Session: S-44
Marine Plan Partnership Implementation story: four marine spatial plans, five outcome areas, and seventeen indigenous and western governments.

Coinciding with the ground-breaking agreements developed for British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, the Province and 17 First Nations or indigenous governments (the partners) initiated the world’s largest marine planning initiative in 2011, the Marine Planning Partnership for the North Pacific Coast (MaPP). MaPP is an ambitious initiative that used a scientifically rigorous and collaborative approach to advance economic development and... [ view more ]

Coinciding with the ground-breaking agreements developed for British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, the Province and 17 First Nations or indigenous governments (the partners) initiated the world’s largest marine planning initiative in 2011, the Marine Planning Partnership for the North Pacific Coast (MaPP). MaPP is an ambitious initiative that used a scientifically rigorous and collaborative approach to advance economic development and conservation in one of the most ecologically significant regions on the planet.

The partners developed marine spatial plans with objectives and strategies for achieving healthier oceans, stronger marine economies and improved cultural and social outcomes. Area-specific management direction is provided through allocation of areas to three types of spatial zones: General Management Zones, Special Management Zones and Protection Management Zones. The marine plans were signed and approved in April 2015. A Regional Action Framework establishes regional MaPP actions that the partners have identified as being most appropriately implemented at a regional scale and consistent with, and supportive of, sub-regional plan recommendations.

With the completion of the planning phase, the MaPP partners have turned their full attention to implementation. Join a diverse panel that includes government and First Nations representatives of the MaPP Implementation team, in discussion that will highlight: key steps in the planning process; implementation achievements and learning to date; and insights on how the team is overcoming challenges. Symposium will focus on achievements in Governance, Marine Zoning and Protection, Stewardship and Monitoring, and Sustainable Economic Development.