Advancing Ocean Governance: Insights from the Multinational Naval Ocean Governance Seminar during Exercise IBSAMAR VIII 2024

On Tuesday, 08 October, the Joint Operations Division of the South African National Defence Force hosted a multi-national Ocean Governance Seminar, signaling the onset of the execution for Exercise IBSAMAR VIII 2024. The Seminar brought together key military leaders and representatives from the South African, Brazilian, and Indian navies and was attended by the Exercise Director, Captain (SAN) Sifiso Majozi as well as the Combined Joint Taskforce Commander, Captain (SAN) Vusi Mahlangu.

?The seminar aimed to strengthen the implementation of international regulatory frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, foster collaboration, enhance maritime security, emphasizing the importance of interoperability, capacity building, and sustainable ocean governance in an increasingly dynamic and volatile maritime domain. As global maritime security challenges escalate, the need for effective governance of ocean resources becomes critical. Commander (Dr.) Werner Kwak in his capacity as the ?Exercise Safety Health and Environmental Risk Advisor and event organiser echoed the sentiments of the Flag Officer Fleet, Rear Admiral Handsome Matsane that “navies survive on diplomacy”, and highlighted the necessity for joint strategies amongst navies of the world to address military-strategic security issues that impact on sea lines of communication as well as stable and secure seas in support of maritime security.

The participating nations, united by their commitment to safeguarding their respective maritime domains and resources, shared insights and best practices to strengthen their collaborative efforts through interoperability and capacity building. Commander (Dr.) Kwak presented the following ocean governance themes, to the attendees, in support of joint maritime, multi-national security:

?·???????? Maritime Law and Policy Training.? Understanding international maritime law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and regional agreements. This training is intended to enhance legal knowledge necessary for effective enforcement of maritime regulations and policies related to fisheries, pollution, and maritime security.

?·???????? Sustainable Ocean Management. Framework for sustainable practices that protect marine biodiversity while enabling responsible resource utilization. Training on environmental laws, pollution control measures, and response strategies for oil spills and other environmental hazards. This will prepare navies to address environmental threats and protect marine ecosystems.

?·???????? Maritime Security Challenges. Presentation on evolving security threats, including piracy, trafficking, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishery activities, maritime infrastructure and the impact of climate change on maritime stability.

?·??????? Strategic Partnerships and Civil-Military Cooperation. The need for enhanced cooperation and interoperability among nations was emphasized, with particular focus on joint multinational training exercises, information sharing, and coordinated response strategies.

?·????? Technological Innovations. The role of emerging technologies in monitoring and managing ocean resources was explored, highlighting the potential of satellite surveillance and data analytics.

?·??? ? ??Interagency Collaboration and Coordination. Focus. Promote cross-sectoral engagement and partnerships with civilian agencies such as fisheries departments, environmental protection agencies, and law enforcement, that will enhance the overall maritime governance framework.

Future Initiatives The seminar concluded by amplifying the opportunity of exercises such as Ex IBSAMAR VIII 2024 to develop Ocean Governance Doctrine that incorporates the insights gathered during joint planning meetings and exercises. The Exercise Director of Exercise IBSAMAR VIII 2024 emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and joint exercises to reinforce the capabilities of the participating navies. As the seminar ended, a renewed sense of purpose emerged among attendees, with proposals for follow-up seminars and initiatives aimed at reiterating the importance of ocean governance capacity building to ??promote regional maritime security.

?Ex IBSAMAR VIII 2024 Joint Multinational Ocean Governance Seminar cemented the importance of international collaboration in addressing the challenges facing the world's oceans. Captain (SAN) Doric Swart closed the seminar by reiterating the importance for navies to address ocean governance within the context of maritime security. By working together, the South African, Brazilian, and Indian navies are better prepared to play a pivotal role in ensuring maritime safety and security, the sustainable management of marine resources, fostering peace and stability in maritime domains, and setting a precedent for future cooperative efforts.

?The insights gained and commitments made during this seminar will undoubtedly contribute to a more secure and sustainable ocean governance framework in the years to come.