The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) and the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Commission (DG MARE) adopted today a “Joint Roadmap to accelerate Maritime/Marine Spatial Planning processes worldwide”.

The roadmap identifies common challenges and proposals for actions to be implemented in the coming years, reaching out for collaboration with other UN bodies and Member States. The joint document is a practical outcome of the Second International Conference on Maritime/ Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) organised jointly by DG-MARE and IOC-UNESCO on 15-17 March 2017.

The main objective of the Conference was to review the status of Maritime/Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) – one decade after the first International MSP Conference – and to identify a path forward that addresses multiple global challenges from 2017 onwards. The outcome went far beyond expectations, showcasing an international community of planners and stakeholders ready to identify solutions and commit to cross-sectoral actions in order to conserve our oceans and seas and to use their resources in a more sustainable way.

Exchanging experiences and networking, including through innovative tools such as gaming and cartooning, brought together 300 maritime players around the table and empowered them to promote the planning of the maritime space around the globe. Across eleven thematic sessions, conference speakers highlighted MSP as a significant planning tool and process to implement global ocean governance goals and in particular the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It can ensure that the global ocean remains healthy and sustainably managed, delivering economic growth, jobs and resources to all countries. Click here for more information.