This interactive, hands-on workshop is designed to strengthen practical skills in marine biodiversity assessment, specimen identification and applied taxonomy. Using sponges as a focal group, alongside examples from other benthic invertebrates, participants will gain experience in: Specimen handling, preservation and processing; Morphology- and image-based identification; Molecular and genetic tools; biodiversity data workflows and standards; Natural history collections; Deep-sea biodiversity and conservation; Practical group work with real samples. The workshop is intended for MSc and PhD students, researchers, technicians, museum staff and professionals from government agencies and NGOs across Africa working in marine science, fisheries,  biodiversity assessment, monitoring or conservation. A basic understanding of marine biology is useful, but no previous experience in taxonomy is required.

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