The proper planning of ocean space and use is a precondition of good ocean governance. It is indispensable if we want to sustainably grow our blue economy and preserve - or even restore - the marine ecosystem.
Since 2017, the Commission, in partnership with IOC-UNESCO, is supporting/funding the Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) Global initiative to promote better use of maritime space at a global scale. It aims to meet the ambitious goal of covering at least 1/3 of the global maritime areas under national jurisdictions with marine spatial plans by 2030.
In October 2024, at the 6th International Maritime Spatial Planning Forum in Bali, Indonesia, the Commission announced that the MSP Global Initiative would continue with the MSPglobal 3.0 project.
Achievements to date
MSP Global through one of its actions in capacity development – International MSPforum - has successfully brought together maritime spatial planners from around the world. It focuses on the use of space at sea and the consequent development of the sustainable blue economy at a global scale, fostering cooperation and promoting best practices.
Given the positive results already delivered, for example the MSPglobal International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning, the journey of the MSP global initiative will continue after 2025!
The 6th Maritime Spatial Planning Forum
This edition of the Maritime Spatial Planning Forum gathered over 100 participants from 46 countries for three days of intense discussion. It was co-organised by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia (MMAF) together with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO-IOC) and the Commission.
At the centre of the conversations were the three pillars of the Updated MSProadmap
- Maritime spatial planning and marine protection and restoration
- Maritime spatial planning and climate change
- Maritime spatial planning and the sustainable blue economy
Like previous editions, the 6th International MSP forum in Bali empowered planners, researchers, sectors, and civil society to identify solutions towards cross-sectoral actions to conserve our ocean and use its resources in a sustainable way. A detailed event report is available on the MSPglobal website.
Background
The EU strongly promotes maritime spatial planning globally. Indeed, the ocean, wildlife or climate change do not recognise borders.
Moreover, the demand for maritime space and marine resources is increasing, calling for carefully balancing interests at sea.
At EU level, ten years ago, the EU adopted the European Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, which requires all coastal Member States to establish comprehensive maritime spatial plans.
Since then, EU member state authorities have been developing, adopting, implementing, and reviewing their marine spatial plans, with the support of the European Commission.
The European Union is one of the most advanced world regions in this field.
More information
IOC UNESCO press release on the 6th International Marine Spatial Planning Forum in Bali
Details
- Publication date
- 25 October 2024
- Author
- Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries