Integrated Ocean Planning: Marine Protected Areas, Multi-Use & Business Pathways

Navigate ocean planning, conservation, and blue economy pathways

Develop your expertise in marine protected areas (MPAs), integrated ocean management, and the emerging blue economy.

This online course connects policy, practice, and sustainability, showing how marine conservation and economic opportunity can go hand in hand.

Dive into ocean planning and marine protected areas

This chapter summarises the principles of marine spatial planning and the role of MPAs in conserving ocean ecosystems. You will learn how multi-use strategies and stakeholder collaboration create a balance between environmental protection and sustainable development. But you will also see how global and European approaches to maritime spatial planning uncover spatial conflicts and identify opportunities to integrate diverse ocean uses effectively.

This foundation will give you the knowledge to approach ocean management with both a strategic and practical lens.

Develop business and innovation skills in the blue economy

You’ll discover how conservation and commercial success can align. Using real-world pilot cases and successful blue economy initiatives, you’ll explore business models that turn ocean protection into viable opportunities. You’ll develop entrepreneurial mindset by practising business plan design, funding strategies, and identifying professional roles in marine multi-use sectors.

Harness MPAs for governance, value creation & sustainable careers

You’ll wrap things up by focusing on leadership and applied management. Understand how MPAs can function as governance tools, sources of ecosystem services, and platforms for sustainable business.

We hope these insights and confidence will support you in taking the next step in your professional journey.

This course is ideal for students, graduates, entrepreneurs, and professionals in aquaculture, blue economy, marine policy, or sustainability, looking to advance skills in business, innovation, and integrated ocean management.

This course is ideal for students, graduates, entrepreneurs, and professionals in aquaculture, blue economy, marine policy, or sustainability, looking to advance skills in business, innovation, and integrated ocean management.

• Develop foundational knowledge of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), maritime spatial planning (MSP), and ocean multi-use as key elements of sustainable ocean governance.
• Practice analysing real-world MSP and multi-use cases to explore how ocean space can be managed effectively for conservation and economic activities.
• Explore the role of MPAs in regional and global strategies and assess their effectiveness in delivering both ecological protection and socio-economic benefits.
• Evaluate business tools and planning strategies to develop financially viable and sustainable MPA management approaches, including ecosystem service valuation and blended finance.
• Identify responsibilities of MPA managers and explore career pathways by engaging in simulations, stakeholder exercises, and roleplay activities.