Marine Spatial Planning of the Western Indian Ocean Blue Economy

This report examines the role of ecosystem-based marine spatial planning as a policy tool to implement a sustainable ocean economy in the Western Indian Ocean region. It outlines the economic and environmental context, emphasising the growing importance of marine resources and the need for integrated governance frameworks. The document reviews definitions, sectors, and valuation of the ocean economy, and explains how marine spatial planning supports coordinated, multi-sector decision-making. It presents methods including regional consultations, policy assessments, and case studies from selected countries to evaluate progress. Findings indicate early-stage policy development, with uneven implementation across states and a need for enhanced regional coordination and capacity building.