Marine spatial planning and ocean governance in Small Island Developing States

Singh, Priyatma and Linnér, Björn‑Ola and Singh, Ashneel (2025) Marine spatial planning and ocean governance in Small Island Developing States. Marine spatial planning and ocean governance in Small Island Developing States, 25 (91). pp. 1-19. ISSN 1436378X

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Abstract

Marine spatial planning (MSP), initially developed to address the needs of the global North, is gaining significant traction
in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and is hailed as a collaborative governance instrument for managing and optimizing
the allocation of ocean space. Despite its growing adoption, there has been limited attention given to what is needed for
MSP to be effective and collaborative in SIDS, which is struggling with issues of fragmented ocean governance, insufficient
funding, data limitations, and ad hoc stakeholder engagement. A research gap exists in identifying the conditions necessary
for MSP to function effectively as a collaborative governance instrument in SIDS. By employing an analytical framework
grounded in collaborative governance models, this paper reviews 40 academic articles and 15 grey literature sources to assess
MSP’s application in SIDS and identify factors critical for its success as a collaborative instrument. We used NVivo software
to conduct content analysis of SIDS-based academic articles. The analysis was guided by pre-defined categories within our
analytical framework. The mapping and analysis of the literature point towards leadership and institutional mechanisms,
which have proven essential for mobilizing MSP, integrating existing marine management strategies into MSP frameworks,
and addressing local socio-cultural priorities. The literature reveals inadequate consideration for social objectives in MSP
and highlights the flaws in government-led participatory initiatives. In the absence of strong leadership, inclusive governance,
and sustainable institutional and financial support, MSP in SIDS risks becoming merely symbolic, addressing international
commitments without delivering tangible local benefits. This study highlights the need to prioritize the process of MSP
rather than solely focusing on outcomes and recommends including Indigenous knowledge and practices. A customized
MSP approach for SIDS is proposed, incorporating incentives to actively engage Indigenous Peoples and local stakeholders
in a collaborative ocean governance framework.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Marine spatial planning; Collaborative governance; Small Island Developing States; Stakeholder engagement; Leadership; Indigenous knowledge
Subjects:	J Political Science > JX International law K Law > K Law (General) Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > School of Biological and Chemical Sciences School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS)
Depositing User:	Ashneel Singh
Date Deposited:	28 Jul 2025 00:34
Last Modified:	28 Jul 2025 00:34
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/15091

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