The Nature Conservancy is actively involved in more than a dozen MSP projects around the world.  All told, over the past 10 years, TNC has led, supported or participated in 34 different projects that cover more than 7,000,000 square kilometers.  TNC’s scientific and technical contributions range from creating spatial data catalogues in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), running MARXAN or MARXAN with Zones, to developing complex multi-objective zoning designs at large and small scales.  In some geographies, TNC will lay the groundwork for a successful process by identifying and raising funds or financing options, establishing a planning team, developing a work plan, or organizing stakeholder participation. In other locations, TNC plays a supporting role, lending expertise in planning, facilitation, policy, or communications to advance an MSP process.

This project page contains links to MSP projects where TNC has been or is currently involved and range from comprehensive marine spatial plans to marine protected area (MPA) networks, and locally marine management area (LMMA) projects. There is also selected information on data development projects that are intended to support MSP processes.

Photo credits (from top left): Tim Calver; Jeff Yonover;  Jason Houston; Daniel & Robbie Wisdom;  Tim Calver for The Nature Conservancy; Mark Godfrey/The Nature Conservancy; Marjo Aho for The Nature Conservancy; Raquel Seybert for The Nature Conservancy; Nick Hall; Emre Turak; Ethan Daniels; James Byrne for The Nature Conservancy; Brandon Hay; Jeff Yonover; Peter Mous/TNC; Ethan Daniels; Will Heyman/The Nature Conservancy; The Nature Conservancy (Mark Godfrey); Carlos Aguilera Calderón; Ian Shive; Thomas P. Peschak/National Geographic Creative; Mark Spalding/The Nature Conservancy; Tim Calver; Tracy Ko; Erika Nortemann/The Nature Conservancy; Kyle P. Miller; Clay Bolt; Jerry Monkman; Jason Houston; Jerry Monkman; Bridget Besaw; Brad Northrup; Sarah Hartman; Keith Lazelle