Certificate of Achievement

Laia Gómez

has completed the following course:

Integrated Ocean Planning: Marine Protected Areas, Multi-Use & Business Pathways

SUBMARINER Network for Blue Growth and Blue Bio Techpreneurs

The learner gained an in-depth understanding of Marine Protected Areas, ocean multi-use, and sustainable Blue Economy strategies. They explored governance tools, innovative business models, financing mechanisms, and career pathways. Through real-world case studies, they developed skills to balance conservation goals with economic and social impacts, contributing to sustainable ocean planning and marine innovation.

4 weeks, 4 hours per week

Angela Schultz-Zehden

Managing Director

SUBMARINER Network for Blue Growth

97%
overall score

Transcript

Learning outcomes

  • Develop foundational knowledge of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), maritime spatial planning (MSP), and ocean multi-use as key elements of sustainable ocean governance.
  • Practice analysing real-world MSP and multi-use cases to explore how ocean space can be managed effectively for conservation and economic activities.
  • Explore the role of MPAs in regional and global strategies and assess their effectiveness in delivering both ecological protection and socio-economic benefits.
  • Evaluate business tools and planning strategies to develop financially viable and sustainable MPA management approaches, including ecosystem service valuation and blended finance.
  • Identify responsibilities of MPA managers and explore career pathways by engaging in simulations, stakeholder exercises, and roleplay activities.

Syllabus

Week 1 Exploring Human Activities at Sea

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), ocean uses, maritime spatial planning (MSP), blue growth, integrated ocean management, spatial conflicts and synergies, ocean user combinations, stakeholder engagement, national MSP approaches in Europe.

Week 2 Multi-Use and the Business Model

Pilot initiatives and case studies, commercialisation and upscaling, business plan development, funding and investment opportunities, business model canvas, entrepreneurship in ocean multi-use, professional roles and career pathways.

Week 3 MPAs as Governance Tools: Conservation Outcomes and Socio-Economic Impacts

Global and European perspectives on MPAs, conservation effectiveness, integration with MSP, socio-economic implications, stakeholder participation, governance frameworks, spatial planning tools, challenges in implementation.

Week 4 Integrating Ecosystem Services, Business Strategies for MPAs & the role of MPA manager

Ecosystem services provided by MPAs, nature-inclusive design in blue economy sectors, sustainable business opportunities, financial planning and mechanisms, cost-effectiveness, blended finance, MPA management responsibilities, capacity building and training for MPA professionals.

In association with

Issued on 30th April 2026

The person named on this certificate has completed the activities in the transcript above. For more information about Certificates of Achievement and the effort required to become eligible, visit futurelearn.com/proof-of-learning/certificate-of-achievement.

This certificate represents proof of learning. It is not a formal qualification, degree, or part of a degree.

Free online course:

Integrated Ocean Planning: Marine Protected Areas, Multi-Use & Business Pathways

SUBMARINER Network for Blue Growth