In the framework of the MSP Directive, France has divided its maritime space into four sea basins ("façades"), where each basin is the subject to a specific planning process. Between 2018 and 2019, the Sea Basin Strategy Documents were published for each of the sea basins. This practice refers to the Sea Basin Strategy Document for the Mediterranean. It provides a detailed description of the current situation (including the physical and biological aspects, human activities etc.), as well as strategic objectives that are in line with the National Strategy for the Sea and Coast (2017).
Questions this practice may help answer:
- What are the main issues concerning the French Mediterranean sea basin?
- What are the strategical objectives defined for the French Mediterranean sea basin?
- How is marine spatial planning applied in France?
Implementation Context:
As part of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008) and the Maritime Spatial Planning Framework Directive (2014), France has adopted a National Strategy for the Sea and Coast (2017). This national strategy is adapted for each sea basin via the elaboration of a planning document.
AsPects / Objectives:
The document provides a summary of the current situation in the Mediterranean Sea Basin in regard to the main activities and related socio-economic issues, research initiatives, as well as the state of marine and coastal ecosystems and associated issues. It highlights major challenges and draws a vision for 2030 with associated strategic objectives. This Sea Basin Strategy will serve as a basis for developing an action plan for the Sea Basin, to be provided by 2021.
Method:
The Sea Basin Strategy Document is drafted by the Sea Basin Council for the Mediterranean Coast, which includes representatives from the local Mediterranean maritime prefectures (préfécture maritime de Mediterranee and préfécture de Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur), local authorities, coastal and maritime activities, and associations on protection of the marine environment. A public consultation was organized to seek public inputs. Public opinion was also collected through the www.merlittoral2030.gouv.fr platform.
Main Outputs / Results:
The document draws the maritime spatial planning strategy at a sub-national scale. This is the first time that the strategy regarding the maritime space in France is done at this scale. Along with the vision for 2030 and associated strategic objectives, the document provides a "designated-use map", which demonstrates the devision of the French Mediterranean Sea Basin into thirty zones, corresponding to areas with similar issues and potentials as a basis for spatial implementation of strategic objectives.
Transferability:
The document has been drafted for the Mediterranean basin in the framework of the French maritime policy, the practice is thus not transferable to another country.
Responsible Entity:
Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition
Interregional Direction of Sea of Mediterranean Sea