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
Project Outputs
MSP Regional Action Framework (2025–2030) formulated and adopted
A comprehensive regional roadmap was developed to accelerate the implementation of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. This milestone reflects the region’s unified commitment to advancing sustainable ocean governance through coordinated MSP efforts.
Following a consultative and inclusive drafting process, the finalized Action Framework was officially adopted at the Fifteenth Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (March 2025, Tokyo), solidifying regional consensus to leverage MSP as a catalyst for a sustainable blue economy and delivery on national and global ocean commitments.
MSP demonstration sites established to facilitate knowledge sharing and practice transfer
To promote practical application and mutual learning in marine spatial planning (MSP), a network of demonstration sites was established under the UN Ocean Decade Action 21. These sites serve as dynamic platforms for both showcasing best practices and facilitating two-way knowledge exchange among MSP practitioners. Key achievements include:
- Establishment of Six Regional Demonstration Sites: Located in five countries—Chonburi (Thailand), Qinzhou (China), Jeollanam-do (Republic of Korea), Kedungsepur and Muara Demak (Indonesia), and Koh Rong Marine National Park (Cambodia)—the demonstration sites provide real-world settings to apply, test, and share effective MSP approaches.
- Promotion of Knowledge Transfer and Visibility of Benefits: Each site is designed to highlight the tangible benefits of MSP while fostering the transfer of knowledge and experience among local and regional stakeholders, thereby enhancing capacity and accelerating adoption of MSP best practices across the region.
Marine spatial planning capacities strengthened and stakeholder engagement expanded
Capacity development and stakeholder engagement were significantly advanced under the UN Ocean Decade Action 21, reinforcing regional implementation of marine spatial planning (MSP). Key achievements include:
- Delivery of Targeted Training Programmes: In collaboration with MSPglobal 2.0, seven national and sub-national training sessions were conducted across Thailand, China, and Pacific island countries over a two-year period. These programmes provided practical knowledge and technical support to enhance MSP competencies at various governance levels.
- Broad-Based Stakeholder Participation: By the end of 2024, over 500 stakeholders—including policymakers, technical experts, planners, Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs), and local community representatives—from more than 20 countries and international organizations actively engaged in UN 21 activities, fostering inclusive and sustained regional cooperation.
Institutional mechanism established and operationalized for project coordination
An institutional framework was successfully established to implement and coordinate the UN Ocean Decade Action 21 in the Western Pacific. Key achievements include:
- Formation of the open-ended International Group of Experts on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP): A strategic body was established to offer expert advice and insights, significantly advancing the development and implementation of marine spatial planning under the UN Ocean Decade Action 21.
- Convening of the First Regional MSPforum for the Western Pacific: This regional forum strengthened collaboration by echoing the objectives of the International MSPforum and enabling inclusive engagement of stakeholders at regional, national, and local levels.
- Operation of a Dedicated Supporting Office: A functional office was set up to provide continuous technical, logistical, and financial support, ensuring smooth and sustained implementation of the UN21 initiatives.