Marine spatial planning in the Eastern Caribbean: Trends and progress

Abstract

Within the last decade, several members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have initiated marine spatial planning (MSP) processes. Through a literature review and document analysis, this paper traces the evolution of MSP policy in the region and analyses the plans focusing on the drivers, scale, legislation, authority and spatial outputs. A developing policy framework, increasing political will, the growing Blue Economy development agenda and strong leadership by the OECS Commission have provided the impetus for progress. Further advancement however is threatened by ongoing capacity constraints and questions over plan implementation and the delivery of subsequent planning cycles, with uncertainty over the future direction of MSP in the region. The experiences of these Small Island Developing States (SIDS) provide valuable lessons for others just embarking on MSP.