Introduction

　　With the entry into force of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the implementation of the decisions of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, a new era of ocean governance and marine resources development and conservation is drawing. The international community is now facing with the urgent task of rational development and protection of the oceans. To fulfill this task, training of marine management personnel for the developing coastal countries is essential. Thus, in the spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation, the State Oceanic Administration of China (SOA) and the International Ocean Institute (IOI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an IOI China Operational Center ( IOI China ) in the National Marine Data & Information Service, Tianjin, China, on 14 October 1994. It was agreed that the IOI China Operational Center should carry out the research and training programs agreed upon by both parties, making mutual contribution to the training of marine personnel for the developing countries.

　　The training programs of the IOI China Operational Center is broadly interdisciplinary, and promotes a spirit of sustainable development, common heritage of mankind, and international cooperation. According to its plan, the IOI China Operational Center holds a 5-week training course on “The Implementation of the Law of the Sea, UNCED Agenda 21 and Coastal Zone Management”and “Deep Sea Bed Mining”every year alternatively. The participants are selected from the developing coastal countries in the Asia-Pacific Region.  

Mr. Chen Bingxin Deputy Administrator, State Oceanic Administration Chairman, Advisory Committee of IOI China	Prof. Elisabeth Mann Borgese Founder and Honorary President of IOI	Prof. Hou Wenfeng  Director, National Marine Data & Information Service,SOA and IOI China

Training and Research

　　Such training and research covers inter alia:

1. Exclusive economic zone management, including coastal management, and sustainable development;

2. Deep seabed mining;

3. Island resources development and protection;

4. Management of ports and harbors;

5. Marine pollution prevention and control;

6. The advancement of marine science and technology;

7. National legislation in ocean affairs and building of national infrastructure;

8. Regional cooperation and development.

　　Apart from conducting the training courses and participation in relevant international activities, the IOI China Operational Center actively carries out research on marine development and marine environment protection, and takes an active part in the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in China, playing an important role in the promotion of China’s marine affairs.

Governance System

　　The governance system of the IOI China Operational Center is composed of an Advisory Committee and an Office.

　　Advisory Committee:

　　The function of the Advisory Committee is to give guidance and advice to the Office. The Advisory Committee is composed as follows:

　　Chairman:  

　　Member :

　　Representative UNDP Beijing Office :

　　Office:

　　The function of the Office is to implement the research and training programs agreed upon by IOI and SOA and recommended by the Advisory Committee. The office is composed as follows:  

Operational

　　SOA is the higher authorities of the IOI China Operational Center, and in the meantime provides all necessary assistance to the IOI China Operational Center to enable it to carry out its work, including the provision of office space, teaching facilities, logistics support, and facilitating the issuing of visas for foreign participants in the training course and foreign personnel whose visit is related to the implementation of the programs of the IOI China operational Center.  

Dr.Tsutomu Fuse, Professor of International Law of Yokohama University, Director of IOI Japan granted certificate to the trainee.	Prof. Ni Zhengyu, Chairman of China Association on the Law of the Sea, Judge of International Court of Justice, delivered speech at the Regional Hearing for the World Commission on the Seas and Oceans.	Pacem in Maribus XXIV was held in Beijing during November 15-19,1996.

　　China Marine Mineral Resource Research and Development Association (COMRA) co-sponsors the operation of the IOI China Operational Center, providing necessary financial support and technical guidance to IOI China Operational Center’s infrastructure building and training course on “Deep Sea Bed Mining” held every two year.

　　IOI provides the IOI China Operational Center with books, reference materials, makes use of and compensates NMDIS for its data and information services, and raises funds for the training programs conducted by the IOI China Operational Center in China and abroad.

　　Both parties have agreed to make the IOI China Operational Center a permanent regional training center and both of them are making great efforts towards the realization of this goal.