www.msp-platform.eu

A service for Member States to share relevant knowledge and experiences on Maritime Spatial Planning

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What is Maritime Spatial Planning? Maritime spatial planning (MSP) has gained recognition as an invaluable process for effective and efficient ma-nagement of maritime activities. As the variety of uses in sea areas increases, MSP plays an important role in promo-ting sustainable development and growth in the maritime sector, while also ensuring that any such activities are con-sistent with the ecosystem-based approach to marine ma-nagement.

MSP in EuropeEurope is at the forefront of MSP, and numerous countries have already established MSP processes. The adoption of the EU Directive on Maritime Spatial Planning (2014/89/EU) has set a new landmark for MSP developments by requiring all coastal EU Member States to prepare cross-sectoral ma-ritime spatial plans by 2021. The MSP Directive recognizes that MSP is a national competency, leaving it up to Mem-ber States to determine the format and content of maritime spatial plans and institutional arrangements while meeting the minimum requirements set forth in the MSP Directive.

The European Commission continuously offers support in the form of project funding and background studies, and contributes to the creation of marine data & knowledge in-frastructures.

A single interface for MSPThe European MSP Platform draws together MSP knowled-ge and expertise from across Europe and makes it availa-ble in a web-based, implementation-oriented format at www.msp-platform.eu. It serves as the information gateway and exchange forum for all involved in MSP throughout Europe to access existing and forthcoming resources. The MSP platform’s elements allow officials, planners and other stakeholders interested in MSP to build on what is already available, avoid duplication of efforts, assist in capacity buil-ding and foster development of new good practices:

Focal points in each of the European sea-basins who act as personal contacts and liaison offices to keep

track of any new developments in MSP within their region and provide advice and answer questions as they arise.

Studies on topics which enhance MSP implementati-on and contribute to the collective knowledge based,

including the ‚MSP Data Study - Evaluation of data and knowledge gaps to implement MSP‘ (Dec 2016), 'MSP for Blue Growth‘ (Apr 2018), and forthcoming studies on con-flict resolution and cross-border consultation.

Workshops and conferences to facilitate active knowledge exchange and generation between MSP

practitioners. Previous workshops have focused on topics such as cumulative impacts and socio-economic aspects of MSP. Our team continuously supports the European Commission in organising the meetings of the Member States Expert Group

on MSP.

The European MSP Platform

The European MSP Platform is financed by the European Commission under the EMFF. The European MSP Platform is a result of the ‚MSP Assistance Mechanism‘ implemented by EASME on behalf of DG MARE.

Contact Points and Experts We are happy to assist you with any kind of suggestion or question you may have, such as disseminating information on an MSP event or publication, or searching for relevant information and contacts in order to address your needs.

Ireland United Kingdom

· Stephen Jay· Hannah JonesUniversity of Liverpool

· Lucy Greenhills.Pro, Scotland

FinlandPolandLatviaLithuaniaEstoniaGermanySwedenDenmarkBelgiumNetherlands

· Susanne Altvater · Jacek Zaucha· Erik Oomss.Pro, Berlin

Central Office

· Angela Schultz-Zehden, Contract Manager· Lisa Simone de Grunt· Clare Waldmann

info@msp-platform.eu+49 30 832 1417 41

Subcontractors

Do you have a question about MSP? Send it to info@msp-platform.eu or make use of our 48h Question & Answer Service. Your question will be forwarded to one of the Sea Basin Focal Points.

www.msp-platform.eu To get the latest updates and news, sign up for our regular newsletter and follow us on Twitter @EU_MSP_Platform

Consortium

· Diletta ZontaEcorys, Brussels

· Javier Fernández López· Marta PascualEcorys, Madrid

BulgariaRomania

· Laura AlexandrovNIMRD, Constanta

· Aneta Kovacheva Ecorys, Sofia

FranceSpainMaltaPortugal

ItalySloveniaCroatiaGreeceCyprus

· Emiliano Ramieri · Martina Bocci Thetis, Venice

The gateway to MSP knowledge and resources - msp-platform.eu The interactive website provides access to a diverse array of knowledge and resources drawn from existing MSP processes and pro-jects. The website is continuously updated and expanded to reflect the dynamic process of MSP development throughout Europe and the MSP Platform’s evolving elements.

Practice database with over 393 entries showing practical information relevant to MSP, searchable via filters like ‘type of practice’, ‘type of MSP issue’, ‘sector’, ‘country’ or ‘year of publication’.

Projects database featuring over 140 concluded and on-going MSP projects and their outputs.

Over 75 FAQs describing the main MSP relevant issues and answering specific ques-tions including links to relevant resources on the MSP-Platform.

Country and sea-basin information including the current status of MSP, relevant legislation, institutions, contact persons as well as practices and projects.

News and Events highlighting the latest developments in MSP and an overview of relevant upcoming, past and planned events, including documen-tation and outputs.

Training opportunities both in-person and online for MSP planners to increase awareness of capacity development offerings.

Funding opportunities across geographic scales, with upcoming deadlines highlighted.