Navigating the Future: Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) for a Resilient Blue Economy
The Indian Ocean, supporting over one-third of maritime trade and over 70% of oil shipments, is a vital corridor for global trade and biodiversity. However, the region is increasingly confronted with challenges—climate change, marine pollution, spatial conflicts, and declining biodiversity—all requiring joint, science-based solutions.
Recognizing both the opportunities and challenges in the Indian Ocean region (IOR), the Republic of Korea (ROK) has steadily expanded its engagement. Since joining IORA as a Dialogue Partner in 2018, the ROK has worked to strengthen cooperation through various initiatives, including the annual ROK-IORA Partnership Seminar. This platform has facilitated knowledge exchange and practical collaboration across IORA’s priority areas.
Indeed, Korea has so far hosted five seminars:
- 1st Seminar on 29 October 2020: Path to Peace and Prosperity for the People in the Indian Ocean amid Pandemic;
- 2nd Seminar on 8-9 July 2021: Partnership for Blue Economy to attain Sustainable Development;
- 3rd Seminar on 9-10 July 2022: Tourism and Cultural Exchanges in the Post-Pandemic Era;
- 4th Seminar on 14 December 2023: Management and Response Strategies for Marine Debris;
- 5th Seminar on 3 July 2024: Harnessing Sustainable Ocean Resources through Ocean Research;
Building on its deepening cooperation with IORA, as a part of this broader effort Korea officially announced the establishment of the ROK Indian Ocean Cooperation Fund (KICF) at the 24th IORA Council of Ministers in May 2025. The 2025 Seminar will serve as a timely platform to sustain this momentum by engaging stakeholders in line with Korea’s commitment to nurturing a sustainable and forward-looking partnership. The sixth Seminar, to take place in Seoul, the ROK on 3 July 2025, seeks to further advance these shared priorities as a continuation of previous efforts.
The Sixth ROK-IORA Partnership Seminar will be held on 3 July 2025 in Seoul, Korea. The main objectives and anticipated outcomes are:
- Reinforce the partnership between the Republic of Korea and IORA Member States through open dialogue and cooperation in IORA’s priority and cross-cutting areas, particularly the Blue Economy; Fisheries Management; and Academic, Science and Technology Cooperation.
- Share practical experiences and innovative approaches in marine spatial planning and smart aquaculture, with an emphasis on science and technology-based solutions that promote inclusion and ecosystem resilience.
- Build regional capacity and raise awareness of sustainable ocean planning by facilitating the exchange of tools, technologies, and policy insights among diverse stakeholders.