Strengthening MSP’s role in achieving GES through capacity building, trainings and dialogue#
Description#
General description
Achieving GES in marine environments requires an integrated and informed approach within MSP processes. However, MSP’s main objective is to find spatial solutions to foster and coordinate economic, social and environmental goals. In practice, economic goals are not always compatible with the achievement of GES, and these interests may sometimes dominate environmental considerations and environmental objectives (Ehler & Douvere, 2009). Furthermore, its effectiveness in contributing to GES is often limited by insufficient technical capacity, knowledge gaps, and weak coordination across governance levels ((European Commission, 2025, OECD, 2017).
To address these challenges, this solution proposes strengthening MSP’s role in achieving GES through targeted capacity-building initiatives, technical training programs, and enhanced dialogue across governance levels. By equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills and fostering collaboration, this approach aims to improve the alignment of MSP with biodiversity and environmental objectives, ensuring more effective and cohesive marine management (CBD, 2022; UNEP, 2021).
Main purpose To empower MSP processes to contribute effectively to GES, the following actions are recommended:
Implement comprehensive capacity-building programs for MSP practitioners and stakeholders.
Provide technical training on EBA and data-driven decision-making.
Foster structured dialogue and knowledge-sharing across local, regional, and national governance levels.
Barriers addressed:
MSP lacks the mandate for legally binding spatial measures:
MSP primarily serves as a strategic and advisory tool, guiding spatial use and environmental considerations, but it lacks the authority to impose legally binding restrictions or requirements.
Limited technical expertise:
Lack of specialized training in integrating EBA within MSP.
Difficulty in utilizing scientific data for evidence-based planning and decision-making.
Fragmented governance structures:
Inconsistent coordination between governance levels, leading to misaligned objectives.
Limited communication and knowledge exchange across institutions and regions.
Stakeholder engagement challenges:
Low awareness and understanding of MSP’s role in achieving GES.
Limited participation from relevant sectors due to a lack of engagement mechanisms.
Policy relevance
This solution directly supports the EUBS2030 and the MSFD, which aims to achieve GES for EU marine waters. Strengthening MSP’s capacity contributes to improved policy coherence and facilitates the integration of environmental objectives into spatial planning processes. Additionally, it is consistent with the MSP Directive’s EBA that is aligned with the MSFD by giving concrete means for addressing the GES objectives and by promoting informed decision-making and multi-level governance cooperation. Enhanced capacity and dialogue will also support the achievement of regional environmental commitments under initiatives such as HELCOM, OSPAR, and the Barcelona Convention.
Implementation
Capacity-building programs: Develop and deliver targeted training programs for MSP authorities, planners, and stakeholders, focusing on ecosystem-based management, data integration, and adaptive planning approaches.
Technical training workshops: Organize specialized workshops to enhance technical skills related to marine spatial data interpretation, cumulative impact assessments, and scenario planning to improve MSP effectiveness in achieving GES.
Multi-level dialogue forums: Establish regular dialogue platforms to facilitate knowledge exchange, foster collaboration across governance levels, and ensure alignment of objectives between national, regional, and local authorities.
Impact and effort
Impact: Very High
This solution has the potential to significantly enhance MSP’s contribution to achieving GES by building technical expertise, fostering collaboration, and ensuring informed decision-making processes. Improved capacity and knowledge-sharing can lead to better integration of environmental goals into MSP, benefiting marine biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
Required effort: Low
The implementation of this solution requires relatively low effort, as it builds on existing frameworks, leverages available resources, and focuses on enhancing skills and cooperation rather than introducing new regulatory requirements. Capacity-building initiatives can be rolled out progressively, making this a cost-effective and impactful approach to achieving GES through MSP.
Strengthening MSP’s role in achieving Good Environmental Status: good practices
Funding opportunities from EU programs such as the EMFAF provide resources to enhance the technical and institutional capacities of MSP-related personnel and organizations.
Cross-border coordination: The HELCOM-VASAB MSP Working Group provides a successful example of fostering cross-border cooperation and developing practices for ecosystem-based MSP through jointly produced guidelines. In addition, Planners` Forum is a platform for informal collaboration among MSP practitioners. During Planners` Forums participants discuss pressing MSP issues, knowledge gaps and future MSP project needs. (Baltic Sea Region).
France’s MSP process: France has chosen to transpose both the MSP Directive and the MSFD into its Sea Basin Strategy documents—an integrated approach that strengthens the inclusion of environmental considerations, fosters institutional collaboration, and enhances the use of marine knowledge in MSP processes.
Germany’s MSP process: The establishment of national and regional MSP working groups that include environmental agencies and stakeholders to ensure alignment with GES goals.
Belgium’s MSP process: The use of MSP to operationalize environmental objectives within marine areas, ensuring a direct link between MSP and GES targets through dedicated plans and responsible institutions.
Portugal’s MSP legislation: The integration of biodiversity objectives into MSP legislation, facilitating a balanced approach between economic activities and conservation efforts through dedicated planning processes.
Baltic Sea Region: The HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP), which integrates MSP as a crucial tool for achieving regional environmental objectives and fostering transboundary cooperation.