Ecosystem-based Marine Spatial Planning for a Sustainable Blue Economy
The MARISMA Project
The introduction of ecosystem-based Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) is supported by the Benguela Current Marine Spatial Management and Governance Project (MARISMA, 2023 to 2024). The project is a development partnership between the Benguela Current Convention (BCC), its Contracting Parties, and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany in pursuit of the sustainable development of the Benguela Current region.
“The process of MSP is new and just a few years ago was completely unknown in the region. Today, thanks to the ongoing support of the MARISMA project, the contracting parties of the Benguela Current Convention, Angola, Namibia and South Africa, are globally acclaimed for their progress in using MSP to enhance their Blue Economy. We are proud to have come so far and look forward to continuing this successful partnership.” Thandiwe GXABA, Acting Executive Secretary of the Benguela Current Convention
Approach
Like many other countries sharing Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) where user-user and user-environment conflicts are growing, the three governments of Angola, Namibia and South Africa have recognised the need to introduce MSP.
Process
The BCC countries have put in place similar inter-ministerial and cross-sectoral mechanisms within governments to enable the introduction of ecosystem-based MSP and the preparation of their first marine plans.
Products
The MSP processes at national levels (Angola, Namibia and South Africa) and regionally (covering the BCLME via the BCC) have resulted in a number of products.
Project Partners
| Implemented by: | German Agency for Development Cooperation (GIZ) in partnership with the BCC |
| Duration: | August 2014 – March 2024 |
| Funding: | Up to €11,680,000 (German contribution) with in-kind contributions by the BCC and its contracting states |
