The training workshop took place from 18 to 20 August, 2026, with the aim of strengthening conceptual and practical tools in Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), and Ocean Governance. This initiative is part of the efforts of the PROCARIBE+ project, co-funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), of which Colombia is a beneficiary country.

To conclude the agenda, a practical participatory diagnostic workshop was held on 21 August, with key stakeholders from the Cartagena Bay MSP pilot project. The workshop aimed to characterize, analyze, and reach agreement on the socioeconomic uses and activities currently converging in this marine and coastal territory.

Contextualizing Marine Spatial Planning and Coastal Management in Colombia

During the first day, the 21 participants explored current international frameworks, as well as the conceptual foundations and tools of ICZM and MSP. Colombia’s regulatory and institutional progress in implementing public policies aimed at the sustainable planning and management of its seas and coasts was also presented.

The six phases of the MSP process described in the MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning were also explored in detail. These phases are essential for laying the groundwork, designing the planning process and conducting assessments for a marine spatial plan, among other aspects. Each conceptual phase was complemented by sessions tailored to the Colombian context, allowing participants to gain insight into the territorial reality and understand practical mechanisms for approaching marine and coastal planning objectively.

One of the highlights of the day was the session dedicated to engaging the various stakeholders —both coastal and marine— whose knowledge and experience are essential to an inclusive and participatory approach. In addition, the first part of the MSP Challenge was played. This strategic board game simulates the conflicts, synergies, negotiations, and mutual concessions inherent in an MSP process within a marine area shared by the fictional countries of Bayland, Peninsuland, and Island. 

As part of the challenge, participants had to design their plan by establishing a vision, objectives, actions, the stakeholders involved and indicators based on the profile of their assigned country. 

IOC of UNESCO, 2026

Understanding Governance, Data, and Context Regarding the Importance of Biodiversity and Climate in Marine Spatial Planning

The second day focused on Colombia’s legal and governance framework for marine and coastal affairs, the data and assessments required for MSP, and relevant national and international experiences in its implementation.

It was noted that, while Colombia does not have specific legislation for MSP, there is a National Inter-agency Working Group on MSP, in which 18 national institutions participate. Coordinated by the Directorate of Marine, Coastal, and Aquatic Affairs of the Ministry of the Environment, the working group addressed this issue as a matter of national importance.

The participants also examined the challenges posed by climate change for coastal planning, the contributions of MSP to a sustainable blue economy, and the role of marine conservation and restoration as fundamental elements in promoting sustainable, resilient and inclusive use of marine and coastal areas.

IOC of UNESCO, 2026

Lessons Learned and Next Steps

During the third day of the training, participants emphasized the importance of having unified environmental criteria and up-to-date tools to strengthen land-use and marine and coastal planning, including the incorporation of new planning considerations related to mangroves, marine pollution, and climate change. They also highlighted the importance of understanding the roles of local authorities in coastal governance, as well as the approaches and tools of ecosystem-based management in land-use planning. Participants emphasized the need for effective community participation, recognizing that local knowledge is essential to protecting strategic ecosystems and ensuring the legitimacy of planning processes.

The participants then continued the planning process in the fictional countries featured in the board game. Upon completing the exercise, they recognised the importance of understanding the behavior of industries and sectors other than those they engage with in their daily lives, as well as the conflicts and synergies that may emerge during the planning process and the challenges it entails.

IOC of UNESCO, 2026

Communities Take Action

On 21 August, the workshop “Mapping the Present to Plan for the Future: Uses of Marine Space in Cartagena Bay” was held with the stakeholders involved in the Cartagena Bay MSP pilot project. The involvement of local communities during the three-day training not only provided them with new knowledge and tools, but also strengthened their motivation to continue the process.

The workshop therefore became a space for dialogue and teamwork led by community representatives themselves. Building on their newly acquired knowledge, the communities, together with institutions, sectors, and authorities, carried out an exercise to identify and complement existing MSP-related initiatives in the area, as well as identify the activities and spatial conflicts currently occurring in Cartagena Bay. 

The result was a map of the current conditions in the study area, developed by and for the communities themselves and other stakeholders interested in better managing the Cartagena Bay. 

IOC of UNESCO, 2026

From 13 to 17 July 2026, the IOC of UNESCO, through its MSPglobal Programme, the OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA), the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) and the Ocean Decade Capacity Development Facility (CDF) in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) and the Irish Marine Institute, brought together regional practitioners for an intensive five-day training on biodiversity inclusive and climate-smart Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and area-based management in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ).

