As of 2021, over forty-five countries worldwide are either implementing or approving marine spatial plans – and dozens more laying the foundation – moving away from isolated sectoral management to an integrated planning framework for their maritime jurisdiction.
Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) is a multi-sectoral participatory process and methodology for planning and management of ocean and coastal zones. Building on decades of leadership in setting up MSP guidelines, UNESCO and the European Commission have launched a new MSP flagship guide to support planners in shaping the future of international sustainable ocean governance.
Produced jointly by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), the “MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning” presents a diversity of topics, case studies and actions to assist governments, partners and practitioners in their MSP processes.
From setting the scene and designing the planning process to implementation and evaluation, the publication draws on the expertise and experience accumulated worldwide on technical, practical and conceptual aspects related to MSP since the first guide was published in 2009 by the IOC-UNESCO. It addresses new and emerging issues related to ecosystem-based management, such as the blue economy and climate change, and incorporates MSP within the more global context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Read more and download the report on the MSP Global website.