The Directive on Maritime Spatial
Planning
Marie Colombier DG MARE, European Commission
27 January 2016
Malmo
Reduce conflicts on access to maritime space
Reduce cumulative impact of maritime activities on the environment
Reduce co-ordination costs for public authorities
Improve certainty and predictability for private investments
Why is MSP a priority for Europe?
Geographical coverage
MSP: Marine waters cover coastal waters, territorial sea and EEZ.
Timing
September 2014: Entry into force
2016: Transposition and Competent Authorities
2021: Establishment of plans in all marine waters of MS
Obligations of the MSP Directive
Set-up the plans
Set up maritime spatial plans which identify the spatial and temporal distribution of existing and future activities, uses in the marine waters (cross-border)
Set up Competent Authorities
Public participation
Public information from an early stage and participation of relevant stakeholders, authorities, and public concerned
Objectives of Maritime Spatial Plans
1. Apply an ecosystem-based approach
2. Contribute to the preservation, protection and improvement of the environment
3. Contribute to the sustainable development of:
energy sectors at sea
maritime transport
fisheries and aquaculture
4. Member States can pursue additional objectives (tourism, raw materials)
5. Promote the co-existence of relevant activities and uses
MSP/MSFD Areas of joint interest
MSFD
MSP WFD
More efficient & sustainable management of marine resources
• Ecosystem based approach • "Land/sea interactions" • Sound data for decision
making • Data exchange &
management • Engagement of stakeholders • Cross-border cooperation
Key requirements of the MSPD
1. Involve stakeholders 2. Develop cross-border cooperation 3. Apply an ecosystem-based approach 4. Use the best available data and share information 5. Take into account land-sea interaction 6. Promote the coexistence of activities 7. Review plans at least every 10 years
MSP Directive Implementation Support Strategy
Objectives
Tools: transposition/ expert group/ assistance mechanism
Priorities : cross-sectoral cooperation cross-border cooperation
Assistance Mechanism for the Implementation of Maritime Spatial Planning
Launched !
Technical support for Member States Generate and disseminate practical information and gather
best practices. Create and manage a MSP website Focal Points for the different Sea-basins to be able to answer
Member States/NGOs/Industries' questions at short notice. Advise on the use of EU financial instruments and bring project
partners together
Studies : conduct technical studies to reduce knowledge gaps. 2016 study: evaluation of data and knowledge gaps to
implement MSP.
Cross-border cooperation
Cooperation between Member States
Member States sharing a sea should cooperate to ensure that their MSP are coherent and coordinated
Means of cooperation are left to Member States to decide.
Cooperation with third countries
Cooperate with third countries on their actions with regard to maritime spatial planning (where geopolitically possible).
Previous projects
2008-2010 Building knowledge base on cross-border planning
2010-2014
Building concrete expertise on cross-border planning through pilot projects
2014 -2021
Implementing the Directive
On-going projects: Baltic Scope, SimCelt, MarsPlan On-going calls:Atlantic, East and west Mediterranean
Thank you for your attention [email protected] More background information at: http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/policy/maritime_spatial_planning/index_en.htm