The five-day programme was divided into  two complementary training components. Part 1 focusing on supporting the development of biodiversity inclusive and climate-smart Marine Spatial Planning for Asia and the Pacific, while Part 2 focusing on the frameworks and practical knowledge needed to design proposals of Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs) in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction under the BBNJ Agreement. 

The training built on the MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning and its complementary guidance on the biodiversity inclusive and climate-smart principles. These resources provide practical recommendations for integrating biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation and mitigation, ecosystem-based approaches and adaptive management into MSP processes.

Putting biodiversity and climate at the heart of Marine Spatial Planning  

The first part of the training, held on 13 and 14 July, focused on how biodiversity and climate considerations can be integrated throughout the MSP process.

After taking the Online MSPglobal course on Biodiversity Inclusive and Climate-Smart Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) participants explored the links between marine ecosystems, climate change, and nature-based solutions, examining the ecosystem-based approach as an operational foundation for MSP. They also considered how MSP can align with biodiversity and climate policy frameworks while addressing inclusion, rights, and different forms of knowledge in the planning process. 

Rather than focusing solely on concepts, the training placed strong emphasis on practical application. Participants worked throughout the MSP cycle, from framing the planning context and establishing objectives to assessing ecosystems and climate risks, developing spatial strategies, implementation, monitoring and adaptive management. 

A simulated MSP process gave participants the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams and consider ecological sensitivities, climate risks, cumulative impacts, spatial trade-offs, and governance options. The exercise also highlighted the importance of communication and stakeholder engagement in building long-term support for marine spatial plans.

Taking marine planning beyond national boundaries

The second part of the training, held from 15 to 17 July, extended these concepts into Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ), where ocean governance involves different legal frameworks, institutions, knowledge systems, and spatial scales.

The training introduced participants to the role of Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs) under the BBNJ Agreement and explored how established MSP methodologies, experiences and processes can contribute to their development. Participants examined how biodiversity, climate and equity considerations can be incorporated into planning approaches in ABNJ. 

The sessions moved from understanding ABMTs requirements to building the scientific and spatial evidence needed to support proposals. Participants explored approaches including Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs), as well as the role of monitoring and adaptive management. 

Particular attention was given to the challenges of working with spatial data in ABNJ, including data gaps and uncertainty. Participants considered how global datasets on biodiversity, human activities, and climate can support spatial decision-making, while also examining how knowledge and rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) can contribute to planning processes.

Connecting knowledge, governance, and action

Across the five days, the training emphasized that effective ocean planning depends not only on technical tools and spatial data, but also on cooperation, inclusive governance, communication and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. 

The two parts of the programme offered complementary perspectives: the first focused on applying biodiversity inclusive and climate-smart principles across national and regional MSP processes, while the second explored how these planning approaches can inform area-based management in the high seas.

Participants examined how experience gained through national and regional MSP can be transferred to ABNJ contexts, identifying relevant data sources, governance actors, knowledge systems and potential constraints in their own regions. Beyond these aspects, the training encouraged peer learning and contributed to a growing community of practice in the region around biodiversity inclusive, climate-smart and area-based ocean governance .

By connecting MSP experience with emerging approaches to ABNJ governance, the training in Busan highlighted the value of planning across boundaries —geographical, institutional, jurisdictional— to address shared ocean challenges.

As countries across Asia and the Pacific advance MSP while the international community moves towards implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, strengthening these connections will be increasingly important for building a coherent ocean governance framework that is science-based, inclusive, climate-resilient, and capable of protecting biodiversity while supporting sustainable use of marine resources.

DOCUMENTS:

• Agenda
• PPT

RELATED LINKS:

• MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning – Volume 1
• MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning Volume 2 – Biodiversity Inclusive Principle
• MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/ Maritime Spatial Planning Volume 3 – Climate-smart Principle

CONTACT:
MSPglobal.comm@unesco.org

The meeting brought together country representatives, the Abidjan Convention Secretariat, IOC of UNESCO through the IOCAFRICA Secretariat and the MSPglobal Programme, and the newly elected co-chairs of the Expert Group.

Following opening remarks and an introduction of the co-chairs, participants reviewed the proposed structure, working approach and timeline for the roadmap development process. Discussions focused on ensuring that the proposed scope addressed the most relevant regional MSP priorities while remaining realistic for a voluntary expert group working within the agreed timeframe.

