Marine Spatial Planning
MARINE
SPATIAL PLANNING
Noo Raajje is developing a Marine Spatial Plan to sustainably manage the Maldivian ocean so that it will flourish for future generations. By taking a holistic approach to ocean management and stewardship, we can build a brighter future for the Maldivian economy, community and environment.
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a public participatory process that uses the best available information about the natural environment and human activities (such as fishing, tourism, shipping, renewable energy, aquaculture, and infrastructure) to plan for future use and conservation of ocean space.
The Maldives Marine Spatial Plan is being planned in two phases:
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Offshore Marine Spatial Plan: 12-200 nautical miles from the coastline
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Coastal Marine Spatial Plan: 0-12 nautical miles from the coastline
Follow Noo Raajje on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with opportunities to provide input on the future Maldives Marine Spatial Plan.
WHAT IS A
MARINE SPATIAL PLAN?
A Marine Spatial Plan is a map-based plan that designates ocean spaces for different uses and activities, what activities are allowed in each area of the ocean space, and what areas should be protected.
MARINE SPATIAL PLAN
BENEFITS
Achieves local goals for economic growth and marine protection
Creates more opportunities for future generations
Improves fishing and livelihoods
Locally led, participatory, and based on best available science and information
Adaptive implementation to increase resilience to climate change and healthier marine environments
Reduces user conflict
MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING
PROCESS
DATA GATHERING
& ANALYSIS
SCIENCE EXPEDITIONS
OCEAN USE SURVEY
LEGAL FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT
STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK
REVIEW OF GOVERNMENT PLANS & POLICIES
PLAN DEVELOPMENT
Develop draft Marine Spatial Plan with zoning of areas considering data on biodiversity, present and future economic activities, livelihoods and stakeholder feedback.
IMPLEMENTATION & ENFORCEMENT
Designate, clearly mark and enforce ocean use zones and Marine Protected Areas. New regulations will be communicated to ocean users.
MONITORING & REVIEW
The Marine Spatial Plan will be revisited and updated in the future.
STAKEHOLDER
ENGAGEMENT
The entire Marine Spatial Planning process is driven by community and stakeholder input. The Noo Raajje team conducted a nationwide Ocean Use Survey from December 2021 through November 2022 to learn how Maldivians use and value the ocean. A team of 18 survey facilitators traveled to 189 islands to engage with stakeholders and conduct surveys. The survey received 4,924 responses representing 25,000+ people, making it the largest Ocean Use Survey conducted to date. The survey results are being used to inform the development of the future Maldives Marine Spatial Plan.
MALDIVES OCEAN USE SURVEY
DECEMBER 2021 - NOVEMBER 2022
LISTENING TOUR
AUGUST - NOVEMBER 2022
Noo Raajje conducted a listening tour throughout the entire archipelago from August - November 2022 focused on fishers to better understand their priorities for the future of the ocean and thoughts on current ocean management. The engagement team also provided information on the Noo Raajje program's work and progress to date. During this period, our engagement team conducted 515 engagement sessions with 1,886 people, including 1,506 fishers, at 5 landing sites and 30 islands.
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NEXT STEPS
In collaboration with the Government of the Maldives, Noo Raajje is working to develop the future Maldives Marine Spatial Plan. All Maldivians will have the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the draft Marine Spatial Plan. Stay tuned to learn about how you can get involved in planning for the future of our ocean.
Marine Spatial Planning is driven by community and stakeholder input throughout the process.
WHO'S
INVOLVED
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Government of Maldives
The MSP Working Group is co-chaired by representatives from:
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Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture
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Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
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Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology
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Environmental Protection Agency
Additional government stakeholders involved in providing data and input throughout various stages of the MSP planning process include:
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The President’s Office
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The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard and Hydrography
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Communications Authority of Maldives (CAM)
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Ministry of Transport
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Ministry of Tourism
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Attorney General’s Office (AGO)
Blue Prosperity Coalition
The Blue Prosperity Coalition is a global network of NGOs, academic institutions, foundations, and other organizations working together to assist committed governments in developing and implementing sustainable Marine Spatial Plans to protect the environment and improve the economy at the same time.
Stakeholders
Noo Raajje has been engaging with stakeholders through the program's Steering Committee. The Noo Raajje Steering Committee includes stakeholders from various sectors and has been involved in providing their feedback throughout different stages of the program. The Steering Committee is comprised of government agencies, NGOs, academic and research groups, and ocean stakeholders. Click here to view the list of of Steering Committee members.
SeaSketch
SeaSketch is a digital mapping tool developed by the creative people in the McClintock Lab at the Marine Science Institute at the University of California Santa Barbara.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Insert FAQ here.
GET
INVOLVED
We are planning for the future of the Maldives and we need your help! In collaboration with the Government of the Maldives, Noo Raajje is working to develop the future Maldives Marine Spatial Plan. All Maldivians will have the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the draft Marine Spatial Plan.
Be sure to follow Noo Raajje on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on the program.
100+ countries around the globe are using Marine Spatial Planning to manage their ocean economies.
LINKS &
RESOURCES
MSP Around the Globe - UNESCO Marine Spatial Planning Programme
Designating Marine Spatial Planning for Implementation: A Guide for Legal Drafters - May 2020