In the context of the MSP Directive, France has divided its maritime space into four sea basins ("façades"), where each basin is subject to a specific planning process. Between 2018 and 2019, the Sea Basin Strategy Documents were published for each of the sea basins. This study 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 of concern for the French Mediterranean sea basin?
- What strategical objectives have been 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 using a planning document for reference.
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 provides 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 administrations (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 organised to seek public inputs. Public opinion was also collected through the www.merlittoral2030.gouv.fr platform.
MAIN OUTPUTS / RESULTS:
The document defines the maritime spatial planning strategy on a sub-national scale. This is the first time that a strategy regarding the maritime space in France has been done to this scale. Along with the vision for 2030 and associated strategic objectives, the document provides a "designated-use map", which demonstrates the division 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 specifically for the Mediterranean basin in the framework of the French maritime policy, the practice is therefore not transferable to another country.
Responsible Entity:
Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition
Interregional Direction of Sea of Mediterranean Sea