Through plenary discussions and bilingual breakout sessions for English and French speaking participants, members reviewed the proposed thematic priorities against, considering their core objectives, expected outputs and links with existing regional initiatives. Participants also identified issues to be further addressed throughout the roadmap process, including the development of actionable recommendations, implementation pathways and resource mobilisation.

The expert group subsequently validated five thematic priorities to guide its work:

• Governance, policy and regional cooperation 
• Data, knowledge and decision support 
• Ecosystem-based management, climate resilience and sustainability 
• Sustainable blue Economy and sector integration 
• Capacity development and stakeholder engagement 

Members also reviewed and endorsed the proposed working approach and timeline, including the establishment of thematic sub-groups and the use of a common methodology to develop their respective contributions. 

The meeting demonstrated strong engagement and ownership among country representatives, who actively contributed to refining the thematic scope and working arrangements. The agreed structure provides a common framework for identifying national and regional MSP challenges, opportunities and priority recommendations. 

The next phase will focus on gathering and analysing country-level information under the five validated thematic priorities. This will be followed by work within the thematic sub-groups to develop regional recommendations. The resulting outputs will form the substantive basis for the preparation of the RegionalMSProadmap for the Atlantic Coast of West, Central and Southern Africa, its subsequent review and validation by the expert group, and co-implementation by the Abidjan Convention and the IOCAFRICA Secretariats. 

The MSP-TEG-ACA was established in 2025 under the IOC Sub Commission for Africa and the Adjacent Island States (IOCAFRICA), and the Abidjan Convention Secretariat to provide technical guidance and advice to the organizations with regards to the following: (i) Scope of work required to support Member States in MSP process; (ii) Actions geared towards informing policy and decision making on MSP at national and regional levels; (iii) Needs and desirability for undertaking MSP; and (iv) Lesson learning and capacity requirements. IOC’s MSPglobal Programme provides support to the activities of the MSP-TEG-ACA.

DOCUMENTS:

• Agenda
• PPT

RELATED LINKS:

• MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning – Volume 1
• MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning Volume 2 – Biodiversity Inclusive Principle
• MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/ Maritime Spatial Planning Volume 3 – Climate-smart Principle

CONTACT:
MSPglobal.comm@unesco.org

On 24 and 25 June 2026, 27 government representatives and practitioners from both Mainland and Zanzibar gathered in Dar es Salaam for a national training on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). Co-organized by the World Bank and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO through its MSPglobal Programme, the two day training was delivered under the Tanzania Scaling-Up Sustainable Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (TASFAM) Project, with support from the World Bank’s PROBLUE programme and the European Union.

Setting a shared direction for marine spatial planning

The opening session brought together senior representatives from the Vice President´s Office (VPO), the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries of Zanzibar, the Deep Sea Fishing Authority, the World Bank, and the Institute of Marine Sciences of the University of Dar-es Salaam, which is the IOC National Focal Point.

Speakers emphasized that MSP is central to translating Tanzania’s blue economy ambitions into coordinated action, in line with the country’s Blue Economy Policy of 2024 and National Development Vision 2050. They further affirmed that, by balancing ecological, social and economic priorities, MSP can help reduce conflicts among fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, conservation, maritime transport, and other types of infrastructure development, while protecting the ecosystems and livelihoods that depend on healthy coastal and marine areas.  They called for stronger  collaboration and partnership across institutions, describing the training as arriving at a “timely moment” to build the technical and institutional capacity that MSP requires.

The opening remarks also highlighted the progress already made.  Mainland Tanzania has prepared an MSP scoping study, national guidelines, a five-year action plan for 2026–2030, stakeholder and gender engagement frameworks, four multisectoral technical working groups, and a national steering committee. Zanzibar has established a 32-member multisectoral technical team, developed local MSP and data-management guidance, and advanced pilot local marine spatial plans in PECCA Zones 3 and 5, with further planning underway in southeast Pemba. 

Developing practical skills through participatory learning

Across the two days, participants explored the six MSP phases of the MSPglobal International Guide through thematic presentations, facilitated discussions and practical exercises. A central activity was the MSP Challenge, a strategy board game that simulated the conflicts and synergies between sectors, negotiations, and trade-offs involved in planning a shared marine space. The exercise demonstrated that successful MSP is not simply about allocating areas to different sectors. It requires reliable data, transparent decision-making, early and continuous stakeholder engagement, and collaboration across institutions and levels of government. It also gave participants an opportunity to test how competing objectives can be reconciled through dialogue and joint problem-solving. 

