Workshop Paves Way for Enhanced Marine Spatial Planning in the Northern Mozambique Channel

The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, encompassing the Northern Mozambique Channel– NMC, is rich in marine biodiversity and crucial to the livelihoods of about 10 million people. However, the region faces challenges from illegal fishing, offshore oil and gas exploration, and environmental degradation. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS) 2050, along with the Nairobi Convention mandate, underscore the importance of integrated ocean governance and sustainable blue economy practices. Notably, the Mozambique Channel and East African coast host the elusive coelacanth, a ‘living fossil’ symbolizing the region’s biodiversity. 

A two-day consultation workshop was held at Hotel Cardoso in Maputo to develop a Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) vision and roadmap for the Northern Mozambique Channel (NMC) region. This workshop, under the auspices of the Integrated Management of the Marine and Coastal Resources of the Northern Mozambique Channel (NoCaMo) Project, brought together key stakeholders to align national MSP processes with the regional strategy developed by the Nairobi Convention Secretariat (NCS). 

The workshop aimed to establish a unified vision and goal for Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in the Northern Mozambique Channel (NMC) region, integrate input and recommendations from countries and stakeholders within the region, and develop a draft roadmap for implementing MSP in the NMC, ensuring alignment with the broader Western Indian Ocean (WIO) MSP framework. 

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a public process for analyzing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas to achieve specified ecological, economic, and social objectives. It aims to balance development demands with environmental protection and to ensure social and economic benefits through organized and transparent planning. Effective MSP boosts the blue economy. 

Dr. Jared Bosire from the Nairobi Convention Secretariat, emphasizing the need for integrated ocean management and planning, introduced the NOCAMO project, highlighting its alignment with the existing Western Indian Ocean MSP Working Group, the WIO region MSP strategy, and the broader WIO Regional Ocean Governance Strategy.  

Dr. Samantha Petersen from WWF provided an overview of the Western Indian Ocean MSP strategy, detailing the project’s components and its goal to address Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), and explained the MSP process, guiding principles, and strategic recommendations.  

Additionally, the participants were taken through thirteen principles for transformative ocean governance. The principles of ocean governance are about maintaining the integrity of our oceans and coasts, while also safeguarding human rights and well-being through approaches that integrate social and ecological systems. Ocean governance involves coordinating policies across sectors, employing diverse metrics and inclusive processes, and engaging stakeholders. It promotes sustainable practices, innovation, and international collaboration for decision-making. 

During the workshop, participants had a chance to identify challenges to implementing marine spatial planning in the Northern Mozambique Channel, including effectively engaging diverse stakeholders, overcoming data sharing limitations, harmonizing national and regional policies, addressing resource imbalances, and mitigating climate impacts. Additionally, the participants were keen to note the opportunities and priorities for enhanced MSP implementation. These included leveraging existing regional mechanisms, enhancing data platforms, protecting vital ecosystems, and promoting sustainable blue economy initiatives.  

A case study of the Baltic Sea MSP experience was presented, offering insights into transparent data use, cross-sectoral collaboration, and the importance of funding and political will. 

The workshop concluded with a clear call to action, including seeking government input, and conducting a natural capital assessment and mapping exercise to further inform decision making. Additionally, plans were made to organize a learning network workshop in Comoros to promote shared learning and a training on best practices in oil and gas in the NMC region as part of the larger NOCAMO project. 

For more information about the implementation of the NOCAMO project, contact Aurelia Care- [email protected]