes, corals, sponges, echinoderms, crustaceans and cnidarians.

Language of instruction: English with French support

Instructors

• Dr Simo Njabulo Maduna, Research Scientist, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Norway; Extraordinary Senior Lecture, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
• Dr Ouattara Koffi Nouho, Head of eDNA Lab Core Facility, Nangui Abrogoua University, Cote d'Ivoire, Senior Lecture
• Dr. Stamatina Isari, Senior Research Scientist, Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Bergen Norway; Leader of Theme 6 (Plankton Dynamics) in the EAF-Nansen Programme, member of the ICES Working Group on Integrative Morphological and Molecular Taxonomy (WGIMT)
• Gwynneth Matcher, National Research Facility-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB), Aquatics Genomics Research Platform (AGRP)

Course format: BLENDED

This course has both online and face-to-face activities as mandatory, with 8h/day for virtual and in-person components. A total of 80 hours of activities are planned.

Organizers 

This course is jointly organized by the: Early Career Ocean Professionals Programme (ECOP), AFRICA Node, Capacity Development Hub; the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO
Sub-Commission for Africa and Adjacent Islands States (IOCAFRICA), in collaboration with the Ocean Decade Capacity Development Facility and the OceanTeacher Global Academy;  NRF- South Africa Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB); the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO); and FAO EAF-Nansen Programme.

Learner assessment

Daily assessment will take place throughout both the virtual and in-person components. During the online sessions, each day will conclude with a short quiz to help participants evaluate their understanding and enable trainers to identify topics that require further clarification. During the in-person component, assessment will focus on practical exercises, group activities, and trainer-led discussions to evaluate participants’ ability to apply the concepts and skills covered in the course.

Participant project assignments: Each participant will have a short project aiming at revealing the molecular taxonomic identification of marine species through DNA Barcoding of marine organisms such as marine fishes, corals, polychaetes, crustaceans etc. Participant projects must be aligned to their current work/study at their home-country on subjects related to sustainable fisheries, conservation and management of marine biodiversity. For this purpose, participants are encouraged to use and bring up to three tissue samples for use over the workshop practicals (Week 2) at the NRF-SAIAB as part of their own project assignments, provided they have addressed any policy considerations for collection, data use and transport of genetic material.

Evaluation/Certificate

In order to successfully complete the course and award a Certificate at the end, the following is mandatory:

• Fully attend to the in-person sessions;
• Engage and complete every proposed training activity;
• Successfully complete the report assignment; and
• Complete the mandatory pre- and post-assessment.

Note: filling in the course feedback survey is mandatory to obtain the course certificate.

Technology requirements/computer skills

Learning Management System (Moodle)

• Computer with Windows or Mac OS
• Latest version of either Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari web browsers
• JavaScript and cookies enabled
• Broadband internet access (minimum bandwidth of 0.5 Mbps (Receive and Send)
• Speakers or headphones, Microphone

Computer skills required 

You should be proficient in the following:

• basic computer skills
• finding resources through search engines
• the ability to be self-directed in learning new technology skills (e.g.following a step-by-step tutorial, online video help, or access to support to learn necessary skills)

Pre-requisites 

Undertake a pre-course meeting to share guidelines for workshop preparation.

Application process

Individuals wishing to participate in the open call shall submit their information in this APPLICATION FORM [https://otga.wufoo.com/forms/m11z0ffs0xq92q5/], open from 24 August to 18 September 2026 (23:59 CEST, Central Europe Summer Time).

A limited number of seats (10) will be available for this category of participation.

Selection criteria

• Be an early career ocean professional (ECOP) as per definition of the ECOP Programme. See definition here: ECOP Programme – Early Career Ocean Professionals  
• Be a registered member of the Early Career Ocean Professionals Programme (ECOP).
• Originally from one of the African member states of UNESCO-IOC and/or partner countries of the EAF-Nansen Programme. 
• Proven work and/or study experience on subjects related to marine biodiversity, sustainable fisheries, marine conservation and/or ocean monitoring. 
• Previous work/study experience in taxonomy of marine organisms is not mandatory but it will be an asset. 
• Be fluent in English and/or French.

Submit a short project proposal for your workshop project assignment. Proposal must be aligned to the workshop objectives, proposed outputs and targeting one specific taxa within the following groups of marine animals: fish, bryozoans, polychaetes, corals, sponges, echinoderms, crustaceans and cnidarians.

Requirements project proposal: 

Maximum of 2-pages using 12-point Times New Roman font and double spacing, and submitted as a PDF file.

The proposal should have the following format:

Title: Provide a short and informative title for your project.

Introduction: Briefly introduce your project, target taxon or taxonomic group, and provide the scientific justification for the proposed work.

Aims and Objectives: Describe the aims and objectives of your project and explain how they align with your current work/study.

Materials and Methods: Clearly state your target taxon or taxonomic group for the workshop project assignment. Describe where the voucher specimens were collected (e.g. city, country, collector’s name, date of collection, collection method) from which the tissue samples were taken and indicate where the corresponding voucher specimens are deposited or will be deposited. Voucher specimens should be properly documented and deposited in or intended for deposition in a recognized scientific collection at your home country or the nearest collection to your country. Where available, provide the preliminary identification of each voucher specimen and indicate who was the species identifier.

Indicate how many samples will be used during the workshop (maximum of three per participant).Expected outputs and outcomes: Describe the expected outputs and outcomes of your participation in this workshop, including how the knowledge and skills acquired will be applied in your institution and/or ongoing work after the workshop.

Project proposal must provide the following information:

Clearly explain the relevance of DNA barcoding skills to your work/study within the field of African marine biodiversity, sustainable fisheries, conservation and/or ecology.

Clearly describe how the DNA barcoding skills acquired through this workshop will be

applied to your current and/or planned work/study and deliverables and how you intend to continue applying these skills after the workshop

Costs:

This course has no tuition fees. 

Selected participants will be granted full sponsorship, including costs of travel to/from workshop venue, accommodation, daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and terminals.

UNESCO is committed to promoting equal access principles. Registration from minority or underrepresented groups is strongly encouraged.

Contacts

For local assistance, please contact Elizabeth Okullow (africa@ecopdecade.org).

For additional questions, please contact OTGA Secretariat (ioc.training@unesco.org) always using the name of the course as e-mail subject.

Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation of the course by the OTGA or its affiliates, we will provide notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date. In the event of cancellation by the attendee, we should receive notification of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the course date.