Marine Spatial Planning

Marine spatial planning is a marine equivalent to terrestrial spatial planning which has been used to rationally develop e.g. urban areas, but also to protect environmental and cultural values. However, whereas terrestrial spatial planning has for centuries been an integrated part of national law in many European countries, marine spatial planning is a novel, emerging form of legality implemented so far mainly in connection with marine protected areas and as shipping lanes and traffic separation schemes (TSS).

Spatial planning in marine areas seeks spatial solutions for the conflicting placement of e.g. navigational areas and lanes (which have to guarantee safety and easiness of navigation), tracks for electric cables (which have to be straight, and clear of shipping lanes), and conservation interest e.g. networks of marine protected areas (which have to protect species and habitats).

Marine spatial planning and the Baltic Sea

International organisations working on marine spatial planning include the Convention on Biological Diversity, UNESCO, European Commission, VASAB (Visions and Strategies around the Baltic Sea) as well as HELCOM.

In the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, which was adopted in November 2007, HELCOM Contracting Parties committed themselves to develop, by 2010, as well as test, apply and evaluate by 2012, in co-operation with other relevant international bodies, broad-scale, cross-sectoral, marine spatial planning principles based on the Ecosystem Approach.

To underline the importance of this activity, HELCOM adopted Recommendation 28E/9 on development of broad-scale marine spatial planning principles to support the implementation of this commitment.

Broad-scale MSP can help in meeting the ecosystem-based management objectives set by the HELCOM Action Plan, as well as objectives set by EU initiatives such as the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive and European Maritime Policy. Due to the relative novelty of the concept of comprehensive Spatial Planning in the marine field, there are yet no commonly agreed definitions or standards for the subject. Such a spatial approach will be developed within HELCOM during 2008-2009, under the project HELCOM SCALE, and includes the development of regional marine spatial data infrastructure.

Using an Ecosystem-based Approach, marine spatial planning provides the possibility of widening the horizon beyond purely sectoral policy measures towards integrated spatial approach within the Baltic marine area. Marine spatial planning also enables the HELCOM Contracting Parties to take into account the development opportunities and environmental threats which arise in the individual Baltic sub-regions. Beyond that, it would function as a positive example of proactive and innovative regional co-operation. By providing an easy overview of the nature values and uses, spatial representation in the form of cross-sectoral activity maps/plans would also facilitate broad public participation in the discussion on decisions at Baltic level, and their impact on the Baltic environment and its sustainable use.

 

Links:

HELCOM Recommendation 28E/9: Development of broad-scale marine spatial planning principles in the Baltic Sea area

Project description for HELCOM SCALE: Development of HELCOM broad-scale marine spatial planning principles for the Baltic Sea area

Outcome of the 2008 HELCOM Stakeholder Conference which included an participatory activity on marine spatial planning.

The INTERREG IIIB BALANCE Project has produced data and tools for nature conservation and sustainable development through spatial planning in the Baltic Sea

MSP and the Irish Sea Pilot Project

MSP and the Great Barrier Reef

UNESCO’s Ecosystem-based Marine Spatial Management Initiative

 

 

Last updated: 7 August 2008