EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF MARITIME SPATIAL PLANNING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Policy Research CorporationPolicy Research CorporationSOUNDSOUND SOLUTIONS BASED ON SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHSOLUTIONS BASED ON SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF MARITIME SPATIAL PLANNING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Gijon – 19 May 2010

Policy Research Corporation 2 19 May 2010

THE POTENTIAL OF MSP IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEAObjectives and outcomes

• Identify potential areas in the Mediterranean Sea for the application of Maritime Spatial Planning

• Analyse obstacles to the application of Maritime Spatial Planning in this specific sea basin

• Suggest possible responses for its concrete application in specific sub-regions or sea areas

Main goals to be achieved

• Support the ongoing debate on Maritime Spatial Planning launched by the EC Roadmap

• Form the basis for the launch of a test project in the Mediterranean, encouraging concrete cross-border practices as announced in the Commission’s Communication ‘Towards an Integrated Maritime Policy for better governance in the Mediterranean’

Outcomes

The project was started in October 2009 and runs for 12 months


AGENDA

Selection of potential areas for the application of MSP• Sub-regions regions in the Mediterranean

• Selection methodology & outcomes

Identified areas & area characteristics• Adriatic Sea

• Alboran Sea

• Area surrounding Malta

• Western Mediterranean

Actions forward


COUNTRY-BY-COUNTRY ANALYSIS- Sub-regions in the Mediterranean -

The Mediterranean Sea covers an area of 2.5 million km2 and borders twenty-one states in three different continents

1. The Western Mediterranean Sea: Spain, France (incl Monaco), Italy, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia

2. The Adriatic Sea: Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania

3. The Central Mediterranean Sea: Greece, Italy, Malta and Libya

4. The Aegean-Levantine Sea: Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Israel and Egypt

Source: Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy

1

2

34


POTENTIAL AREAS FOR CROSS-BORDER MSP INITIATIVES- Eight regions eligible for MSP application -

1. Adriatic Sea (Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, B&H, Montenegro, Albania)

2. Area Southeast of Cyprus (Egypt, Israel, Lebanon)

3. Alboran Sea (Spain, Morocco, Algeria)

4. Area surrounding Malta

5. Western Mediterranean Sea (Spain, France, Italy)

6. Aegean Sea (Greece, Turkey)

7. Libyan Sea (Tunisia, Libya, Egypt)

8. Northern part of the Levantine Sea (Cyprus, Turkey)

In order to identify potential areas for cross-border MSP initiatives, the Mediterranean Sea basin was divided into 8 cross-border marine areas

3

1

2

4

5ES

FR

ITSI

HR

BH

AL

GRTR

LB

IL

EGLY

TN

DZ

MA

CS

6

7 SYCY

MT8


METHODOLOGY FOR IDENTIFYING AREAS WITH MARITIME SPATIAL PLANNING POTENTAL: 10 KEY PRINCIPLES

1. Using MSP according to area and type of activity;

2. Defining objectives to guide MSP;

3. Developing MSP in a transparent manner;

4. Stakeholder participation;

5. Coordination within Member States – Simplifying decision processes;

6. Ensuring the legal effect of national MSP;

7. Cross-border cooperation and consultation;

8. Incorporating monitoring and evaluation in the planning process;

9. Achieving coherence between terrestrial and maritime spatial planning;

10. A strong data and knowledge base.

These principles were developed in the EC Roadmap for MSP: Achieving common principles in the EU; the methodology is based on these principles


POTENTIAL OF MARITIME SPATIAL PLANNING (1/2) - Three important aspects -

The potential of Maritime Spatial Planning in these eight areas was subsequently analysed on the basis of three aspects:

• Purpose of MSP in the area: – Type and intensity of uses– Ecological value of the marine area

• Feasibility of MSP in the area:– Scientific data / knowledge base– Institutional capacity– Legal and administrative supportive framework– Stakeholders involvement

• Conditions for cross-border / international cooperation– In case the marine area falls beyond national jurisdiction – which is mostly

the case for marine areas in the Mediterranean Sea basin

These criteria incorporate the principles from the roadmap


POTENTIAL OF MARITIME SPATIAL PLANNING (2/2) - Methodology consisting of seven criteria -

Purpose: 1. The area is intensively used and is (or will be) subject to competing human

activities (and/or human activities that compete with ecology)

Feasibility:2. There are sufficient scientific data available or the knowledge and tools are

available to generate this data

3. There is a national or regional institutional framework available for marine policy or coastal planning

4. The countries/regions concerned possess a supportive legal framework

5. The countries/regions concerned strive to integrate coastal and marine planning

6. Specific platforms are available through which MSP could be introduced

Cross-border / international cooperation: 7. The countries concerned are open to cross-border / international cooperation

The analyses of the eight areas showed to what extent the statements were applicable to each of these areas


IDENTIFYING AREAS WITH POTENTIAL FOR MSP- Selection criteria and scores -

Key elements

Marine areas

Adriatic Sea Alboran SeaArea

surrounding Malta

Western Med. Sea

Area southeast of

Cyprus

North Levantine

Sea Aegean Sea Libyan Sea

and Egypt

(1) (2) (3) (4) (8) (8) (6) (7)

Intensively used and conflicting human

activities occur / will occur in the future

√ √ √ √ √/? ? ? ?

