IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)
Advancing knowledge and cooperation for a healthy ocean and prosperous society
UN21: Accelerate Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific
MSP Demonstration Sites
Demonstration sites play a critical role as two-way knowledge exchange platforms, facilitating the transfer of expertise to MSP practitioners while visibly showcasing the benefits of marine spatial planning. These sites are instrumental in promoting the replication of good practices within the region and beyond. Their establishment was identified as a priority action to accelerate MSP implementation in the Western Pacific during the First Regional MSP Expert Group Workshop held in November 2023.
To date, six demonstration sites have been initiated across five countries: Chonburi (Thailand), Qinzhou (China), Jeollanam-do (Republic of Korea), Kedungsepur and Muara Demak (Indonesia), and Koh Rong Marine National Park (Cambodia)
The MSP initiative in Chonburi prioritizes integrated solutions to resolve conflicts arising from environmental degradation and increasing demand for marine resources. A strong emphasis will be placed on effective stakeholder engagement to ensure an inclusive and participatory planning process throughout the development of the MSP.
The Qinzhou Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) initiative will address several critical issues, with a strong focus on restoring degraded marine resources and ecosystems through positive and proactive solutions. It will also enhance strategies for adapting to the impacts of climate change. In addition, the initiative will involve comprehensive assessments of multiple sea-use scenario simulations, particularly within the context of land-sea interactions, to support informed and integrated decision-making.
Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea
The MSP initiative at the Jeollanam-do demonstration site will explore the application of data fusion and scenario simulation technologies, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Twin approaches. These advanced tools will be utilized to address conflicts among traditional maritime sectors, emerging blue economy industries, and marine ecosystem conservation, enabling more integrated and forward-looking spatial planning.
The Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) for the Kedungsepur National Strategic Area is being developed with a focus on advancing the region’s strategic economic interests. The initiative aims to boost the marine economy while carefully considering the area’s environmental carrying capacity and promoting the sustainable management of marine resources.
The MSP initiative in Muara Demak, located in Demak Regency, Central Java, focuses on managing marine sedimentation and enhancing the effectiveness of mangrove ecosystem development and rehabilitation. These objectives will be achieved through the formulation and implementation of a Detailed Marine Spatial Plan.
The Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) initiative for Koh Rong Marine National Park aims to reduce conflicts between local livelihood activities and ecosystem conservation, as well as between inhabited zones and designated protected areas. It also seeks to enhance coordination among managing authorities and stakeholders to support more effective and balanced marine governance.
The selection of demonstration sites is conducted on a rolling and voluntary basis. Member States are encouraged to initiate pilot MSP activities and advance substantial marine spatial planning processes, including the development of transboundary MSP initiatives.