SIMNORAT - The definition and application of MSP by the OSPAR Convention (D4)

• Main Authors: Marques M., Quintela, A., Sousa, L.P., Silva, A., Alves, F.L., Dilasser, J., Ganne, M., Sala, P., Cervera- Núñez, C., Campillos-Llanos, M., Gómez-Ballesteros, M., Alloncle, N., Giret, O.
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: MSP; Maritime Spatial Planning; SIMNORAT; OSPAR; Northern European Atlantic; Bergen; North Atlantic; North East Atlantic
• Online Access: https://zenodo.org/record/2594687; https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.2594687

Component: 1.3.1 Develop and propose a conceptual methodology for transboundary MSP in the Northern Atlantic, with operational details on selected aspects Sub-component: 1.3.1.2 The definition and application of MSP by the OSPAR Convention taking into consideration the relationship between EU and non EU countries The political commitment for MSP by OSPAR and the cooperation in the North Sea were addressed in the Bergen Declaration, assigned in 2002, in the Fifth International Conference on the Protection of the North Sea. OSPAR Convention does not have a direct role on MSP implementation neither a legal framework. Despite this fact, OSPAR has an important contribution setting baseline information and guidelines in key aspects to the success of the development of a joint regional marine spatial planning perspective, especially on the development of OSPAR region, tailor-made principles for maritime spatial planning. An Intersessional Correspondence Groups (ICG) Working Group on MSP was established to design a set of guidelines to implement MSP in the North Atlantic Region in which all Contracting Parties agreed to pursue strategies that would promote cooperation in spatial planning between competent authorities. Questions of concern about transboundary cooperation on MSP, transnational consultation and the requirement of a region-specific, tailor-made approach to apply MSP supporting the Ecosystem Approach and the share of experiences and best practices regarding marine spatial planning are also central questions set in the OSPAR´s North-East Atlantic environment Strategy. OSPAR develops mechanisms for early transnational consultation on spatial plans highlighting the interactions that could promote integration, early stakeholder involvement and the introduction of MSP by all Contracting Parties. OSPAR is also actively involved in, and supportive of, initiatives and projects in MSP undertaken by the European Commission under the Integrated Maritime Policy. OSPAR Commission serves as an efficient platform to ...