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The Backbone of Marine Professionalism
Certified Competence
Regional Reach
Assessment
Certification
MPA PROS
Where Passion Meets Professionalism
WIO-COMPAS is not just a certification programme—it’s a movement. A bold initiative by WIOMSA and the University of Rhode Island, WIO-COMPAS transforms seasoned marine practitioners into recognized conservation leaders. Our globally unique programme benchmarks performance in real-world marine management—not by what you know, but what you do.
Whether you’re a ranger on patrol, a site manager shaping MPA strategy, or a policy shaper driving regional frameworks—WIO-COMPAS has a path for you.
Core Competence Areas
Our trusted partners on the journey to excellence
WIO-COMPAS (Western Indian Ocean Certification of Marine Protected Area Professionals) is a pioneering regional certification programme that recognises and promotes excellence in marine protected area (MPA) management across the Western Indian Ocean.
Jointly implemented by the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) and the Coastal Resources Center (CRC) at the University of Rhode Island (URI), WIO-COMPAS is designed to professionalise MPA management by assessing the knowledge, skills, and practical experience of MPA practitioners.
Through a rigorous and independent certification process, WIO-COMPAS ensures that certified professionals—known as MPA PROs—meet globally recognised standards of competence, leadership, and ethical practice in marine conservation. Certification is voluntary and reflects a practitioner’s commitment to advancing their career, contributing to effective MPA governance, and supporting biodiversity conservation in the WIO region.
WIO-COMPAS strengthens individual capacity, builds institutional credibility, and helps ensure that MPAs are managed by well-qualified, motivated, and accountable professionals.
Socio-Economic Context
WIO-COMPAS, competence isn’t a goal—it’s a promise.
Our competence standards do more than certify individuals—they elevate the profession, inform MPA staffing decisions, strengthen donor confidence, and ensure that coastal communities are served by qualified, ethical, and capable leaders.
Certification isn’t awarded based on theory—it’s based on evidence of real-life performance.
Each certification level—Level 1 (Field), Level 2 (Site Management), and Level 3 (Strategy & Policy)—has its own tailored set of standards.
Competence by Certification Level
- Level 1: 41 competences
- Level 2: 69 competences
- Level 3: 56 competences
How We Assess Competence
- Portfolios (evidence from the field)
- Case Studies
- Interviews
- Presentations
- Quizzes or Written Assessments
- Insights and Reporting
CERTIFICATION PATHWAYS
Marine Field Operations
Site Management
Strategy, Policy & Planning
WIO-COMPAS Approach
To recognize demonstrated competence
What a candidate already knows and does
Based on real-world experience and evidence
Formal certification (MPA PRO status)
Independent assessment by trained assessors
See What Our Partners Say About Us.
Case Studies
