The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) will host the first national Marine Spatial Planning Stakeholder Summit, on the 28th of June 2016, at the Atlantic Beach Golf Club, Melkbosstrand, Cape Town.

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a process that enables a better development of ocean uses. MSP is an integrated, policy based approach to the regulation, management and protection of the marine environment including allocation of space that addresses the multiple, cumulative and potentially conflicting uses of the sea and thereby facilitates sustainable development. It improves decision making of marine resources, users, and uses within their jurisdiction. As a common pool resource, the coastal and ocean areas require a public and transparent process that allocates space and resources in an effective, efficient and equitable manner. MSP is envisaged to be a flexible, regional, integrated, ecosystem-based approach to address multiple uses of the ocean and coasts, and the Prince Edward Island.

The department has been tasked with the responsibility of coordinating this process, leading to unlocking the economic potential of the marine environment in a strategic manner. The MSP will guide what happens in South Africa’s ocean space, ensuring that the various human activities are carried out in the right place and at the right time. This will therefore enable sustainable economic growth whilst protecting the marine environment, and recognizing the needs of all.

Source: Department of Environmental Affairs