Study on Integrating an Ecosystem-based Approach into Maritime Spatial Planning

Study on Integrating an Ecosystem-based Approach into Maritime Spatial Planning

The main objective was to propose feasible and practical approaches and guidelines for applying the Ecosystem-Based Approach (EBA) in Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP). To do so, presently available information and a practical method or tool for evaluating, monitoring and reviewing the application of EBA in MSP were used.

More specifically, the two main outputs which were produced are:

  • A practical method with a set of guidelines and tools for the Member States to integrate EBA in MSP (going beyond marine protected areas). This should link the MSFD, be adaptable to different contexts (sea basins, state of development of MSP) and be based on the existing environmental knowledge about EU waters, predominantly through the information collected by the MSFD.

More specifically, this practical method should look at (1) the use of the marine assessment of MSFD when designing maritime plans; (2) the use of the maritime planning (both the plans and the process) as input for the MSFD programs of measures. When testing the set of guidelines and tools in the context of the case studies (as described in Task 4), it may be worthwhile to adapt it to take into account case study-specific information or knowledge.

  • A practical method or tool for evaluating, monitoring, and reviewing the application of EBA in MSP, in particular, in the context of the implementation of the MSP Directive and using the information provided predominantly in the context of the MSFD implementation.

Fresh Thoughts was working with ACTeon, Milieu, Baltijas Vides Forums, GRID-Arendal and Stichting Wageningen Research to implement guidelines and tools related to EBA for EU Member States.

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Workshop on integrating an ecosystem-based approach into maritime spatial planning

project-category:

Marine Management

start:

2019-11-26

end:

2021-12-01

client:

Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME)

geographic scope:

Black Sea, Rumania, Bulgaria, Mediterranean Sea, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, France, Spain, Atlantic Ocean, Portugal, Ireland, North Sea, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Baltic Sea, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, all EU marine waters, EU-28

project-manager

Thomas Dworak
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