Marine Spatial Planning (MSP): Meaning, Objectives and Global Importance

Context: The Odisha government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) to launch a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP), making it the first state in India to implement such a framework in the second phase of sustainable ocean planning.

About Marine Spatial Planning (MSP)

• According to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, MSP is defined as a public, political process.
• Core Function: Analyzing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas.
• Triple Bottom Line: Aims to achieve balanced ecological, economic, and social objectives.
• Goal: To manage coastal and marine areas sustainably, boosting the blue economy while strengthening climate resilience. It specifically helps with: Port development, setting up industries, & Sustainable utilization of marine energy and economic activities.

Marine Spatial Planning Rationale for Odisha

• Extensive Coastal Ecosystems: Odisha’s 550-km coastline hosts globally sensitive zones, including Chilika Lake (India’s largest lagoon) and the Bhitarkanika mangroves.
• Scientific Resource Management: The Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) balances competing demands across fisheries, tourism, maritime trade, and ocean energy
• Resilient Blue Economy: The plan drives economic growth while ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources to maintain long-term ecosystem health.

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