Marine Spatial Planning: A Quest for Effective Protection of the Bay of Bengal

In the present context of sovereignty, an independent political society qualifies its statehood with airspace and territorial sea if that is not otherwise landlocked. The coastal states are now paying more attention to the water resources of the sea within its sovereign control along with the inland water. Being one of the coastal states in South Asia, Bangladesh can consolidate its fortune in the adjacent position with the Bay of Bengal. Two consecutive decisions against Myanmar and India have extended its marine boundary, the access to which can radically enhance the economy. This fortune, however, may turn into misfortune within moments by either man-made or natural disasters. With a view to avoiding the dismal, through proper management of water, water resource, seabed and overall ecosystem of the sea, policy makers of some of the western countries are working with Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). It is considered as a means of resolving inter-sectoral and cross-border conflicts over maritime space. Unpacking the marine crisis in Bangladesh, the application of MSP can work effectively to conserve the environment and maximize the utility of resources thereto. The overall objective to adopt this new optimum phenomenon vows to aggregate making balanced policy and the expertise, of course.