Abstract
The need for a regional marine spatial planning (MSP) strategy was emphasised by the Parties to the Nairobi Convention (NC) and partners at a meeting to discuss MSP in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) held in Dar es Salaam in March 2019. Here, the NC Secretariat was requested to work with partners to develop a strategy. From June 2020 to March 2021, a stakeholder process was undertaken to develop the principles and components of this regional strategy. The intention was to inform regional MSP processes and provide a framework for member countries to use as they develop their national strategy. Stakeholders identified the following vision for the regional strategy: “A WIO with inclusive and sustainable management of ocean and coastal ecosystem services for human wellbeing.” The goal was defined as: “An inclusive and holistic MSP process that produces a regional marine spatial plan to support the sustainable management of ocean and coastal ecosystems for all.” Based on an ecosystem-based approach to MSP, 11 objectives, nine strategic priorities and ten enabling mechanisms for implementing a regional MSP process were defined. The strategy adds a new
dimension to global MSP practices by adopting a systems thinking approach (similarly proposed by the United Nations in 2014 for green economy policymaking). The strategy provides five strategic and four technical recommendations for member countries to consider. The strategy will be presented to the Tenth Conference of Parties to the Nairobi Convention (COP10) in November 2021 for consideration as an appropriate guidance document for the region. A complete draft of the strategy and its Appendices will be available from the Nairobi Convention Secretariat thereafter.
dimension to global MSP practices by adopting a systems thinking approach (similarly proposed by the United Nations in 2014 for green economy policymaking). The strategy provides five strategic and four technical recommendations for member countries to consider. The strategy will be presented to the Tenth Conference of Parties to the Nairobi Convention (COP10) in November 2021 for consideration as an appropriate guidance document for the region. A complete draft of the strategy and its Appendices will be available from the Nairobi Convention Secretariat thereafter.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 139-144 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | WIO Science to Policy Series |
Volume | 1 |
Issue number | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 2022 |
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Enhancing coastal and marine management through research, stakeholder engagement, and bridging the gap between science and policy
Maina Mbui (Participant), Vera Horigue (Participant), Luisa Fontoura (Participant), Stephanie D'agata (Participant) & Victoria Graham (Participant)
Impact: Environment impacts, Economy impacts, Science impacts, Policy impacts