Framework for developing marine spatial plans for Indian regions: towards a resilient and inclusive blue economy – Nature

Report on Marine Spatial Planning Framework Development in India

Executive Summary

Increasing anthropogenic pressures on coastal and marine ecosystems in India necessitate the implementation of a robust Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework. This report details the strategic development of MSP in India, using Puducherry as a pilot case, to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The framework aims to mitigate inter-sectoral conflicts, conserve marine biodiversity, and foster a sustainable blue economy, thereby directly contributing to SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

1.0 Introduction: MSP as a Tool for Sustainable Development

The degradation of global marine environments due to human activities requires a shift from sectoral management to integrated, ecosystem-based approaches. Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) has emerged as a critical strategy for achieving this balance. It provides a framework to analyze and allocate marine space to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives, which is fundamental to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

1.1 Core Objectives of MSP in Relation to SDGs

• Ecological Sustainability (SDG 14): To conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources by managing human activities like fisheries, aquaculture, and shipping.
• Economic Growth (SDG 8): To promote a sustainable blue economy that supports livelihoods and economic growth while ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems.
• Social Equity (SDG 11): To resolve conflicts over marine resource use, ensuring equitable access and benefits for coastal communities and strengthening coastal resilience.

This report outlines a strategic framework for implementing MSP in India, emphasizing its role in advancing ecological sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth in line with the SDGs.

2.0 Rationale for MSP Development in India

India’s rapidly expanding blue economy and significant environmental pressures necessitate an integrated management approach. MSP is identified as a key enabler for achieving national sustainability targets and contributing to global goals.

2.1 National Context and Alignment with SDGs

• Blue Economy Growth (SDG 8): The Government of India’s Draft National Policy for India’s Blue Economy-2021 identifies MSP as essential for sustainable economic development.
• Environmental Pressures (SDG 13 & SDG 14): MSP addresses challenges such as coastal degradation, overexploitation of resources, and climate-induced risks, which are critical for achieving climate action and conserving marine life.
• International Partnerships (SDG 17): The India-Norway Integrated Ocean Management and Research Initiative supports MSP development, leveraging international expertise to build a framework tailored to India’s unique socio-economic and environmental context.

2.2 The Puducherry Pilot Initiative

Puducherry was selected as a pilot site for MSP implementation due to its unique combination of environmental, social, and economic dynamics. The initiative serves as a model for balancing competing interests and advancing sustainable development at a local level.

• Balancing Livelihoods and Conservation (SDG 8 & SDG 14): The region’s growing tourism sector and traditional fishing communities present a classic challenge that MSP aims to resolve, ensuring both economic viability and biodiversity preservation.
• Strengthening Coastal Resilience (SDG 11 & SDG 13): The project addresses significant coastal erosion and urbanization pressures, aiming to build resilient coastal communities and ecosystems in the face of climate change.

3.0 India’s MSP Framework: A Structured Approach to Sustainability

Drawing on global guidelines from UNESCO-IOC, India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has developed a seven-step MSP framework. This process is designed to be iterative and adaptive, ensuring that planning is inclusive, evidence-based, and aligned with long-term sustainability objectives.

3.1 The Seven-Step Framework for SDG-Aligned MSP

1. Stakeholder Engagement: Fostering collaboration and inclusivity to align with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and ensure equitable outcomes.
2. Vision and Goals Establishment: Defining clear objectives that directly correspond to national priorities and the SDGs, particularly SDG 14.
3. Data Collection: Gathering comprehensive ecological, social, and economic data for informed, science-based decision-making.
4. Analysis of Interrelationships: Assessing the cumulative impacts of human activities to prevent environmental degradation and promote sustainable use.
5. Preparation of the Marine Spatial Plan: Developing zoning and management actions that balance conservation with sustainable economic activities.
6. Implementation: Executing the plan through coordinated governance and regulatory mechanisms.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuously assessing the plan’s effectiveness in achieving its goals, allowing for adaptive management to meet the targets of the 2030 Agenda.

4.0 The Case of Puducherry: Implementing MSP for Localized SDG Achievement

The Puducherry MSP initiative translates the national framework into a concrete plan for harmonizing economic development with environmental preservation. The process is deeply rooted in stakeholder participation and scientific assessment, directly targeting the achievement of SDG 14.

