Applications are open for the International Seabed Authority (ISA) - Egypt Training Programme on Regional Environmental Management Planning (Indian Ocean) 2026 a specialized international training programme focusing on the scientific and technical foundations of regional environmental management planning in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

The programme will be delivered through the ISA – Egypt Joint Training and Research Centre, bringing together researchers, scientists, and environmental professionals to strengthen expertise in sustainable ocean governance and deep-sea environmental protection.

Location: Alexandria, Egypt
In-person Training: 20 – 24 September 2026
Focus Region: Indian Ocean

Background

Under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the International Seabed Authority develops Regional Environmental Management Plans (REMPs) to safeguard marine ecosystems from activities conducted in international seabed areas.

Following the adoption of standardized procedures for REMP development in 2025, this training initiative responds to growing requests from Member States seeking technical expertise and scientific capacity to support environmental planning processes.

Training Objectives

Participants will:

• Strengthen technical and scientific skills related to the design and implementation of REMPs
• Understand environmental data systems, analytical tools, and best scientific practices
• Enhance collaboration among researchers and institutions working on marine environmental governance
• Support the participation of women and early-career professionals in deep-sea science and policy

Programme Structure

Online “Deep Dive” Learning Phase

Selected participants will first complete a one-month self-paced online course covering:

• Policy frameworks guiding environmental planning
• Scientific foundations of REMPs
• Methodological and analytical approaches used in regional planning

Completion of this phase is required before attending the in-person workshop.

In-Person Training Workshop (Alexandria)

The residential training includes:

• Practical sessions on scientific techniques and environmental analysis
• Case studies from global ocean regions including the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Northwest Pacific, and Indian Ocean
• Laboratory visits at the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries
• Expert lectures on marine ecosystems and regional environmental management
• Interactive exchanges with international scientists, policymakers, and ISA experts

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a joint committee from ISA and the ISA–Egypt Training Centre based on:

• Professional relevance to the programme objectives
• Potential contribution to national or regional capacity building
• Geographic diversity and gender balance

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 10 June 2026.