Deep-Sea Capacity Development Maturity Model
The Deep-Sea Capacity Development Maturity Model is a practical, user-friendly framework developed by the Ocean Discovery League (ODL) to support organizations in evaluating and strengthening their deep-sea capacity development efforts. Rooted in the principles of equity, sustainability, and local empowerment, the model responds to a persistent global inequity in access to deep-sea research tools and opportunities—particularly affecting low- and middle-income countries and Small Island Developing States. By integrating monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practices with a maturity-based self-assessment, the model provides a roadmap for continual improvement, long-term impact, and more inclusive participation in deep-sea science.
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The model stems from extensive research, a global assessment, and consultation with experts. It addresses the lack of standardized M&E tools in ocean science and centers on values such as transparency, local ownership, and adaptability. Designed for NGOs, academic institutions, research centers, governments, and funders, the model supports reflective program planning, implementation, and review. It emphasizes that long-term, sustainable capacity development must be community-driven and guided by shared metrics of progress and impact.
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Programs are self-assessed by reflecting on six core components, grouped into two categories: Non-Negotiable and Adaptive. Each is scaled on a continuum from Initial to Advanced maturity. The model encourages continuous self-assessment, stakeholder engagement, and action planning, ensuring initiatives grow stronger and more equitable over time.
Core Components
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Non-Negotiable Components
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Community-Centered Ethos: Ensures that communities impacted by deep-sea exploration are equitably engaged in the research process, with benefits shared and cultural contexts respected.
Cultivating Local Talent and Leadership: Builds local capacity through mentorship, skill development, and leadership opportunities that empower communities to lead in deep-sea research.
Long-Term Impact and Sustainability: Focuses on fostering durable outcomes, knowledge retention, and ownership to ensure benefits extend beyond the program’s duration.
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Adaptive Components
Building Equitable Research Partnerships: Establishes fair, collaborative relationships with communities to co-lead research and build institutional and individual capacity.
Amplification of Research: Enhances the reach and influence of deep-sea research by ensuring findings are shared widely and accessibly, especially with local communities.
Competency Leads to Adaptability: Equips researchers with interdisciplinary, critical thinking, and communication skills to navigate and contribute to an evolving deep-sea science landscape.
How to Use the Maturity Model
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The Deep-Sea Capacity Development Maturity Model is a practical framework to help you evaluate and strengthen your capacity development efforts. By following this model, you can better understand your program’s current state, enhance your monitoring and evaluation practices, and identify areas for growth. This process not only supports continuous improvement but also allows for meaningful comparisons across programs working toward similar goals.
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Step 1: Review the Non-Negotiable Components
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Step 2: Select at Least One Adaptive Component
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Step 3: Familiarize Yourself with the Level Descriptions: Understand what Initial, Intermediate, and Advanced levels look like for your selected components.
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Step 4: Reflect and Conduct a Self-Assessment: Use reflective questions to examine your program's purpose, context, and outcomes, then assess your position within each chosen component.
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Step 5: Facilitate Conversations and Create an Action Plan: Discuss assessment results with your team to identify strengths and growth opportunities. Develop a clear plan with actions, milestones, and indicators.
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Step 6: Implementation Phase: Assign roles, allocate resources, set timelines, and monitor progress. Keep stakeholders informed and adapt as needed.
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Step 7: Revisit and Reassess: Regularly return to the model to track progress, reassess levels, and refine strategies based on outcomes and lessons learned.
Facilitation & Project Management Services
ODL offers facilitation and project management services to assist organizations with guided use of the Maturity Model. Please contact us at community@oceandiscoveryleague.org to learn more.
Accessing the Maturity Model
As we pilot this program, we'd like to be in contact with those who may find the guide useful. Please provide us with contact information below to download the full guide.