Journal of Coastal Zone Management

Abstract

Marine Spatial Planning in Bangladesh: A Review

Md. Shahin Hossain Shuva, Mohammad Muslem Uddin

Bangladesh acquired a large maritime area(1,18,813 km2) which is almost the same as its land area; therefore, this vast marine area provoked Bangladesh to use its maritime resources in a sustainable way called this term “Blue Economy”. For implementing “Blue Economy” in the marine area a proper ocean management tool is required; unfortunately, Bangladesh is in the early stage of managing its maritime resources. However, Marine Spatial Planning(MSP) is a very popular multidimensional tool for ocean management. Its integrated approach helps to resolve issues between the ocean users and it can secure ecological, economic and social advantages. There are four prerequisites for implementing MSP; among them, Bangladesh satisfies one; therefore other prerequisites should be satisfied as early as possible. The present legal framework is not enough for implementing MSP in Bangladesh though some legal framework is useful therefore, strong legislative protection and framework and integrated policy along with establishing a special authority for MSP are urgent. Stakeholder engagement in policymaking and arranging ocean literacy and regular meeting for them is badly needed to implement MSP in Bangladesh. Short term and long term monitoring can be implemented for monitoring ecosystem components in Bangladesh’s maritime area. Marine Spatial Planning and Blue Economy related previous papers(2011-2020) has been reviewed in this study to give perfect guidelines for policy-makers, researchers and concerned individuals to know about the prospects, challenges and mitigation measures of MSP implementation in Bangladesh. This paper will be an important information hub about MSP in Bangladesh.

Published Date: 2021-11-24;