The 8th Workshop of China-Thailand MSP Collaborative Study Successfully Convened
Recently, the 8th Workshop of China-Thailand Marine Spatial Planning Collaborative Study was successfully convened in Weihai, China to continuously deepen China-Thailand scientific research communication and cooperation in marine spatial planning. Supported by the Western Pacific Sub-Commission of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and the China Oceanic Development Foundation (CODF), the workshop was hosted by FIO with representatives from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) of Thailand, Prince of Songkla University and other institutions attending. PAN Xinchun, Deputy President and Secretary General of CODF, Wannakiat Thubthimsang, Advisor of DMCR, and LIU Shengfa, Director of the China-Thailand Joint Laboratory for Climate and Marine Ecosystem (hereinafter referred to as “the Joint Lab”), delivered remarks in the opening ceremony which was moderated by ZHANG Zhiwei, Senior Engineer of FIO.
PAN Xinchun stated that the China-Thailand collaborative study on marine spatial planning (MSP) stood out as one of the 20 MSP projects supported by the CODF, and the Ocean Decade project jointly applied by the two countries and relevant organizations was successfully endorsed. It is recommended that the two sides continue to follow the path of “pilot in small areas - provincial demonstration - development in bay areas - national proposal” designed in the initial stage, and prepare useful, practical and effective MSP programs based on the current situation of resource environment and exploitation and utilization of Thailand's sea area.
Wannakiat Thubthimsang emphasized the MSP compilation work achieved by the two sides in Koh Lan, Ko Si Chang and Chon buri Province which generated scientific theories and methods for local ocean management and blue economy development. LIU Shengfa pointed out that MSP has become a flagship project for China-Thailand cooperation and hoped the two sides to deepen communication and cooperation in MSP with the support of the Joint Lab.
During the workshop, the two sides shared the current MSP development maps, the implementation progress of MSP in Chonburi Province and research outcomes of various projects. They also had in-depth discussions on the content of the “Draft Scheme of MSP in Chonburi Province”, relevant data and research areas of the China-Thailand MSP in 2025 and key work priorities.
The workshop consolidated China-Thailand cooperation in marine science and technology and promoted the progress of MSP compilation at the provincial level in Thailand. The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations. The Research Center for Coastal Zone Science and Marine Development Strategy of FIO will continue to promote the research and development work in MSP compilation at the provincial level and connect the establishment of demonstration areas of MSP Global 2030 and Ocean Decade project “Accelerate Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific” so as to achieve new highlights and contributions.
Group photo