Data collection and presentation#
Description#
This practice is based on the results of the previous step/practice (Scoping) and involves gathering and organizing all data related to the previously identified species/habitats, macro-criteria and inner criteria with methodological strategies and all additional information (e.g., human activities, exogenous and endogenous drivers) necessary to support the subsequent phases (e.g., Analysis and Diagnosis, Prioritization) as better specified in the Scoping phase. The objective of this practice is also to harmonize the information and make it easily analysable, as well as represent it in an accessible way.
For the collection of information, it is proposed to follow the approach presented by the MSP Data Framework (MSPdF) (Abramic et al., 2023) and subsequently extended and adapted (Menegon et al., 2024). The framework, initially developed to support MSP processes, can more generally be considered suitable for supporting different types of area-based design and management processes. These processes require the collection of spatial data and information related to a great variety of issues and themes.
When facing the data collection task, it is necessary to answer questions such as:
How can we define the marine environment or marine biodiversity?
What type of data should be collected and included in the analysis for suitability zoning of economic activities, CEA, or land-sea interactions?
What are the relevant maritime and coastal uses?
What type of information needs to be collected within the socio-economic and governance topics?
By utilizing the MSPdF, practitioners can address these questions and ensure that the data collection process is comprehensive, systematic, and aligned with the objectives of the MPA design and management. This framework provides guidance on defining relevant spatial data, identifying key issues and processes, and integrating socio-economic and governance considerations into the data collection and analysis process.
The MSPdF emphasizes organizing the collection of information into thematic clusters to facilitate effective data collection and management. We present a modified version of the MSPdF (…) which also introduces the Ecosystem Services cluster and proposes a
Marine & Coastal Environment
Marine & Coastal Conservation and Designated sites
Oceanographic characteristics and Climate
Coastal Land use and Planning
Operational maritime activities and Maritime Spatial Planning
Socio-economic information
Ecosystem Services
Governance information
Within each cluster, the MSPdF also proposes detailed approaches for the classification and categorization of information.
Ecological toolkit (ESE1) for MPAs prioritization and networking. Deliverable – D3.4., under the WP3 of MSP4BIO project (GA n° 101060707)
Integrated Ecological-Socio-Economic Management Framework - ESE Step-by-Step guidance (with test site examples and lessons learned). Deliverable D4.5 under under the WP4 of MSP4BIO project (GA n° 101060707). In preparation: expected July 2025.