The aim of this workshop is to bring together those carrying out or planning to carry out coral reef restoration projects in the Western Indian Ocean region with scientists working on improving the cost-effectiveness and efficacy of reef restoration. We aim to share lessons learnt from research studies and actual restoration projects as well as informing participants of new techniques and trying out some of these in the field, so that those who wish, can get hands-on experience of restoration techniques. In addition, the scientists want to learn about the successes and problems of real restoration projects so that they can better target their research to managers’ needs. To this end the final day is devoted to discussion of projects on which the participants are engaged (or are planning) and participants are invited to bring along a short presentation on their restoration activities and put questions to a panel of scientists.

The workshop will take place over five days at the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) of the University of Dar es Salaam in Zanzibar. There will be two field days and three days at IMS. There are expected to be at least 12 WIO regional participants attending.

Goal:
To offer training and exchange ideas as well as challenges facing coral reefs and to evaluate and enhance the contribution of coral restoration and remediation as a viable management option in the Western Indian Ocean region.

Objectives:

1. To review successes and failures of existing coral reef restoration and remediation actions in the WIO region;
2. To evaluate critical conditions (physical, biological and social) for initiation of restoration actions (i.e. when and where?);
3. To demonstrate the importance of coral nurseries in reef restoration;
4. To strategise on approaches that will involve local communities in reef restoration.

Target:
The course is targeting a maximum number of 12 persons, particularly marine scientists or coastal managers, etc. involved or planning to be involved in coral reef restoration from the following countries: Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles.

Study topics:
Topics that will be covered include the following: Restoration and remediation concepts; Success and failure examples from participants and trainers; Ecological conditions and indicators for initiation of restoration actions; Selection of suitable species for restoration actions; Involving local community in restoration actions; Deciding on restoration goals and best approaches

Sponsorship
Successful candidate will be awarded scholarships to cover for travel and living costs during the training workshop. The Workshop is jointly sponsored by the GEF-Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity Building for Management project, Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) and the Institute of Marine Sciences.

How to apply
Eligible and interested candidates should complete an Application form and submit it by email or Fax to:

The Director,
Institute of Marine Sciences,
GEF-CRTR Centre of Excellence, Zanzibar.
Email: director@ims.udsm.ac.tz
Fax: +255 24 2233050

And or
Dr Christopher Muhando (muhando@ims.udsm.ac.tz)

Before 31st May 2009. Participants will be selected based on their application material and successful candidates will be notified during the first week of June 2009.