Sufficient data or knowledge base to

generate data is available√ √ √ √ √* /** / /

A national or regional framework for marine

policy or coastal planning is available

√ √ √ √ √* /** / /

Countries involved are open to cross-border /

international cooperation√ √ √ √ / / / /

Potential for MSP + + + + - -- -- --

* As far as Cyprus concerns** As far as Turkey concerns

On the basis of the current insights, four areas qualified for further research to explore the potential for the application of MSP; this does not imply that the

other four areas will not be selected for MSP projects in the future


IDENTIFYING AREAS WITH POTENTIAL FOR MSP- Regions qualifying for in-depth analysis -

The four selected areas are: the Adriatic Sea, the Alboran Sea, the area surrounding Malta and the Western Mediterranean

1. Adriatic Sea

2. Alboran Sea

3. Area surrounding Malta

4. Western Mediterranean Sea

Green: Areas with more potential for cross-border/international MSPRed: Areas with less potential for cross-border/international MSP

2

1

3

4ES

FR

ITSI

HR

BH

AL

GRTR

LB

IL

EGLY

TN

DZ

MA

CS

SYCYMT


AGENDA

Selection of potential areas for application of MSP• Areas that were selected

• Selection methodology


• Alboran Sea



Actions forward


ADRIATIC SEA- Key elements: scope, purpose, feasibility -

Scope• Countries bordering the Adriatic Sea are Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania

Purpose• Human activities that currently put pressure on the Adriatic Sea are shipping, potential new energy terminals (LNG), tourist-recreational use and fishery

• The Adriatic Sea is characterised by a large marine biodiversity; it is expected to be placed on the IMO list of particularly sensitive sea areas

Feasibility• Regional ICZM strategies have been developed by several Italian regions and Slovenia (South-Primorska)• Several platforms for international cooperation have been established, such as:

• The Trilateral Commission of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia• The IPA Adriatic Cross-border Cooperation Programme to fund cross-border initiative• The Adriatic Ionian Initiative: cooperation in the development and safety of the whole area• Project proposal Shape ‘Shaping a holistic approach to protect the Adriatic environment between coast

and sea’

Conflicting human activities put pressure on valuable ecosystems of the Adriatic Sea basin; several platforms for international cooperation already exist


ALBORAN SEA- Key elements: scope, purpose, feasibility -

Conflicting human activities put pressure on valuable ecosystems of Alboran Sea; awareness and willingness for more cross-border cooperation is present

Scope• Countries bordering the Alboran Sea are Spain, Morocco and Algeria

Purpose• Environmental pressures on the Alboran Sea are shipping (marine pollution resulting from among others

dumping and / or spills, especially in the Strait of Gibraltar), fishing and sand extraction• The Alboran Sea is characterised by a large marine biodiversity (e.g. seagrass, cetaceans and sea turtles)

which makes it a genuine laboratory for the training of researchers and scientific observers

Feasibility• Spain adopted a national ICZM strategy in 2007, mainly focused on onshore activities; in 2009, a

national study of the Spanish Coast identifying suitable areas for offshore wind farms was a concrete step in the direction of MSP

• Spain, Morocco and Algeria have created a platform to discuss the conservation and sustainable development of the Alboran Sea and creating trust amongst potential stakeholders involved

• Several Spanish institutions collect data on the flora and fauna of the Alboran Sea (The Spanish Institute for Oceanography (Malaga) and the Junta de Andalucia)

• Prof. Suarez de Vivero (University of Seville) produces maps of the Alboran Sea (geographical information and maritime activities)


AREA SURROUNDING MALTA - Key elements: scope, purpose, feasibility -

The area surrounding Malta is intensively used; national planning legislation is well-organised in Malta, but cross-border marine projects do not (yet) exist

Scope• The area surrounding Malta borders three countries: Italy, Tunisia and Libya

Purpose• Main maritime activities surrounding Malta are maritime transport, fisheries and hydrocarbons• The northern area surrounding Malta (north of Malta and south of Sicily) is characterised by major shipping

routes and intensive maritime traffic • The area between the south of Malta and the coast of Libya is intensively used for hydrocarbon activities

Feasibility• In the area surrounding Malta the majority of sea uses are regulated but there is no coordinated approach that

aims to reduce conflicts between activities • In Malta, existing planning legislation seems to provide the necessary framework for developing plans and to

issue development permits to regulate sea uses• The Integrated Coastal Zone Management strategy of Malta is linked to maritime and terrestrial spatial

planning; moreover, the Maltese government considers spatial planning as a tool that can assist in identifying a strategic approach towards sustainable development of the coastal environment

