ABOUT

The hashtagMEDSEAPLAN project has officially kicked off! Over the course of 3 years, we will focus on improving Data and Scenarios for a Sustainable Mediterranean Blue Economy – with a specific emphasis on Maritime Spatial Planning.

MEDSEAPLAN’s main objective is to develop a comprehensive scientific knowledge-based tool for the application of the EBA to be used in MSP processes with the intention to drive a Sustainable Blue Economy in the Mediterranean.

MEDSEAPLAN focuses on future-proof Maritime Spatial Planning; the need for advanced data; and an increased participation of maritime industry and other relevant stakeholders in the development of MSP-relevant foresight scenarios.

Although the application of MSP in the Mediterranean may be considered still in its infancy, two key challenges may already be observed: 1) insufficient data, large data gaps and data warehousing; as well as 2) issues with ensuring effective participation of relevant stakeholders (including maritime industry). Through the application of a novel conceptual framework tool linked to the Ecosystem-based Approach (EBA), MEDSEAPLAN aims to improve data collection for MSP in a harmonised way and will act as an example through the region for stakeholder engagement in MSP processes.

MEDSEAPLAN will focus on assessing current and future data needs for regional MSP and creating new relevant data inputs. It will also work on transforming this data into information that can be used by MSP planners and included in participatory frameworks during the planning process. Cross-border and transnational aspects of maritime activities must be integrated into sub-sea basin scale MSP and so the strength of MEDSEAPLAN lies in its multi-sectoral, multi-actor and cross-border approach.