4.1 Key Components and SDG Contributions

• Conservation of Critical Habitats (SDG 14): The plan prioritizes the protection of ecologically important areas, including mangroves, coral reefs, and turtle nesting grounds, to preserve marine biodiversity.
• Sustainable Economic Activities (SDG 8): It designates zones for sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and tourism, ensuring that economic opportunities do not compromise ecosystem health.
• Inclusive Governance (SDG 14, Target 14.b): The process actively engages local communities, fishermen, and tourism operators, ensuring their concerns are integrated into decision-making and promoting equitable access to marine resources.
• Technological Integration: The development of the Web GIS-based Dashboard SAHAV promotes transparent, science-based ocean governance, supporting an adaptive MSP framework.

5.0 Challenges, Insights, and Future Directions

The implementation of MSP in Puducherry provides a valuable blueprint for other Indian coastal regions but also highlights significant challenges that must be addressed to scale the approach effectively.

5.1 Obstacles to Achieving Sustainable Ocean Governance

• Governance and Coordination: Varying governance structures across states and Union Territories require tailored MSP frameworks and strong multi-sectoral coordination.
• Data Scarcity: Fragmented and incomplete marine spatial data can hinder effective, ecosystem-based planning.
• Socio-Economic Equity: MSP must prioritize the well-being of coastal communities, particularly small-scale fishers, to avoid inequitable outcomes and align with the social dimensions of the SDGs.
• Climate Adaptation (SDG 13): Integrating climate change considerations, such as sea-level rise and habitat degradation, is imperative for long-term resilience.

5.2 Recommendations and Path Forward

To ensure MSP contributes effectively to India’s sustainable development, future efforts must focus on:

1. Strengthening Data Infrastructure: Investing in comprehensive data collection and shared knowledge platforms to support evidence-based decision-making.
2. Prioritizing Stakeholder Participation: Ensuring that MSP processes are inclusive and transparent, with a focus on protecting the livelihoods of vulnerable coastal communities.
3. Aligning with National and Global Goals: Continuously aligning MSP initiatives with India’s Blue Economy policy and the UN SDGs, particularly the urgent targets of SDG 14.
4. Building Adaptive Capacity: Adopting flexible and adaptive management approaches that can respond to changing environmental and socio-economic conditions.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in India, particularly the Puducherry pilot project, addresses and connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The core focus on balancing ecological conservation with economic and social objectives in marine environments directly links to these global goals.

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  This is the most prominent SDG addressed. The entire article revolves around the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. It discusses threats like “overexploitation, climate change and competing human uses” and presents MSP as a solution to “safeguard marine biodiversity” and ensure “sustainable ocean resource use.” The Puducherry initiative specifically aims to conserve “mangroves, coral reefs, and turtle nesting grounds.”

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article connects marine health to economic prosperity through the concept of a “sustainable blue economy.” It highlights that India’s marine ecosystems “sustain millions of livelihoods” and that MSP aims to foster “inclusive economic growth” by managing sectors like “fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, offshore wind energy, tourism, and mining.” The goal is to ensure that economic development is “sustainable, inclusive and equitable.”

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article touches upon the challenges faced by coastal communities, such as “increasing urbanization pressures” and “coastal degradation.” By aiming to strengthen “coastal resilience” and build “resilient coastal ecosystems,” the MSP framework contributes to making human settlements along the coast safer and more sustainable.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  Climate change is identified as a major pressure on marine ecosystems. The article explicitly mentions the need to address “climate-induced risks,” “rising sea levels and habitat degradation,” and “climate adaptation concerns.” The MSP framework is presented as a proactive planning tool to build resilience against these climate-related challenges.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article emphasizes the importance of effective governance to manage marine resources. It describes MSP as a framework to “minimize sectoral conflicts,” “enhance governance mechanisms,” and foster “transparent decision-making.” The development of a clear framework and the focus on stakeholder-driven governance align with the goal of building effective and inclusive institutions.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The role of collaboration is a key theme. The article highlights the “collaborative India–Norway MSP project” as a crucial element of the initiative, where Norway’s experience is leveraged to help India develop its own framework. This international partnership, along with multi-stakeholder engagement at the local level, exemplifies the spirit of SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s discussion of MSP in India, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Under SDG 14 (Life Below Water):

   • Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
     
     Explanation: The article’s central theme is the implementation of MSP as an “integrated framework for ecosystem-based management” to “safeguard marine biodiversity.” The Puducherry plan specifically aims to conserve “ecologically important areas such as mangroves, coral reefs, and turtle nesting grounds.”
   • Target 14.4: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans.
     
