Integrated systematic planning and adaptive stakeholder process support a 10‐fold increase in South Africa's Marine Protected Area estate

South Africa sought to implement an ecologically representative Marine Protected Area (MPA) network achieve biodiversity and fisheries management goals with least impact on offshore stakeholders. The result was the declaration of a spatially efficient representing 131 150 marine ecosystem types (87%) in 5.4% ocean area. We outline 15-year process from planning implementation 20 new MPAs, including contentious areas recognized as important for conservation decades ago. Systematic Conservation Planning (SCP) supported by 532 data layers inclusive stakeholder identified priority areas, reduced conflict guided complex trade-offs. Multiple scenarios iterative improvements increased transparency, zonation achieved balanced compromises while maintaining objectives. Key challenges, enabling factors lessons are shared. demonstrate that flexible, evidence-based SCP together adaptive social processes alert opportunities can support MPA networks aligned economy goals.