The 6th Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Forum, co-hosted by Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), and the European Commission (EC), focused on advancing global ocean governance, particularly in line with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14). The event commenced with an opening ceremony featuring speeches from co-organizers and video presentations that showcased Indonesia’s journey in MSP and the Sustainable Blue Economy. A key highlight was the announcement of the next phase of the MSPglobal initiative (3.0), aimed at promoting MSP implementation worldwide.
The forum’s agenda included interactive panels, round-table discussions, and a cultural reception with Balinese dance. The second day featured discussions on two key themes: “MSP and Marine Protection & Restoration,” and “MSP and Climate Change.” Experts from Seychelles, Canada, Thailand, Portugal, Australia, and Chile contributed insights on the need for robust frameworks that enhance cooperation among agencies involved in marine conservation. They stressed that Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) should be ecosystem-based and adaptive to effectively link marine activities with conservation efforts.
In addressing climate change, participants noted that while there has been advancement in data and mapping projects, practical integration of climate considerations into MSP remains limited. The necessity for comprehensive, user-friendly guidelines was a focal point, with MSPglobal working on co-developing resources to support climate-smart MSP practices.
Day three was dedicated to stakeholder engagement, where participants visited local sites like the Mangrove Information Center and the Turtle Conservation and Education Center. This “Stakeholders Day” aimed to grasp local concerns and foster synergies between stakeholders’ roles and MSP.
On the final day, discussions centered on “MSP & the Sustainable Blue Economy,” with input from speakers from Indonesia, Belize, and France. One conclusion highlighted was that MSP is integral to achieving broader sustainable blue economy objectives. Integrating sectoral policies is crucial, and stakeholder involvement is necessary for success. The discussions underscored that appropriate marine zoning is vital for facilitating sustainable practices across various sectors.
The Indonesian Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries affirmed the nation’s commitment to integrating MSP within the framework of a sustainable blue economy, showcasing Indonesia’s leadership in this area. The forum ultimately sought to empower planners, researchers, sectors, and civil society to identify collaborative solutions for sustainable ocean resource use and conservation.
A detailed event report summarizing key messages and presentations will soon be available on the forum’s website, further contributing to the collective knowledge and practice of marine spatial planning.
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