     Explanation: The article identifies “overexploitation” as a key pressure on India’s marine ecosystems and states that the MSP for Puducherry seeks to “optimize fishing while ensuring the long-term health of fish stocks.”
   • Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.
     
     Explanation: The MSP framework involves creating a “zoning scheme” which includes “coral conservation areas” and other protected zones. This act of spatial planning and designation of areas for conservation directly contributes to this target.
   • Target 14.7: By 2030, increase the economic benefits to small island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.
     
     Explanation: While India is not an SIDS, the principle applies. The article emphasizes promoting a “sustainable blue economy” and unlocking “sustainable economic opportunities in tourism and aquaculture,” with a focus on supporting the livelihoods of “coastal communities” and “small-scale fishers.”
   • Target 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology.
     
     Explanation: The collaboration with Norway, a country with “over 20 years of experience with MSP,” represents a transfer of knowledge. The development of a “spatial database in a geographical information system environment” and the use of “benthic habitat workshops… to assess marine ecosystem health” demonstrate an increase in scientific capacity.

2. Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):

   • Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
     
     Explanation: The article identifies tourism as a key sector in Puducherry with “high recreational potential.” The MSP aims to manage “tourism operators” and ensure that tourism activities are “compatible with conservation goals.”

3. Under SDG 13 (Climate Action):

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
     
     Explanation: The article explicitly states that a goal of MSP is “strengthening coastal resilience” and addressing “climate adaptation concerns such as rising sea levels and habitat degradation.”

4. Under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):

   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
     
     Explanation: A core principle of the MSP process described is “stakeholder-driven governance.” The article repeatedly emphasizes the importance of “stakeholder engagement,” including “local communities, fishermen, tourism operators, and other key stakeholders to ensure their concerns and aspirations are properly considered.”

5. Under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):

   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources.
     
     Explanation: The “collaborative India–Norway MSP project” is a direct example of a global partnership to share knowledge and expertise on sustainable ocean management.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several tools, processes, and outputs that can serve as indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets.

1. Zoning Maps and Designated Areas: The “Zoning scheme of the proposed marine spatial plan for Puducherry” (Fig. 2) is a direct indicator. Progress can be measured by:
   • The total area (in km² or percentage of the EEZ) designated for conservation (e.g., “coral conservation areas”), which measures progress towards Target 14.5.
   • The establishment and enforcement of zones for sustainable fishing, tourism, and aquaculture, indicating progress in managing economic activities sustainably (Targets 14.4, 14.7, 8.9).
2. Web GIS-based Dashboard (SAHAV): The article explicitly mentions this tool. It states that the SAHAV portal “provid[es] decision-makers with comprehensive details and data related to various project aspects, progress, and underlying parameters.” This dashboard serves as a direct monitoring and reporting system. Its official recognition as a Digital Public Good (DPG) further solidifies its role as a key indicator of transparent governance.
3. Spatial Database and Scientific Assessments: The creation of a “spatial database in a geographical information system environment” is an indicator of increased scientific capacity (Target 14.a). Furthermore, conducting “benthic habitat workshops… to assess marine ecosystem health” provides a direct, science-based indicator of the condition of marine ecosystems (relevant to Target 14.2).
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Meetings: The article notes that “stakeholder meetings playing a crucial role in refining zoning strategies and implementation frameworks.” The number of meetings held, the diversity of stakeholders participating (fishermen, tourism operators, local communities), and the incorporation of their feedback into the final plan are qualitative and quantitative indicators of inclusive decision-making (Target 16.7).
5. Implementation of the MSP Framework: The seven-step framework itself (Fig. 1), which includes “monitoring and evaluation,” implies a process of tracking progress. The completion of each step and the continuous, adaptive management of the plan are indicators of institutional capacity and commitment to sustainable ocean governance.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nature.com