Integrating Respondents’ Knowledge in the Moheshkhali Island MSP: A Framework for Sustainable Management Planning

Mohammad Saydul Islam Sarkar; Md. Mazaharul Islam

Abstract

Across the globe, efforts are underway to establish comprehensive plans for oceanic regions, aimed at fostering sustainable governance and management of these vital environments. One such approach gaining prominence is marine spatial planning (MSP), which aims to systematically arrange the utilization of ocean space and resources as well as facilitate harmonious interactions among various human activities. This method is increasingly being embraced as an integral tool in the realm of sustainable ocean and coastal management. Yet, time and resource constraints frequently limit the availability of data for MSP creation, as well as people's engagement and participation in the MSP process. This study shows how respondent observations may be utilized to establish the causes for MSP development and implementation in a consistent manner. The research reveals how respondents give significant information about MSP growth while also creating a welcoming environment for stakeholders to share their own views and engage in the planning process. For Moheshkhali Island, a public engagement survey was taken to generate spatially clear information on stakeholder values and management preferences. The survey revealed that respondents knew about the ocean and coastal area, believed that the ocean and coastal area could be used beneficially where there might be some arguments, and gave their opinions on proper ocean management, which is needed and possible. It also revealed that ocean management is challenging because of its vast area, user-user conflicts, natural calamities,scarcity of rules and regulations, and also paucity of people's consent. They believed that adequate planning is essential in the MSP process, as is willingness, cooperation between different development tasks, and the management of user-user disputes. People on Moheshkhali Island were almost aware of the MSP, the planning for ocean governance and management, and also expected to see a step on the part of the implementation of the MSP in their area. They expressed their views on MSP development as a timeconsuming issue for ocean management, that MSP would benefit local people’s livelihoods, and that the ocean would be sustainably used by the advancing MSP at Moheshkhali Island.