Involving Regional Experts in the Development

Development of the WIO-COMPAS Program began in 2006, led by WIOMSA and CRC-URI. It has been a collaborative process -- engaging leaders and practitioners from within and outside the region at every step. Steps in the process have included:

•   Conducting need and demand surveys of potential clients--both the potential candidates for the Program
and those who would fund/support their participation

•   Holding regional experts workshops to solicit input, ideas, and develop and agree the WIO-COMPAS
model ( Kenya 2007 and Tanzania 2008) and revisions to the Program based on evaluations (Tanzania
2008)

•   Hiring as part of the team, regional experts with both marine/coastal field experience and expertise in education (including certification Programs), curriculum design, professional development, and learning assessments

•   Developing the Program Framework, Operational Structure, and Business/Marketing Plan to include a
strategy for long-term funding of the Program

•   Establishing the WIO-COMPAS Advisory Committee and its roles and responsibilities

•   Securing endorsement by the IUCN (World Conservation Union) World Commission on Protected Areas
and national and regional organizations within the WIO region

•   Developing a cadre of Assessors from the region to expand their leadership opportunities

•   Evaluation meetings conducted after the first Assessment Events for Level 1 and 2.

In addition to being the first certification for MPA professionals in the world, WIO-COMPAS offers several
innovative features that serve the needs of MPA professionals in the WIO region.

•   Independent Assessors. WIO-COMPAS uses a system of independent assessors to review participant credentials and competences. This helps ensure quality and rigor of the certification process. Being awarded the title "MPA PRO" signals to the world that the recipient has been certified by a reputable group of experts, that they possess the necessary skills and experience, and commits to the professional code of ethics. MPA-PRO identifies them as a competent MPA professional.

•   Focused on WIO Region-the Program caters to the unique context of WIO through the diversity of languages and decentralized strategy for sustainability. You will be assessed on the skills and standards that are tuned to realities of the region. We speak your language!

•   Skills for the Future - in addition to assessments, candidates receive professional development and networking during the assessment process. Assessments focus on what you have done in the past. Professional development sessions provide you with the latest tools and experience for acting in the future. WIO-COMPAS is focused on providing MPA PROs with networking services after they are certified!