Integrated marine spatial planning for Chonburi Province, Thailand: Addressing pollution, blue carbon, and conservation

Abstract

While Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is globally recognized as a strategic tool for ocean governance, its implementation in tropical coastal regions faces distinct challenges stemming from fragmented governance and acute conflicts between traditional livelihoods and modern industries. To address these complexities, this study proposes an issue-oriented MSP framework designed for high-intensity development zones. Taking Chonburi Province, Thailand, as a representative case study, we integrated four thematic models—hydrodynamic pollutant diffusion, marine protected area optimization, blue carbon mapping, and coastal erosion risk assessment—to quantify the spatial compatibility between anthropogenic activities and sensitive habitats. Integrating spatial overlay analysis of thematic outputs with InVEST-HRA modeling, this study identifies anthropogenic maritime activities as the primary driver of habitat change across Chonburi Province. The assessment reveals pronounced spatial heterogeneity in risk across five key coastal zones: military activities exhibit a stable risk profile, coastal tourism demonstrates consistently low ecological impact, and fisheries and maritime transport emerge as the principal manageable variables—displaying a clear spatial gradient in risk levels. Through stakeholder engagement, this process culminated in a comprehensive zoning scheme comprising two primary zones—MPAs (9.47%) and Marine Development Areas (28.46%)—along with seven secondary sub-zones. This work demonstrates that issue-oriented, data-integrated zoning can effectively reconcile multi-sectoral trade-offs, offering a scalable pathway for bridging the gap between theoretical ecosystem-based management and practical administrative enforcement in the Global South.