Q 25 - How to integrate the process of MPA designation or extension in MSP?#
General answer#
MSP should consider biodiversity and ecosystem protection as overarching objective and state this clearly in the vision (MSP Stage 2: “Assessing the context and defining a vision”). When “Analyzing existing and future conditions” (MSP Stage 3) the present level of protection and its effectiveness should be considered (existing MPAs, their management, the protection results achieved), as well as the occurrence of areas that should be protected (with reference to specific habitats or species). A spatial assessment of cumulative effects of anthropogenic pressures can support the identification of the areas most affected. Future scenarios of protection needs should be elaborated with the support of modelling tools, to consider changes linked to climate and use trends. Such analysis should support the identification of areas to be protected due to their value under future conditions (e.g. climate refugia). Candidate areas for new MPAs or for their extension should be identified. New MPA designation or their extension should be “Identified as a key issue” (MSP stage 4) for the plan. From a governance point of view, it is crucial to coordinate this process with the national process of MPA designation, in the case the latter is under the responsibility of a different authority. When “Elaborating the plan” (MSP Stage 5) the new MPAs should be designed and integrated in the system of uses of the area. The uses in the area, particularly in the surroundings of the MPA, should be managed in a way to keep the anthropogenic pressures under control and ensure functioning of MPA measures. Discussion of the implications of the extension of protection measures in the area should be discussed with stakeholders: trade-off methods can be applied.
Answers#
Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) (Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA))
Climate change impact assessment (Climate change impact assessment)
Trade-off for MPA Design - Conservation and economic development (Trade-off for MPA Design)
Strategic guidance (Strategic guidance)
ESE1 - Ecological toolkit#
Practices: Scoping Data collection and presentation Analysis and diagnosis Prioritisation and designationSpatial scales: National Regional / localProtection regimes: Strict protectionMarine zones: Coastal zone Deep sea Offshore zoneOperational approaches: (Method) Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) (Method) Climate change impact assessment
MSPdF Classification: Marine & Coastal Environment -> Ecosystem: Species Marine & Coastal Environment -> Ecosystem: Habitat Marine & Coastal Environment: Pressure Marine & Coastal Conservation and Designated sites Maritime Activities and MSP Legal, Governance & Planning: Conservation (i.e. Protected areas) Legal, Governance & Planning: Who is in charge?
References
Ecological toolkit (ESE1) for MPAs prioritization and networking. Deliverable – D3.4., under the WP3 of MSP4BIO project (GA n° 101060707).
ESE3 - Trade-offs method for protections and restoration in MSP#
Operational approaches: (Method) Trade-off for MPA Design - Conservation and economic development
References
Trade-offs method for protection and restoration in MSP (ESE3). Deliverable – D4.3., under the WP4 of MSP4BIO project (GA n° 101060707)).
This report presents the participatory creation of integrated trade-off scenarios within the MSP4BIO project, aiming to improve the management of marine spaces and safeguard ecosystem services.
The outcomes of this deliverable provide detailed Guidelines for applying trade-off methodology for MPA design. These scenarios aim to assess and negotiate the consequences of diverse actions and strategies regarding the spatial and strategic management of marine areas. The key element is comprehending how various human activities influence and are influenced by the ecosystem’s services and exploring potential ways for negotiating solutions. The outcomes, particularly the trade-off scenarios, will be integrated into practical tools and frameworks, aiding decision-making processes related to marine resource management.
This method was designed by the MSP4BIO team members and experts and developed collaboratively with stakeholders to understand the perspectives linked to protected marine areas and potential trade-offs in which specific actions may positively or negatively impact ecosystems and human well-being.
It was tested by the different test sites of the MSP4BIO project, and the outcomes will be integrated into the ESE 3, more specifically by the Task 4.4 MPAs and MSP Ecological-Socio-Economic integrated management
Operational approaches: (Method) Strategic guidance
References
Strategic Guidance for the Integration of MPA and MSP Processes on Multiple Governance and Ecosystem Levels (Deliverable – D4.4., under the WP4 of MSP4BIO project (GA n° 101060707).