The countries of the Western Indian Ocean region desperately need to build capacity in the marine sciences. Indeed, to fulfill its vision, ACEP requires more marine scientists than are available in the various partner countries! ACEP has as a core component an active capacity building initiative, and we are actively seeking both researchers and potential students to join the Programme with these goals in mind.

ACEP is perhaps unique in being able to contribute to capacity building over such a broad spectrum of disciplines. By virtue of its varied multidisciplinary approach, its national and international partnerships, its high profile and public appeal, and its relevance to the livelihoods and quality of life of so many people, ACEP is poised to have far reaching positive impacts in the region. ACEP has the potential to place the region at the forefront of marine biodiversity sciences globally.