A four-member delegation from China's National Ocean Technology Centre (NOTC) in Tianjin visited Antigua and Barbuda from March 10–18, 2026, to conduct a feasibility study for the development of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in the twin-island nation.
Marine Spatial Planning is broadly defined as a public process of analysing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological and socio-economic benefits, as specified through a political process (IOC-UNESCO, 2009). It is considered essential for balancing ocean development — including shipping, energy, and tourism — with environmental protection, while reducing conflicts and supporting sustainable "blue growth."
The China-Antigua and Barbuda MSP Technical Team held in-depth meetings with key stakeholders across the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Information, the National Parks Authority, and the Fisheries Division. The delegation also conducted field surveys along various coastal areas, including in Barbuda, and hosted a general stakeholder meeting open to a broad range of participants.
The Department of the Blue Economy, within the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, served as the host for the delegation. The team also made courtesy calls on several high-level officials, including Governor-General H.E. Sir Rodney Williams, Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister's Office Ambassador Lionel "Max" Hurst, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Paul Chet Greene. A dinner meeting was also held with the host minister, Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy.
The feasibility study carried the full endorsement of Prime Minister Hon. Gaston Browne. At Antigua and Barbuda's request, the Government of the People's Republic of China agreed to undertake the study as part of a China-aided Technical Cooperation Project on Marine Spatial Planning and Blue Economy Building.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda expressed strong support for the initiative, recognising MSP as a critical framework for bringing together relevant decision-making authorities to better coordinate the use and management of marine spaces, balancing ecological objectives with socio-economic goals. The ultimate aim is to produce a spatial plan that reflects the priorities and vision of both partners and ocean users.
Supporting the Technical Team throughout the visit were Ambassador with Responsibility for the Blue Economy H.E. Dean Jonas, Acting Director of the Blue Economy Ms. Ann-Louise Hill, and Project Development Officer Mr. Rohan Jarvis. Acting Permanent Secretary for Lands and the Blue Economy Ms. Sharolyn Matthews also provided support and assistance.
Through this initiative, the NOTC is expected to help Antigua and Barbuda formulate an MSP framework suited to its blue economy development needs. This includes data collection and analysis, surveying and mapping, information system design and development, data centre construction, and the preparation of technical documents. The NOTC will also support the identification of priority marine industries for development, and design an "Eco-Tourism and Intelligent Mariculture" blue economy pilot project. Additional assistance will cover the provision of hardware, software, tools and equipment for field surveys, as well as publicity and promotional campaigns and professional technical training for local personnel.
Having returned to China, the NOTC team is now focused on compiling the data and information gathered during the visit to produce a draft report for review and approval. The team aims to submit the completed report by the end of July 2026.
