Report of session on Marine spatial planning in small islands and other developing States : practices and prospects held on 16 May 2011 at the 2nd International Marine Conservation Congress, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

Marine spatial planning (MSP) has emerged as a highly promoted approach to implementing integrated management of coastal and ocean areas. It is linked to ecosystem-based management (EBM), the ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF), geographic information systems (GIS), marine protected areas (MPAs) and more. Although MSP has gained global attention, its use appears to be less prominent in small island developing states (SIDS) and other developing countries than in developed countries. Whatever the reason, if we wish to make MSP matter in SIDS and other developing countries, and to know whether MSP really does provide a new window of opportunity, then more information must be exchanged amongst interested parties on practices, problems and prospects of MSP. The 2nd International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC2) held 14-18 May 2011in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, offered an occasion for examining these aspects of MSP and more with a diverse set of international presenters and participants.