From training to implementation

The training supported TASFAM’s objective to strengthen the sustainable management of marine resources and expand economic opportunities for coastal communities. It also reinforced the human and institutional capacity needed for building a climate-resilient blue economy. By bringing Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar institutions into a common learning process, the event helped consolidate a shared foundation for the country’s next steps in MSP. Continued coordination, inclusive participation and investment in technical capacity will be essential to turn existing policies, guidelines and pilot initiatives into effective and nationally coherent marine spatial planning processes. 

DOCUMENTS:

• Agenda
• PPT

RELATED LINKS:

• MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning – Volume 1
• MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning Volume 2 – Biodiversity Inclusive Principle
• MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/ Maritime Spatial Planning Volume 3 – Climate-smart Principle

CONTACT:
MSPglobal.comm@unesco.org

Co-organized by the IW:LEARN project, the MSPglobal programme of UNESCO-IOC, and the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand Strategic Action Programme (SCS-SAP) Project, in collaboration with the UNEP Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA), and the UNESCO-IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC), the three day workshop strengthened regional capacities to advance ecosystem-based MSP across one of the world’s most dynamic marine regions. 

Advancing Marine Spatial Planning in a Rapidly Changing Region 

The Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) of the East Asian Seas are among the world’s most biologically diverse and economically productive marine areas. At the same time, increasing demands for ocean space, rapid coastal development, climate change, and biodiversity loss are placing unprecedented pressure on marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. 

MSP has emerged in the region as a key multisectoral process to help countries balance competing ocean uses while safeguarding marine biodiversity and supporting sustainable blue economy development. Building on a series of regional commitments and initiatives – including the Action Framework for Accelerating Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific and its Adjacent Areas (2025-2030) – the workshop provided participants with practical knowledge and tools to accelerate the development and implementation of marine spatial plans throughout the region. 

The training formed part of the growing collaboration between MSPglobal and IW:LEARN to strengthen MSP capacity worldwide. Following regional workshops held in Latin America and the Caribbean (Panama) and for the Atlantic Coast of West, Central and Southern Africa (online) in 2025, the Bangkok workshop marked the third event in this regional learning series. 

Building Knowledge Through Practical Learning 

Delivered by experts from MSPglobal and GRID-Arendal, the three-day programme combined theoretical sessions with interactive discussions, simulation exercises, and hands-on learning activities designed to strengthen participants’ technical understanding of MSP. 

Participants explored the core principles and phases of the MSP process, examined practical implementation approaches, and discussed how national and regional MSP initiatives contribute to achieving broader global ocean commitments. Particular attention was given to strengthening connections between MSP, sustainable blue economy, and other ecosystem-based management approaches.

A key component of the workshop focused on the application of a newly developed practical approach for integrating MSP and sustainable blue economy considerations into the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) and Strategic Action Programme (SAP) processes implemented at the scale of LMEs in the framework of GEF International Waters projects. The increasing institutionalization of MSP within ocean governance makes it very likely that a TDA/SAP in a marine or coastal region will intersect with existing MSP processes, and TDA/SAP practitioners will have opportunities to support and strengthen MSP through their work, and vice versa. Through collaborative exercises and simulations, participants reflected about the synergies and commonalities between MSP  and the TDA/SAP methodology; how both can be considered as parallel, but mutually supportive processes. Participants also gained practical experience to be able to apply these considerations into real-world planning scenarios.

From Knowledge to Implementation

MSP is most effective when practitioners have access not only to technical guidance, but also to opportunities for collaboration, peer learning, and practical experience. By combining expert-led sessions with interactive exercises and regional dialogue, the training workshop enabled participants to translate MSP concepts into approaches that can be adapted to their own national and transboundary contexts.

Beyond strengthening individual capacities, the training contributed to building a growing network of practitioners committed to advancing ecosystem-based ocean management across the East Asian Seas.The exchange of experiences and emerging practices reinforced the value of continued regional cooperation in addressing shared marine challenges and supporting informed, coordinated decision-making.

As countries continue to implement national MSP processes and work towards sustainable blue economy objectives, initiatives such as this regional training workshop help bridge the gap between policy and practice, equipping practitioners with the skills and partnerships needed to accelerate effective and inclusive marine spatial planning across the region.

