The ocean has an essential role for life on Earth, sustainable development, employment and innovation. However, there are increasing pressures facing it, which may be overcome through Maritime/Marine Spatial Planning (MSP).
There are different levels of implementation of MSP processes in the world, including areas where MSP is in its infancy and where joint learning, improved cooperation or capacity building is needed, or areas where arrangements for MSP may exist but a strategic approach to facilitate coordination would be beneficial.
In the interest of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO) and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) to move forward the global ocean agenda, this Joint Roadmap defines priority areas and respective strategic objectives for mutual cooperation.