Which maritime spatial plans exist?

There is currently no legally binding MSP plan for Italy, but four marine areas were identified for the preparation of marine plans. Each area is composed of planning units with different types of “vocations” (generic, priority, limited, reserved) and include 42 strategic objectives. Nevertheless, Italy was involved in various projects aiming at carrying MSP initiatives and implementing maritime spatial planning such as ADRIPLAN or SIMWESTMED projects.

MSP legislation

The EU MSP Directive was transposed in Italian legislation with the Legislative Decree 17 October 2016, n. 201.

National MSP authority

According to the Legislative Decree 17 October 2016, n. 201 (art. 8) the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is the competent authority for MSP.

MSP competences are also shared among different institutions

• An Inter-ministerial Coordination Table responsible for marine areas definition for the development of maritime plans and coastal areas relevant for sea-land interaction analysis, and guidelines definition for the implementation of MSP and elaboration of related plans.
• A Technical Committee responsible for MSP plans elaboration, according to the guidelines defined by the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Table, including SEA and evaluation procedures related to Natura 2000 legislation.

CONTACT

Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport

Directorate General for Port Authorities, Port Facilities and Maritime and Waterways Transport

Via dell’Arte 16 – 00144 Rome

Director: Maria Teresa Di Matteo

E-mail: segreteria.dgvptm@mit.gov.it        Phone: 0039 06 5908 4205

**The present list of relevant practices is purely indicative and not endorsed by the Italian MSP authority, as it does not represent the formal process of MSP implementation: practices are results of projects and studies.