Posted: November 29th, 2023

Marine Spatial Planning: A Tool for Sustainable Development

Marine Spatial Planning: A Tool for Sustainable Development

Marine spatial planning (MSP) is a process that aims to improve the coordination and management of maritime activities in coastal regions, and to balance the environmental, social and economic objectives of different stakeholders. MSP can be seen as a tool for implementing the principles of sustainable development, which seek to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

MSP involves the analysis and allocation of spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas, taking into account the current and potential impacts on the marine environment and its ecosystem services, as well as the interactions and conflicts among different uses and users. MSP can help to reduce the negative effects of human activities on marine ecosystems, such as habitat degradation, biodiversity loss, overfishing, pollution and climate change. MSP can also enhance the positive effects of human activities on marine ecosystems, such as conservation, restoration, recreation, tourism, education and research.

MSP can provide a framework for integrated decision-making and governance of marine areas, involving multiple sectors, levels and actors. MSP can facilitate the implementation of relevant policies and legislation, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). MSP can also support the development of regional and transboundary cooperation, as well as stakeholder participation and public consultation.

However, MSP also faces several challenges associated with its implementation. Some of these challenges are:

– Data availability and quality: MSP requires reliable and up-to-date data on the biophysical and socio-economic characteristics of marine areas, as well as on the current and future trends and scenarios of human activities and environmental changes. However, data gaps and uncertainties often exist, especially in developing countries and remote regions. Moreover, data collection and sharing can be costly and time-consuming, and may raise issues of ownership, access and confidentiality.

– Institutional capacity and coordination: MSP requires adequate institutional capacity and coordination among different authorities and agencies responsible for different aspects of marine management, such as fisheries, environment, transport, energy, tourism, defence and security. However, institutional fragmentation and overlapping mandates often hinder effective collaboration and communication. Moreover, institutional reforms and adjustments may be needed to align existing structures and processes with the objectives and principles of MSP.

– Legal framework and enforcement: MSP requires a clear and coherent legal framework that defines the roles and responsibilities of different actors involved in MSP, as well as the rights and obligations of different users of marine space. However, legal gaps and inconsistencies may exist between different levels of governance (national, regional and international) and between different sectors (public and private). Moreover, legal enforcement may be weak or lacking, especially in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ).

– Stakeholder engagement and social acceptance: MSP requires active engagement and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, indigenous peoples, civil society organizations, private sector actors, scientific experts and other interested parties. However, stakeholder engagement can be challenging due to different interests, values, perspectives and expectations. Moreover, social acceptance may be low or variable depending on the perceived costs and benefits of MSP for different groups.

– Monitoring and evaluation: MSP requires regular monitoring and evaluation of its outcomes and impacts on the marine environment and human activities. However, monitoring and evaluation can be complex and costly due to the dynamic nature of marine systems and the multiple dimensions of MSP. Moreover, monitoring and evaluation may lack clear indicators, criteria and standards to measure progress and performance.

Despite these challenges, MSP has been increasingly adopted by many countries around the world as a promising approach to improve the coordination and management of maritime activities in coastal regions. MSP can contribute to achieving sustainable development goals by enhancing environmental protection, social equity and economic efficiency in marine areas.

References:

– Ehler C. & Douvere F., 2009. Marine Spatial Planning: A Step-by-Step Approach toward Ecosystem-Based Management. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission & Man & Biosphere Programme. IOC Manual & Guides No 53; ICAM Dossier No 6.
– Maes F., Schrijvers J., Vanhulle A., 2005. A Flood of Space: Towards a Spatial Structure Plan for Sustainable Management of the North Sea. Belgian Science Policy Office.
– Qiu W., Jones P.J.S., 2013. The Emerging Policy Landscape for Marine Spatial Planning in Europe. Marine Policy 39: 182–190.
– Smith H.D., Maes F., Stojanovic T.A., Ballinger R.C., 2011. The Integration of Land & Marine Spatial Planning. Journal of Coastal Conservation 15(2): 291–303.
– UNESCO & IOC-UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific & Cultural Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission), 2017. Marine Spatial Planning Programme.