Q 47 - How to address the different scales of management (MSP-MPA) in an ESE framework?#
General answer#
Multiscalar approach in MSP Based on the characteristics of the sea space under national jurisdiction (e.g. dimensions, geographic features, intensity of uses, presence of vulnerable areas, synergies between uses) national MSP authorities may adopt a multi-scalar approach to MSP and prepare distinct plans for different marine areas. This approach includes a variety of situations: different areas can spatially overlap or not; different plans can be under the responsibility of the same or different authorities, and there can be a hierarchical relationship between plans. When a multi-scalar approach is applied to areas covered by plans at different levels (e.g. a national overarching plan for the entire sea space and sub-plans for some sub-areas included in this space), this is also referred to as a nested approach. A crucial step under a multi-scalar approach to MSP is the identification of hotspot areas for which small scale plans are needed. Geographical features (bays, lagoon, straits, island waters), distribution of maritime activities (high concentration of uses of the sea), ecosystem vulnerability (hotspots of biodiversity, nursery / recovery areas for natural populations) are all possible criteria. To effectively implement MSP under a multi-scalar approach the following elements should be taken into accout: • Building a multi-level governance scheme for MSP and management, covering the national to the local level (vertical integration) and across different local levels (horizontal integration) • Connecting governance and management schemes in order to ensure consistency to the implementation and monitoring of the system of plans developed. • Finding agreement across government agencies with competing and sector-driven views on the marine domain.
Ref. Bocci M. & Ramieri R., 2018. Workshop Briefing Paper Maritime Spatial Planning in Small Sea Spaces https://maritime-spatial-planning.ec.europa.eu/events/workshop-msp-small-sea-spaces