Together with the ICBM of the University of Oldenburg, the HIFMB has been cooperating with Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha in the field of marine biodiversity research and marine conservation since 2017. This includes interacting with various stakeholder groups and marine conservation actors on both sides. In several DFG-funded scientific workshops, HIFMB, ICBM and Mandela University have already initiated several partnerships that have resulted in joint interdisciplinary research and transdisciplinary innovation projects as well as joint publications. The cooperation with Nelson Mandela University has three strategic goals, each of which is to be implemented with priority and supported by new actions:

• Establishing a strategic, innovative and vibrant research and education partnership between the HIFMB, the ICBM, and Mandela University
• Promoting the mobility of scientists at the beginning of their careers
• More diversity and equal opportunities in science

Thematically, the focus on several stressors in the coastal zone results in many similarities in questions and research approaches. There are promising synergies and ongoing research projects in the areas of marine metazoan community analysis, harmful algal blooms (HAB), environmental DNA analysis and passive acoustics to study the biodiversity of marine mammals. An exchange project of young scientists has been approved by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture for 2022; this 3-year programme will start immediately after the restrictions due to the COVID pandemic are lifted.

Further project proposals (DFG International Research Training Group, ERASMUS+, Marie S. Curie Training Networks) and other exchange formats (summer schools, symposia, workshops) will further promote mobility between the participants. Scientific cooperation is to be intensified through joint publications, further research projects and mutual meetings. Another focus of future research projects will be on social science issues related to marine policy and transformative management. When it comes to science management and knowledge transfer, both parties stand to benefit from transparently exchanging information about Nagoya protocol compliance and supporting each other in implementing BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction).