PARIS, The first WESTPAC Expert Workshop on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) was held in Qingdao, China, from November 14-15, 2023. Supported by the China Oceanic Development Foundation, the First Institute of Oceanography, European Union, and others, the workshop aimed to advance MSP in the region.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the workshop gathered over 30 marine spatial planners, experts, and stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the UN Ocean Decade Action 21. MSP is increasingly important worldwide, but many Asian countries are still in early stages of national agenda inclusion.

The workshop showcased the latest MSP knowledge and development status, with presentations from experts across the region and international organizations. Topics included MSP technical guides, capacity development, cooperative mechanisms, and pilot activities.

The workshop concluded with concrete actions for the next two years, including toolkit development, MSP demonstration projects, and regional MSP roadmap development. The MSP Group will meet regularly to review action progress and finalize the draft regional roadmap, set to be endorsed in early 2025.

Participants appreciated the First Institute of Oceanography for its support of Decade Action 21 and recognized the MSP Group’s vital role in promoting MSP development in the region.