This training provides participants with knowledge on designing an MPA/ on conservation planning based on mapped marine habitat features, cost features, geographically relevant social use patterns, and marine biodiversity. This conservation planning process guides decisions about the location, configuration, and management of conservation areas. The aims of conservation planning are to get efficient, repeatable, transparent, and equitable processed established for making conservation decisions. During training, the participants will be introduced to the use of an automated reserve selection tool called MARXAN used to incorporate data, capture targets for conservation scenarios, and produce locational analyses regarding the placement of an MPA or the design of area management within an MPA.

This course provides practitioners with a bottom-up introduction to the processes involved in effective Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). Participants will be introduced to the steps involved in MSP and to the range of tools available to support MSP processes. Participants will explore and understand the different levels of spatial planning and the importance of vertical alignment through different agencies and at different scales. Mechanisms to ensure appropriate levels of stakeholder engagement and involvement in the MSP process are taught, along with the skills required to develop site-based plans for MSP at district and MPA level.