This a scientific and technical workshop on applying new biodiversity tools and methodologies to support ecosystem-oriented marine management and marine spatial planning in the North-West Indian Ocean region. The workshop will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Muscat, Oman on 2-4 October 2023. Participation is by invitation only.

The aim of this workshop is to work with relevant regional organisations and coastal States in the region to explore how GOBI’s work can support progress towards global and regional biodiversity targets, including countries’ implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).

GOBI is an international partnership of organisations committed to advancing the scientific basis for conserving biological diversity in the marine environment. In particular, GOBI has supported the CBD’s efforts to identify ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs) over the past decade. GOBI has also undertaken a 7-year research programme to generate new science, tools and methodologies that enhance the value of EBSAs and their utility for promoting environmental protection and management for specific areas of the world’s oceans. This has included lengthy engagement with international policymaking efforts, such as the new UN new treaty to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, as well as support for national efforts by CBD Parties and capacity building activities. 

The aim of this workshop is to share and demonstrate the science, tools and methodologies developed by GOBI over the past 7 years and to explore their relevance and application in a regional setting. At the same time we hope this workshop will provide an opportunity for a two-way exchange to better understand regional success stories, challenges and potential frustrations. We are inviting experts who are actively engaged in marine biodiversity conservation and management within the region, representing a range of different sectors and stakeholders.

More details on the workshop programme will be posted here in due course. In the meantime, please direct any enquiries to Dr Vikki Gunn at the GOBI Secretariat: vikki.gunn[at]seascapeconsultants.co.uk