ITP Success case - Zanzibar

Building a more structured approach to marine spatial planning

By strengthening coordination and clarifying institutional roles, the Zanzibar MSP team is working to transform existing structures into an operational multisectoral planning system. The initiative focuses on making collaboration predictable and routine so that MSP can function as a practical governance process rather than a coordination effort that depends on individual initiatives.

“Participating organisations have an information -sharing practices, from regular updates from ITP participants who have structured their individual focus as an integration of MSP into departmental workplans forming a stronger management recognition of MSP activities.”

Existing capacity but limited coordination

Zanzibar had already positioned MSP as a national priority under the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, supported by a multisectoral technical team including fisheries, GIS, environment and marine management expertise. However, coordination structures were not functioning consistently in practice. Roles were unclear, collaboration between institutions was irregular and communication inconsistent. This slowed implementation and weakened stakeholder confidence in the process. The ITP MSP programme created an opportunity to strengthen coordination and align ongoing efforts into a more structured system.

Strengthening the coordination framework

Through the programme, the team worked to improve linkages between ministries and agencies and clarify responsibilities within the MSP system. The initiative aimed to establish clearer terms of reference, promote regular technical meetings and broaden participation by including legal, investment, land-use planning and communication expertise. A key milestone was the National MSP Seminar, which brought together institutions across government and enabled open dialogue on coordination and capacity challenges and system improvements. The process also highlighted the importance of harmonised datasets and strengthened national discussion on data-driven marine governance

Moving toward a functional governance structure

The dialogue generated renewed national momentum and agreement on strengthening MSP governance arrangements. Stakeholders supported revising the terms of reference, clarifying sector mandates and establishing a more functional multisectoral structure, including specialised sub-teams such as the Pemba Sub-MSP Technical Team. Senior level endorsement for regular technical meetings created a more consistent coordination platform. Together, these steps contributed to improved multisectoral cooperation and stronger links between national and local MSP processes.

Conditions that enabled the change

National engagement

Strong participation from ministries supported shared ownership of the process.

Structured dialogue

The national seminar created a space to discuss challenges and agree on practical improvements.

Favourable policy timing

MSP and blue economy priorities were already gaining political attention.

Expanded expertise

Inclusion of legal, investment and planning perspectives broadened the governance approach.

Strengthening MSP for the future

The process has created a basis for formalising governance arrangements through revised terms of reference, regular coordination meetings and development of national guidelines for local MSP. Continued collaboration across sectors and mentoring of new MSP practitioners are expected to support the long-term institutionalisation of MSP in Zanzibar