Availability of educational materials and training courses on blue economy and marine spatial planning (MSP): A global review

Abstract

This study reviews the available education material and training courses on Blue Economy and Marine Spatial Planning. The two concepts are relatively new and communities, researchers and therefore marine ecosystem and resource managers need to understand them better through training or experience. Education curriculum for the concepts respond to its complexity, current status and trends for a holistic comprehension. 47 courses sampled indicate Europe as the leading blue economy and marine spatial planning course hosting region and curriculum development. Training courses form the bulk of the courses offered and target mostly professionals with marine related educational background. Ongoing courses and on demand courses also make the largest percentage of the courses offered. The review further shows that there is an ongoing increase in educational material and training sources related to these concepts while embracing technology by having virtually available on-demand courses. Reduction or removal of fees on the on demand or short training courses will attract and encourage more participants.