• Also Tunisia sees ICZM as a high priority


WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA- Key elements: scope, purpose, feasibility -

Scope• The countries bordering the Western Mediterranean Sea are Spain, France (including Monaco) and Italy

Purpose• Human activities that currently put pressure on this region seem to be shipping, potential new energy

terminals, tourist-recreational use and fishery• The marine area between Spain, Italy and France has multiple Marine Protected Areas and ecological zones

Feasibility• The marine area between France (incl. Monaco) and Italy has some cross-border initiatives: the Corsica

Sardinia marine reserve and the Pelagos Sanctuary• Spain adopted a national ICZM strategy in 2007, mainly focused on onshore activities; in 2009, a national

study of the Spanish Coast identified suitable areas for offshore wind farms, which was a concrete step in the direction of MSP (also including the Alboran Sea)

• France developed a National strategy for the sea and oceans (Livre Bleu, December 2009) and has the intention to evolve from Integrated Coastal Zone Management towards Integrated Management of the coast and the sea

• Regional ICZM strategies have been adopted by several Italian regions (e.g. Emilia-Romagna and Marche)

In the Western Mediterranean Sea area, countries are advanced in coastal planning and cross-border marine projects already exist


What?• Area with high ecological value: contains important habitats for cetacean

species (e.g. whales, dolphins)

• Agreement among France, Italy and Monaco

• Listed as a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI) under the Barcelona Convention in 2001 becoming world’s first High Seas MPA

Objectives• Address local threats to cetaceans

• Create highly protected conservation zones

• Channel the area’s intense maritime traffic along established corridors

• Systematically address fishery impacts on cetaceans

• Implement a systematic monitoring programme

• Increase public awareness

Problems• The Agreement Secretariat, foreseen as management body, is undermanned, has insufficient power, means and

human resources to prevent or control activities

EXAMPLE OF CROSS-BORDER PLANNING ITALY-FRANCE- The Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean marine mammals -

The Pelagos Sanctuary is the only cross-border (France, Italy and Monaco) MPA in the Mediterranean High Sea


EXAMPLE OF CROSS-BORDER PLANNING ITALY-FRANCE- The Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean marine mammals -

Consequences• Pelagos failed to significantly improve the conservation status of mammal populations

Possible solutions to solve Pelagos’ problems• Ecosystem-based Management (EBM) approach to mitigate human pressures

- Control land-based and maritime sources of pollution

- Integrated coastal zone/ocean management

- Adaptive management approach that would deal with changing patterns of use as well as with technological, socio-economic, political and natural change

• Among others, proper management would include

- Creating a zoning scheme to optimise conservation

- Regulating maritime traffic along established corridors

- Establishing precise regulations to address and mitigate impacts exerted on cetaceans populations

• Introducing an MSP (zoning) scheme in order to manage the Pelagos area

The Pelagos initiative failed to fulfil its objectives; a zoning / MSP scheme might be a solution


PRESENTATION SUMMARYFour areas with potential for MSP

The four areas that are currently under extensive investigation are: the Adriatic Sea, the Alboran Sea, the area surrounding Malta and the Western Mediterranean

Each of the four areas is characterised by: - The involvement of multiple countries;- Intensive human activity, providing vital economic impact for its coastal and inland communities;- Marine environmental heritage and related environmental issues;- Adequately set up ICZM and/or cross-border initiatives;- A lack of a proper coordination system on the transnational region;- A lack of consistent knowledge bases.

MSP might be the solution in these areas if it enforces/stimulates: (1) proper coordination of areas, not just national parts (2) the creation of a consistent knowledge base and (3) regular monitoring and evaluation of (policy) actions taken


AGENDA

Selection of potential areas for application of MSP• Areas that were selected

• Selection methodology


• Alboran Sea



Actions forward


ACTIONS FORWARD (1/2)

Completed tasksCompleted tasks

Task 1: Review previous experiences and initiativesTask 2: Establish the elements that should be taken into

consideration for the identification and characterisation of potential areas for the application of MSP

Actions forwardActions forward

Task 3: Description of the selected areas and draw up a list of authorities and stakeholders concerned with

MSP in these areasTask 4: Analysis of potential obstacles and difficulties with

regard to the application of MSP in the Mediterranean, in particular in these areas

Task 5: Identify aspects of applying the 10 key principles for MSP that are specific to the Mediterranean


ACTIONS FORWARD (2/2)

• The following countries will be visited in the coming weeks: • Italy (Adriatic part and Sicily)

• Tunisia

• Morocco

• If you have any valuable information for the four cases studies and/or you are willing to speak to us during one of our field visits, please contact Policy Research

• Also if you have suggestions about organisations or people to contact, please inform Policy Research

Tom ThijssensDirector

Policy Research [email protected]

Documents

EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF MARITIME SPATIAL PLANNING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA