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Biosphere Reserves as sites to develop Ocean Literacy


Description
The course is the virtual part (Phase B) of the 2022 Cyprus Hybrid University and will run from 9 January to 5 February 2023. The first phase (Phase A) the "live" one was held on 12-14 September 2022 in Asterousia BR in Greece and, on 5-10 October 2022 in Cyprus (as part and back-to-back with the 9EfE Conference).

The course in a nutshell:
- Duration: Four weeks, starting from 9 January to 5 February 2023.
- Format: It combines asynchronous (self-paced) and synchronous sessions (weekly live meetings).
- Commitment: The total training time for learners is approx. 20 hours (~5 hours/week).
Participants: MAB Youth Group members, Post-Graduate Students, Young Scientists, Educators (formal and non-formal), Staff and Managers of Biosphere Reserves, Protected Areas and other designated areas, with a priority to be given to applicants from European and Mediterranean countries.
- Class size: Aprox. 100 online learners.
- Language: English.
- Certification: Learners who succesfully complete 80% of the course assignments will get the course's certificate co-signed by the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe and the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Development Management and Education in the Mediterranean.
- Cost: Thanks to the kind contribution of the organizers this course is free of charge for all participants!
Content
  • Welcome to the Hybrid University on Ocean Literacy !
  • Welcome messages
  • Logistics, completion rules, housekeeping notes
  • Participant's expectations
  • Phase A input: A 'video' diary
  • WEEK 1: Introduction - The wide picture, UN frameworks, Ocean Importance
  • Orientation - Week 1
  • What does Ocean Literacy mean to you?
  • Phase A Input: Testimonies on Ocean Literacy and sustainability
  • A United Nations Decade devoted to the Ocean
  • Phase A input: Video lecture on Ocean Literacy and its principles
  • Diving to discover the ocean specificities and importance
  • Discovering the public benefits of the ocean
  • Mediterranean Close up: Marine and coastal ecosystems and biodiversity
  • SDGs and Biosphere Reserves
  • Phase A input (Optional Content)
  • 1st Meet the Expert session 13/1/2023
  • References - Week 1
  • Assignment-Week 1 - OL in BRs
  • Evaluation - Week 1
  • WEEK 2: THE CHALLENGES / RISKS FOR THE SEA & OCEAN
  • Orientation - Week 2
  • The SDGs framework: Overview of current challenges in SDG14
  • Exploring the ocean is itself a challenge
  • Focus challenge: Marine pollution
  • Focus challenge: Overexploitation & Ecosystem degradation
  • Focus challenge: Climate Change
  • Mediterranean close up: Current challenges for the marine habitats
  • Mediterranean close up: Lagocephalus invasion in SE Mediterranean Sea
  • Focus challenge: The Single Use Plastics (SUPs) (optional)
  • 2nd Meet the Expert session 20/01/2023
  • References - Week 2
  • Assignment Week 2 - OL in BRs
  • Evaluation - Week 2
  • WEEK 3: WAY FORWARD –DEALING WITH THE CHALLENGES
  • Orientation - Week 3
  • Phase A Input: What actions are needed for an Ocean Literate Society?
  • Ways forward: Marine Protection
  • Ways forward: Sustainable Solutions
  • Biosphere Reserves as Labs for achieving Ocean Literacy
  • From environmental to sustainable development management
  • Preparing a Management Plan
  • A participatory management model for marine sites
  • Case studies in the direction of solutions (optional)
  • 3nd Meet the Expert session 27/01/2023
  • References - Week 3
  • Assignment Week 3 - OL in BRs
  • Evaluation - Week 3
  • WEEK 4: EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION & ACTION FOR THE OCEAN
  • Orientation - Week 4
  • Intro: Animations on Ocean Literacy
  • The Ocean Literacy Framework (four priorities)
  • OL in formal (=school) education contexts
  • OL in non-formal (=out of school) education contexts
  • An OL example from my country (formal or non-formal)
  • MIO-ECSDE & MEdIES' projects around OL
  • A beach clean up & litter monitoring action with students
  • Monitoring Marine litter (optional)
  • Guest lecture: the Sea4All project
  • Guest lectures: What does action look like for you?
  • Effective Ocean Communication
  • 4th Meet-the-Expert session 03/02/2023
  • References - Week 4
  • Final Test - Ocean Literacy in Biosphere Reserves
  • Evaluation Survey
  • End Notes
  • EXTRAS
Completion rules
  • All units must be completed
  • Leads to a certificate with a duration: Forever
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