Delegation from China Conducts Feasibility Study on the Development of Marine Spatial Planning in Antigua and Barbuda

PRESS RELEASE

A four-member delegation, comprising of the China-Antigua and Barbuda MSP Technical Team, from the National Ocean Technology Centre (NOTC) in Tianjin, China visited Antigua and Barbuda from 10th – 18th March, 2026. The objective of this visit was to conduct a feasibility study or preliminary research for the development of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in Antigua and Barbuda.

The widely use definition of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) describes it as a public process of analysing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological and socio-economic benefits that are usually specified through a political process. (IOC-UNESCO, 2009). It is crucial for balancing ocean development (for example: shipping, energy and tourism) with environmental protection, reducing conflicts and supporting sustainable “blue growth”.

In general, the visit primarily consisted of in-depth meetings with key stakeholders in the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Information, the National Parks Authority and the Fisheries Division coupled with the conducting of in-depth research/field surveys in various coastal areas. The delegation also had a general stakeholder meeting which a large number of stakeholders were invited to attend. The Technical Team also carried out field research in Barbuda. The delegation was hosted by the Department of the Blue Economy in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy.

Additionally, they had Courtesy Calls with high-level officials, such as: the Governor-General, H.E. Sir Rodney Williams; the Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office, Ambassador Lionel “Max” Hurst and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Paul Chet Greene. They also had a dinner meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, the Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., whose Ministry was the host.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the conducting of the feasibility study/preliminary research was fully endorsed and supported by the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Gaston Browne. At the request of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the Government of the People’s Republic of China agreed to conduct the feasibility study on the China-aid Technical Cooperation Project on Marine Spatial Planning and Blue Economy Building.

In general, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda was in full support of this activity because of their recognition that MSP is an important process which brings together relevant decision-making authorities or key players to better coordinate how we use and manage marine spaces by balancing ecological and socio-economic goals. The overall goal is to arrive at a spatial plan for an area that reflects the priorities and vision of partners and ocean users alike.

Before and during this important visit, the Technical Team was closely assisted by the Ambassador with Responsibility for the Blue Economy, H.E. Dean Jonas; the Director (ag.) of the Blue Economy, Ms. Ann-Louise Hill and the Project Development Officer in the Department of the Blue Economy, Mr. Rohan Jarvis. The Minister of Agriculture, Lands Fisheries and the Blue Economy, the Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., and the Permanent Secretary (ag.) with responsibility for Lands and the Blue Economy, Ms. Sharolyn Matthews, were also very supportive and accommodating.

Through this initiative, the NOTC will be expected to assist Antigua and Barbuda in formulating a MSP framework suitable for its blue economy development, including: data collection and analysis, surveying and mapping, information system design and development, data centre construction and technical document preparation. They will also support the country in identifying priority marine industries for development through the formulation of MSP and design an “Eco-Tourism and Intelligent Mariculture” blue economy pilot project. Additionally, they will assist by providing hardware, software, tools and equipment required for field surveys, investigations, mapping and research activities. At the appropriate time, they will offer assistance with conducting publicity and promotional campaigns focusing on MSP and the blue economy development roadmap and they will also provide professional technical training for local personnel.

Following their return to China, the NOTC team will now concentrate on compiling all of the information and data gathered to draft the requisite report for review and approval. They are aiming to submit this report by the end of July, 2026.