In 2006, the concept of MSP was formed at the first international workshop on marine spatial planning in Paris, France.   Best practices for marine spatial planning are important for the evolution of MSP.  In 2009, the first step-by-step guidebook was published by IOC-UNESCO and it contains key elements of ‘best practices’ for developing an MSP.  In 2009, The Nature Conservancy published a best practices guidebook. Most recently, IOC-UNESCO published a guide to evaluating marine spatial plans.

  • Beck, M.W., Z. Ferdaña, J. Kachmar, K.K. Morrison, P.H. Taylor and others. 2009. Best Practices for Marine Spatial Planning. The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA.
  • Collie, J.S., W.L. Adamowicz, M.W. Beck, B. Craig, T.E. Essington, D. Fluharty, J. Rice, and J.N. Sanchirico. 2012. Marine Spatial Planning in Practice. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 117 pp. 1 – 11.
  • Dickinson, M., T.I. Gunton, and M.B. Rutherford. 2009. Benefits of Marine Planning: Evaluation of Marine Planning in Canada. Marine Planning Research Group, Simon Fraser University. 44 pp.
  • Ehler, C. 2014. A Guide to Evaluating Marine Spatial Plans. Paris, UNESCO, IOC Manuals and Guides, 70; ICAM Dossier 8
  • Ehler, C. and F. Douvere. Marine Spatial Planning: a step-by-step approach toward ecosystem-based management. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and Man and the Biosphere Programme. IOC Manual and Guides No. 53, ICAM Dossier No. 6. Paris: UNESCO. 2009 (English).
  • Ehler, C. 2008. Conclusions: Benefits, lessons learned, and future challenges of marine spatial planning. Marine Policy 32: 840-843
  • Ehler, C. and F. Douvere. 2007. Visions for a Sea Change. Report of the First International Workshop on Marine Spatial Planning. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and Man and the Biosphere Programme. IOC Manual and Guides No. 46, ICAM Dossier No. 3. Paris: UNESCO. 2007 (English).