This page presents an overview of the key documents outlining what MSP is and how the process might be initiated and managed. A short introduction to MSP can be found here, along with a Glossary defining the most relevant concepts.
Documents
- European Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (DIRECTIVE 2014/89/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning)
- UNESCO 'step-by-step approach to MSP'
- BaltSeaPlan Findings: experiences and lessons
- PlanCOAST - Handbook on Integrated Maritime Spatial Planning
- PartiSEAPate - Handbook on multi-level consultations in MSP
- SHAPE - Methodological handbook on MSP in the Adriatic Sea
- UNESCO - Evaluating Marine Spatial Plans
- Marine Ecosystem and Management - Insights from Practitioners: Challenges and Solutions for Ocean Planning
- HELCOM-VASAB - Guideline for the implementation of ecosystem-based approach in MSP in the Baltic Sea area
- HELCOM-VASAB - Guideline on transboundary consultations, public participation and co-operation
- Ocean Zoning: Making Marine Management More Effective
- Handbook of Ocean Resources and Management
- Environmental Planning for Oceans and Coasts
- LME:LEARN MSP Toolkit
Videos
- BaltSPACE Interactive Tool on MSP
- WWF - Become a Maritime Spatialist in 10 Minutes
- Blue Solutions / MARISMA / GEZ - Marine Spatial Planning in a Nutshell
- UK Marine Management Organisation - 'What is Marine Planning?'
- Estonian Ministry of the Finance - 'Planning Fundamentals'
Definitions
''Maritime spatial planning means a process by which relevant Member State’s authorities analyse and organise human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic and social objectives'‘
Source: Art. 3 of the EU Directive on MSP (2014/89/EU)
''The public process of analyzing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives that are usually specified through a political process.”
Ehler & Douvere 2007, “Visions for a Sea Change”, UNESCO/IOC