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Development of HELCOM broad-scale marine spatial planning principles for the Baltic Sea area (HELCOM SCALE) (2008-2009)

Background

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 and includes the development of regional marine spatial data infrastructure.

As envisioned by the Ecosystem 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. Simultaneously it 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.

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).

The INTERREG IIIB BALANCE Project has produced data and tools for nature conservation and sustainable development through spatial planning in the Baltic Sea. The Irish Sea Pilot Project has, at the regional sea scale, tested spatial planning for nature conservation. This project builds upon their results.

Aims

The project aims at contributing to the successful implementation of the foreseen HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP), the main vehicle to implementing EU Marine Strategy in the Baltic Sea, to be adopted in November 2007.

Within the BSAP process the project aims at providing information, advice and tools necessary to implement a broad-scale, cross-sectoral, marine spatial planning process based on the Ecosystem Approach in the Baltic Sea within HELCOM.

Specifically, the project aims at supporting the implementation of the HELCOM Recommendation 28E/9 on marine broad-scale planning principles by producing a concise guidance document on broad-scale marine spatial principles and related legal framework and by developing a GIS tool to support broad-scale marine planning basically within HELCOM. The project will engage early stakeholder advice on how such a planning process can be successfully used with HELCOM and could be successfully extended beyond HELCOM.

Main outcomes

  • A guidance document to serve as a reference on regulatory frameworks and principles.

  • A joint GIS planning tool for spatial synergies between HELCOM groups.

Main activities

  • Scoping out the extent of a Baltic Sea marine spatial planning process.

  • Collecting the legal framework relevant for broad-scale marine planning in the Baltic Sea area.

  • Production of a guidance document on broad-scale marine spatial principles applicable within the Baltic Sea.

  • Definition of data needs of the pilot use of HELCOM GIS for marine spatial planning.

  • Development of the GIS infrastructure in the HELCOM GIS.

  • Collection of existing data necessary to support broad-scale marine planning.

  • Engagement of stakeholder advice on how spatial marine planning process can be successfully used with HELCOM and successfully be extended beyond HELCOM system.

  • Demonstration and dissemination of the project results.

 

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

 

Contacts

 

Mr. Hermanni Backer

Project Researcher

HELCOM Secretariat

Tel: +358-207412620

E-mail: hermanni.backer@helcom.fi

 

Maria Laamanen

Professional Secretary

HELCOM Secretariat

Tel: +358-207412627

E-mail: maria.laamanen@helcom.fi