title: Resolving coastal conflicts using marine spatial planning.
abstract: We applied marine spatial planning (MSP) to manage conflicts in a multi-use coastal area of Kenya. MSP involves several steps which were supported by using geographical information systems (GISs), multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and optimization. GIS was used in identifying overlapping coastal uses and mapping conflict hotspots. MCDA was used to incorporate the preferences of user groups and managers into a formal decision analysis procedure. Optimization was applied in generating optimal allocation alternatives to competing uses. Through this analysis three important objectives that build a foundation for future planning of Kenya's coastal waters were achieved: 1) engaging competing stakeholders; 2) illustrating how MSP can be adapted to aid decision-making in multi-use coastal regions; and 3) developing a draft coastal use allocation plan. The successful application of MSP to resolve conflicts in coastal regions depends on the level of stakeholder involvement, data availability and the existing knowledge base.
authors.affiliation: Kenya Wildlife Service, Coast Conservation Area, P.O. Box 82144, Kenya.
authors.forename: Arthur O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Tuda
authors.affiliation: Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Science I Building (G24), Queensland 4222, Australia.
authors.forename: Tim F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.affiliation: Centre for Marine and Coastal Policy Research, School of Marine Science and Engineering, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, Devon, UK. Electronic address: lrodwell@plymouth.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Lynda D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Rodwell
mesh_terms: D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D007630:Kenya; D012623:Seawater
keywords: Coastal management; Geographical information systems; Kenya; Multi-criteria decision analysis; Optimization; Stakeholder engagement