'Self-paced distance learning courses

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