RELATED LINKS:

• MSPglobal course on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP)
• MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning (Volume 1)

CONTACT

MSPglobal.comm@unesco.org

Bringing the MSP Task Team together – in person for the first time

While the first IOCARIBE MSP Task Team meeting was held virtually, this second meeting brought representatives physically together –a moment of particular significance for a network built on regional collaboration. For many participants, it was the first opportunity to meet face-to face with counterparts from IOCARIBE Member States and regional organizations working together toward shared ocean governance goals. 

 The opening plenary session was co-hosted by INVEMAR and IOCARIBE, who warmly welcomed all the attendees. A second session was followed, during which representatives from UNOPS and IOCARIBE presented their ongoing efforts in MSP and marine conservation across the region, highlighting synergies and shared priorities. 

The third and fourth sessions were delivered by each task team member who presented the MSP activities underway within their country or regional context. This exchange offered a comprehensive overview of where the region stands, and the diverse pathways being pursued to advance ocean planning. 

The meeting  concluded with a structured discussion on MSP capacity development gaps and priorities that IOCARIBE Member States across the Wider Caribbean and Latin America need to address in the forthcoming years. 

© INVEMAR, 2026

Integrating biodiversity and climate-smart principles in marine planning. 

On May 12 and 13, the MSPglobal team –with the support of the OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA), INVEMAR and IOCARIBE– delivered the first-ever in-person training on ‘Biodiversity inclusive and Climate-smart MSP’ in the region. Through a combination of theoretical and hands-on practical exercises, participants enhanced their understanding on how to integrate biodiversity and climate considerations across all phases of the MSP cycle, while advancing their processes inclusively.

The sessions explored the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems, climate pressure, and human well-being, while also addressing practical applications of ecosystem-based approaches (EBA), the implementation of existing regional and global frameworks, among other topics. Participants analyzed spatial information to develop strategic scenarios aimed at supporting biodiversity recovery and climate resilience, and identified actionable steps to implement tailored recommendations in specific contexts –overcoming existing gaps or barriers through and targeted actions. 

© UNESCO-IOC, 2026

The training’s theoretical content drew directly from MSPglobal’s International guidelines on Biodiversity inclusive principle (Volume 2) and Climate-smart principle (Volume 3), as well as the recently launched online course on ‘Biodiversity inclusive and climate smart MSP’, available in English and Spanish languages through OTGA. 

Why integrating biodiversity and climate-smart principles into MSP matters?

As marine and coastal areas are facing increasing pressures from biodiversity loss, climate change, and competing human uses, MSP has emerged as a key instrument to addressing these challenges in an integrated, ecosystem-based, and participatory manner. However, effectively integrating biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation and mitigation, and inclusive governance principles and translating global commitments –including those under the Kunning-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement– into MSP processes remains a significant capacity gap in many regions, including Latin America and the Caribbean. 

This regional training directly responds to that need. By strengthening technical and practical capacities of practitioners, it enables countries to operationalize biodiversity and climate commitments through MSP at national and sub-national levels, helping to ensure that the MSP processes of tomorrow are resilient, inclusive and grounded in the best available science. 

DOCUMENTS:

• Presentations

RELATED LINKS:

• • MSPglobal course on Biodiversity Inclusive and Climate-Smart Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP)
  • MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning Volume 2 – Biodiversity Inclusive Principle
  • MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/ Maritime Spatial Planning Volume 3 – Climate-smart Principle

CONTACT:
MSPglobal.comm@unesco.org

Ocean health depends on continued strengthened collaboration and on how spatial decisions are made across shared seas. That message framed the side event “Marine Spatial Planning in West Africa: Sharing Knowledge, Sharing Action”, co-organised by the REDUCE Project and the MSPglobal Programme on 29 April 2026 during the 12th PRCM Regional Marine and Coastal Forum in Nouakchott, Mauritania. Bringing together national and regional experts, the round table explored how marine spatial planning (MSP) can connect biodiversity conservation, sustainable fisheries, bycatch reduction and inclusive blue economie development.

