Ehrlich Desa of UNESCO/IOC presented on the development of capacity of member states in ocean sciences and observation. He highlighted that capacity development of IOC member states is a cross-cutting issue with the long-term objective of improving ocean governance through good science and its interface with decision makers. Desa recommended that science-based oceans governance should: address national priorities, empower national institutes, involve civil society, promote sponsorship, rather than donations, and establish time-bound capacity development activities. 

On UNESCO/IOC ‘s relation to states, Desa clarified that it works collaboratively with member countries to determine needs and ultimately aims to build national capacity such that outside support is unnecessary. On UNEP, he said there is a close relationship, but that UNESCO/IOC faces challenges implementing the "one UN" concept in its capacity-building work. On the role of science, he said it should only be seen as helping decisions, not dictating them. On building institutional capacity versus training individual experts, Odunton noted efforts to ensure trained individuals remain in developing countries and stressed the need for capacity building through institutions in developing countries. 

See:

IISD  

Overview of capacity-building activities and initiatives in ocean affairs and the la w of the sea, including marine science and transfer of technology: Link for the panels and abstracts  

Marine science capacity-building as part of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea.