The southern Union Territory of Puducherry has emerged as a pioneer in marine spatial planning by launching India’s first Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework. This initiative is part of the Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Initiative. The MSP is built in collaboration with Norway and aims to develop a sustainable utilisation strategy for ocean resources.
Understanding Marine Spatial Planning
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) embodies a comprehensive, evidence-based method used to analyze current and anticipated usages of oceans and coastal zones. Moreover, it is about identifying suitable areas for various activities. The MSP thus functions as a public policy process, enabling society to devise effective strategies for sustainable use and protection of oceans and coasts.
About the MSP Framework
The Ministry of Earth Sciences oversees the implementation of MSP through institutions such as the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, the Puducherry Coastal Zone Management Authority, and the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Puducherry. This framework is being implemented in cooperation with the Norwegian Environment Agency.
This partnership between India and Norway translates into continued support for sustainable usage of ocean resources, aiming at economic and social development in coastal regions. After successful pilots in Lakshadweep and Puducherry, the framework could potentially be adopted in other coastal areas across India.
Significance of MSP Framework
The MSP Framework brings multiple benefits to the table, some of them are:
Ecosystem-based Approach
The MSP approach balances the requirement for ocean health enhancement and economic prosperity. It does so by integrating social equity and inclusion principles into policy planning.
Vital Governance Tool
This framework serves as a critical governance tool, fostering the evolution of a Blue Economy. Here, ocean resource management is sustainable and equitable as opposed to an unsustainable “brown economy”.
Tool for Balancing Contrasting Interests
The MSP can accommodate contrasting demands – tourism development and the concerns of fishing communities with regard to coastal land and marine water use.
In Line with Blue Economy Policy
India’s Blue Economy policy aims to enhance the contribution of coastal areas to GDP while preserving marine biodiversity. Current figures indicate that the blue economy accounts for 4.1% of India’s GDP.
Vast Coastline Opportunity
With an expansive coastline measuring nearly 7,500 kilometers, India possesses a unique maritime position that offers significant opportunities for both, sustainable economic growth and environmental responsibilities. With such strategic advantages, the successful implementation of MSP could redefine India’s approach to coastal and ocean resource management.