Marine Spatial Planning for a Resilient and Inclusive Blue Economy: Lakshadweep, India, a Pilot Study

Ocean zoning through marine spatial planning (MSP) is an important component of the blue economy and has become an essential step towards realizing ecosystem-based sea-use management. The concept was primarily initiated by the need to create marine protected areas, particularly in the European countries. An even more recent concern has focused on the need to conserve nature, especially ecologically and biologically sensitive areas in the context of multi-use planning of ocean space. To understand the value of MSP in India, a framework was created as part of the Indo-Norway International Ocean Management and Research Initiative. This study provides a framework for MSP in India for sustainable development in an ecologically sensitive area, namely the Lakshadweep group of islands on the west coast of the country. The findings of this study may serve as a reference for better management of maritime regions under various spatial jurisdictions.