Bridging Conservation and Sustainable Use: Socio-Economic and Governance Criteria for MPA Integration in Marine Spatial Planning

Bridging Conservation and Sustainable Use: Socio-Economic and Governance Criteria for MPA Integration in Marine Spatial Planning

Authors: Camila Pegorelli; Javier García Sanabria, Maria de Andres, Javier Onetti; Liisi Lees, Helena Calado, Debora Gutierrez

This study presents a framework of socio-economic and governance criteria to integrate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP), addressing a key gap in aligning conservation with sustainable resource use. MPAs vary in protection levels, from strict reserves to areas allowing multiple uses, which calls for a nuanced management approach within MSP frameworks. This research employs a systematic review and expert consultation to identify twenty socio-economic and twelve governance criteria relevant to both MSP and MPAs, categorized using the IUCN MPA framework: MPA1 (strict environmental protection, minimal or no human activity), MPA2 (ecosystem or natural monument conservation via active management), and MPA3 (multiple uses with a focus on sustainable resource use).

Key findings show that governance criteria (Table 1)—such as stakeholder participation and strategic adaptive management—align MSP effectively with multiple-use MPAs (MPA3), while stricter MPAs (MPA1) exhibit limited socio-economic compatibility with MSP (Table 2), reflecting a divergence in priorities. Conversely, multiple-use MPAs and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) showed moderate to strong positive correlations with MSP objectives, indicating potential for enhanced integration.

Figure 1: Prioritization analysis: value of governance criteria (A) and socio-economic criteria (B) in relation to MSP, MPA and OECMs

 

A) Prioritization analysis: value of governance criteria in relation to MSP, MPA and OECMs. Color range varies from green (Fully applicable) to red (not relevant or applicable).	B) Prioritization Analysis: value of socio-economic criteria in relation to MSP, MPA and OECMs. Color range varies from green (Fully applicable) to red (not relevant or applicable).
MPA1 refers to marine protected areas that prioritize strict environmental protection above other uses.  MPA2 refers to marine protected areas that prioritize the conservation of ecosystems or natural monuments, which can be achieved through active management.  MPA3 refers to marine protected areas of multiple uses where the goal is the sustainable use of natural resources.  SD Standard deviation  MSP. Maritime Spatial Planning  OECMs. Other Effective Conservation Measures

 

Our analysis highlights that MSP processes might benefit from a differentiated approach when engaging with MPAs of varying conservation levels. While MSP can foster ecological connectivity and sustainable development, it must consider MPA-specific socio-economic and governance factors, particularly in areas with stringent conservation restrictions. These findings suggest that MSP effectively can easily find a common path to integrate with multiple-use MPAs and OECMs but may require more attention for stricter MPAs to deliver a more coherent plan and avoid conflicting management goals.

This study contributes to marine policy by establishing a framework that enhances coherence between MSP and MPAs through socio-economic and governance criteria, promoting both conservation and sustainable development, and highlighting points of convergence and divergence between them. This approach aligns with global efforts to achieve the 30x30 biodiversity target, offering practical guidelines for policymakers to balance ecological integrity with sustainable human use in marine areas.