Shared ocean space, shared priorities

The MSP side event took place within FOMACO 2026, convened by the Regional Partnership for the Conservation of the Coastal and Marine Zone in West Africa (PRCM) under the theme “Ocean health: the lever for a sustainable and inclusive blue economy”. The forum provided an important regional platform for discussing integrated governance, sustainable fisheries, biodiversity conservation, innovative financing and cooperation across West Africa. Within this agenda, the side event positioned MSP not as a technical exercise alone, but as a participatory governance process for balancing ocean uses, reducing pressure on marine ecosystems and supporting coastal livelihoods.

Connecting REDUCE and MSPglobal: The milestone collaboration

The REDUCE–MSPglobal collaboration brought together two complementary perspectives. REDUCE contributes evidence (tracking data) and decision support tools to reduce bycatch of threatened marine megafauna such as sea turtles and supports sustainable fisheries management in the Eastern Central Atlantic. MSPglobal contributes international guidance, capacity development and practical approaches for ecosystem-based, biodiversity inclusive, climate-smart, cross-sectoral and transboundary marine spatial planning. Together, the initiatives showed how bycatch risk information, stakeholder knowledge and spatial planning can inform decisions that are more precise, inclusive and feasible.

From evidence to action

Opening remarks introduced REDUCE objectives and results, MSPglobal tools and supporting materials, and opportunities related to funding and data sharing. The discussion underlined that effective MSP depends on strong partnerships and bridging science and policy: data must be accessible, usable and trusted by the institutions and communities expected to act on it.

REDUCE presented its work to identify bycatch hotspots for threatened marine megafauna, including sea turtles, and to develop decision-support approaches that can guide spatial and temporal management measures. This provided a clear example of how scientific evidence can support targeted action, helping managers protect vulnerable species while reducing unnecessary impacts on fishing activity.

MSPglobal presented its activities at global, regional and national levels. At global level, guides and good practices documents have been developed for several topics including biodiversity inclusive MSP, climate-smart MSP, engaging offshore wind energy in MSP, etc. Also, self-paced online trainings are made available on the OTGA platform. At regional level, MSPglobal is facilitating the development of a regional MSProadmap by experts of the recently established MSP Technical Expert Group for the Atlantic Coast of Africa (MSP-TEG-ACA) under the lead of the Abidjan Convention and IOCAFRICA Secretariats. At national level, the Programme has been devoted to support national in-person trainings and implementation of the MSPglobal Rapid Assessment Methodology (RAM).

Putting cooperation into practice

Practical experiences from Côte d’Ivoire and Benin grounded the MSP discussions. For Côte d’Ivoire, the Grand-Bassam experience, building on outputs of the implemented RAM, highlighted progress towards a management plan while pointing to challenges around governance, financing, institutional mandates and shared data. For Benin, participants heard about a 10-stage MSP process with support of a past MSP initiative (namely MAMI WATA) that drove the creation of two marine protected areas in Donaten and Bouche du Roy; the support of MSPglobal with national training and implementation of the RAM was also highlighted. A key lesson was the value of combining scientific data with Stakeholders Ecological Knowledge (SEK) to ensure local buy-in: build legitimacy, improve accuracy and strengthen local ownership.

The interactive session invited participants to identify shared challenges, opportunities for regional cooperation and priority actions for MSP in West Africa. Data, knowledge and decision support emerged as the top priorities, followed by stronger governance and cooperation. Participants also highlighted barriers including limited data access and availability, weak capacity to translate raw data into planning decisions, control deficits, un-enforceable laws and collisions among sectoral policies.

Next steps for West Africa

The MSP side event closed with a clear direction: Call for continued collaboration. MSP in West Africa will require stronger institutional coordination, sustained capacity development, inclusive stakeholder engagement, regional data-sharing and financing that can move planning from dialogue to implementation. By linking bycatch reduction, sustainable fisheries, biodiversity conservation and inclusive governance, the round table contributed directly to the Forum’s central message. Moreover, the key findings will be shared with the MSP-TEG-ACA as a source of information to the regional MSProadmap under development. A sustainable blue economy in West Africa depends on healthy marine ecosystems—and on the shared plans, partnerships and evidence needed to protect them.

DOCUMENTS:

• Presentations

RELATED LINKS:

• REDUCE Project: Protecting Marine Biodiversity for a Sustainable Future
• MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning Volume 2 – Biodiversity Inclusive Principle
• MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/ Maritime Spatial Planning Volume 3 – Climate-smart Principle
• MSPglobal Rapid Assessment Methodology

CONTACT:
MSPglobal.comm@unesco.org

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