Recognising the People Behind Marine Conservation

CORE COMPETENCIES

The Building Blocks of Professional Excellence

At the heart of WIO-COMPAS are seven core competence areas which define what every marine protected area professional needs to succeed.

01

MPA Governance

02

Marine Conservation: MPAs & Other Approaches

03

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

04

Human & Financial Resources Mobilization & Management

05

Management Implementation & Effectiveness

06

Biophysical & Social Environment Context

07

Leadership, Ethics & Innovation

Certification Levels

Level 1 Marine Field Operations
LEVEL 1 CERTIFICATION

Marine Field Operations

For professionals responsible for day-to-day management of an MPA, including maintenance, community engagement, and enforcement (rangers, parks officers,community liaison officers).

Level 2 Site Management
LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATION

Site Management

For professionals with supervisory and administrative responsibilities at the site level, such as MPA managers, wardens, or section leaders.

Level 3 Strategy & Policy
LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATION

Strategy, Policy and Planning

For professionals involved in high-level management, strategy, and policy development beyond individual MPAs, often across national or international boundaries.

CERTIFICATION PROCESS

WIO-COMPAS Certification Journey

Your journey to becoming a certified marine conservation professional in the Western Indian Ocean.

1

CHECK ELIGIBILITY

  • Relevant experience
  • Current role
  • Education/qualifications
  • Commitment to the Code of Ethics
2

APPLY

  • Complete online application
  • Provide CV and references
  • Supervisor endorsement
  • Supporting documents
3

BUILD PORTFOLIO

  • Compile evidence of your experience
  • Prepare case study
  • Develop presentation
  • Reflect on your achievements
4

ASSESSMENT EVENT

  • Portfolio review
  • Interview
  • Practical and/or written assessments
  • Professional development sessions
4-DAY EVENT
5

GET CERTIFIED

Achieve one of three MPA PRO levels:

LEVEL 1 Marine Field Operations LEVEL 2 Site Management LEVEL 3 Strategy, Policy & Planning
6

JOIN THE MPA PRO NETWORK

  • Connect with certified professionals
  • Share knowledge and experiences
  • Access opportunities
  • Continue learning and grow your impact

Raising the Standard for Ocean Stewardship.

Company

Email
secretary@wiomsa.org
Phone
+ 255 24 2233472 / 2234597
Address
Mizingani Street, House No. 734, Zanzibar

Get in Touch

Ready to see how WIO-COMPAS can help your organisation elevate marine conservation standards and develop skilled, certified MPA professionals across the Western Indian Ocean?

© 2026 WIO-COMPAS | All rights reserved | Proudly Hosted and Developed by Webdoor