Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a public process of analysing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic and social objectives that have been specified through a political process. –2009 IOC – UNESCO Guide

Our marine space is heavily utilized in many ways, but it is not always feasible for these activities to occur in the same place and at the same time, without conflict or significant environmental impact. We are embarking upon this new process to allow us to better manage our marine space, in a similar way in which land is allocated for various uses in land use planning. Additionally, the development of this plan is also a commitment under the Debt for Nature Transaction the Government of Barbados signed in 2022 with the Inter-American Development Bank and The Nature Conservancy.

The Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU) has been designated as the MSP authority by the Cabinet of Barbados and has developed a Marine Spatial Planning Unit (MSPU). The MSPU is guided by the Project Steering Committee, a Stakeholder Advisory Committee and with the input of technical working groups. The MSP is being developed by Barbadians, for Barbadians through an inclusive and consultative process. The MSP is supported by The InterAmerican Development Bank and The Nature Conservancy, through technical expertise, financial assistance and logistical support.

Under the Debt for Nature Transaction, from which the MSP is a requirement, the Government of Barbados has been committed to five years to submit a final plan from the signing of the agreement in 2022, and an additional fifteen years to implement the plan.

The process is for all Barbadians who are users of, and are impacted by the marine space, regardless of their background or the frequency of use. The process seeks to involve all sectors and groups in the society, who directly and indirectly benefit from, or use the ocean space.

The planning area for the MSP will include all of Barbados’ maritime areas inclusive of the nearshore and offshore areas within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)? The EEZ is approximately 185,000 square kilometers which is approximately 430 times the size of our land mass.

Within the MSP planning process, consideration will be given to designated marine protected areas in line with the national aspiration to allocate 30% of the ocean space under Barbados’ jurisdiction to Barbados’ conservation efforts and contribution to Target 3 of the new Global Biodiversity Framework- the Kunming-Montreal Protocol.

The MSP process and the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Plan share similar goals- the rational use of space for environmental, social, ecological and economic benefits. Both processes are dynamic and iterative with public participation and engagement central to their success.

The main difference in the processes is the spatial extent of the planning areas. The ICZM Plan is confined to the Coastal Zone Management Area,

which is basically the coastal areas of Barbados where there is interaction between land and sea. The MSP area, on the other hand, is a vast area commencing at the shoreline out to the limits of the EEZ, which is 200 nm from the shoreline.

The outcomes of the MSP process are expected to benefit all direct and indirect users of the marine space through long-term protection of key ecosystems essential to sustaining our way of life, safeguarding livelihoods and increasing business prosperity, reducing conflicts and competing incompatible uses, exploring opportunities for new businesses and investment, securing long-term access for sustainable fishing, and developing synergies between government and the maritime sector.

There will be opportunities for feedback through various types of public engagement activities throughout each stage of the marine spatial planning process. When the draft plan is developed, it will be made publicly available for feedback.

The Project Steering Committee will consider all feedback collected, understanding that there may require a level of compromise to ensure the best possible outcome for multiple actors with various, and perhaps even competing interests.

Grievances may be submitted to the MSPU, and they will be reviewed through the Grievance Redress Mechanism.

Once the plan is drafted, there will be a public consultation process providing an opportunity for feedback and recommendations. Even after the plan is completed and approved by the Government of Barbados, adjustments can be made. Like all other plans, the MSP will not be set in stone without opportunity for amendment. The plan is a living document and it will be amended as new data and information on the marine space becomes available.

We invite you to participate in our surveys, to provide feedback on documents and share information on the development of the marine spatial plan to your circle. A truly representative and feasible plan depends on significant public participation.