WIOMN promotes expertise sharing and capacity development to strengthen knowledge, skills, and collaboration among stakeholders involved in mangrove research, conservation, and management.

This programme is actively implemented through WIOMN-supported projects across the region. For example, under the regional project Sustainable Use of Mangroves in the Western Indian Ocean Region (Bengo Project), communities and local organizations are trained in mangrove restoration, monitoring, and governance, while Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) are strengthened to engage effectively with government institutions. Similarly, through the RECOS project, WIOMN facilitates regional collaboration by bringing together mangrove experts from IOC countries to co-develop tools, share case studies, and participate in training workshops and exchange visits. For the Strengthening the Network of Climate Resilient Ecosystems across the Pemba Channel Coral Reef Climate Refuge project, WIOMN provides technical support and hands-on training to communities and marine protected area managers on mangrove assessment, restoration, and monitoring. The Mangrove Restoration Book Project which documents real-world restoration practices, challenges, and lessons learned from different countries, the book enables peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange across the region. This collaborative process enhances the capacity of stakeholders to design and implement more effective restoration initiatives based on shared regional experience

These projects demonstrate how WIOMN strengthens regional expertise by combining scientific knowledge, local experience, and practical skills development.