Marine Spatial Planning and The Blue Economy in Kenya

Abstract

The blue economy is predicted to be an important driver for economic growth in the coming years. However, despite of its enormous potential for growth, the ocean space and the resources within it face significant pressures from a myriad of threats including overfishing, pollution, coastal development, ocean acidification and climate change. Goal 14 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development requires the protection of aquatic ecosystems by preventing these challenges. The Goal also focuses on the ocean’s impact on human lives, to facilitate sustainable ocean-based economic, social and environmental benefits within the planetary boundaries of oceans and coasts. Achieving a sustainable blue economy calls for a strategic and integrated approach to planning the ocean space. Subsequently, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) has been widely recommended as a key instrument to integrate the sustainable development agenda in the ocean space and provide a breeding ground for new development paths towards a sustainable blue economy. Since 2006, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), through its Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) has been proactive in promoting and supporting science-based, integrated, adaptive, strategic, and participatory MSP concepts among and between its member states, with the goal of improving cross-border and transboundary cooperation where it already exists and promoting MSP processes in areas where it is yet to be put in place. UNESCO has supported Kenya in multiple initiatives aimed at providing strategic alignment of the country’s Blue Economic sectors within the coastal and ocean space to enable the country to harness the highest possible benefits. This report is an important product of joint efforts with the Government of Kenya, aimed at providing a common platform for dialogue between different stakeholders, while simultaneously understanding key anthropogenic and environmental pressures along the Kenyan coast. The report also highlights critical aspects that are important for consideration as Kenya develops its Marine Spatial Plan. The report underpins that stakeholder participation is critical in obtaining societal acceptance with inclusiveness of government regulations in management and conservation of the finite national marine resources. It further outlines the need to achieve socio-economic objectives and integrate cultural aspects of the coastal communities as well as the underwater cultural heritage. It also shows the need for scientific research in the MSP process in order to achieve a holistic approach that addresses social, cultural, economic, and environmental objectives and as such achieve sustainable development. Whereas Kenya, and many other countries in Africa, have made some important steps towards initiating and adopting the Blue Economy approach, it is crucial to acknowledge that several obstacles lie ahead. Development, implementation and evaluation of marine spatial plans for a sustainable Blue Economy requires a diverse set of resources, including institutional governance frameworks, financial support as well as range of human skills and expertise. UNESCO will continue to support Kenya in the development of its Blue Economy strategy as part of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDG 14.