Brussels, 25/11/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 25 November, the European Commission adopted a roadmap to facilitate maritime spatial planning by member states. The roadmap will facilitate the development of spatial planning for both marine and coastal spaces and is thus one of the tools used (with the creation of a more integrated network of systems for surveillance of European waters and a European network for marine observation and data) to implement the EU's integrated maritime policy. Maritime spatial planning can also help coastal areas to prepare for the impact of climate change, such as rising sea levels, floods, altered marine ecosystems and investment in coastal protection.
“Maritime spatial planning (…) is the only way in which we can provide a predictable framework for economic investments in offshore areas and is a precondition for striking a balance between the vested interests of different maritime activities while preserving the marine environment”, commented Joe Borg, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
The rapid growth in maritime activity including maritime transport, port development, aquaculture, offshore drilling and tourism, combined with emerging and potentially new uses of the sea such as offshore renewable energy, blue biotech and underwater technologies, is increasing the pressure on already limited marine space. Maritime spatial planning is a fairly new process which an increasing number of member states are now developing in order to manage their maritime activities. By developing a common European approach, this can provide significant added value in facing common challenges such as climate change, the global competitiveness of the EU's maritime economy, cross-border issues and the management of maritime activities in line with ecosystem requirements.
In 2009, the Commission plans to organise a number of workshops to discuss the key principles for maritime spatial planning set out in the roadmap, launch pilot projects aimed at developing cross-border cooperation aspects and produce a progress report. A study on the legal aspects of maritime spatial planning has been issued to accompany the communication. (L.C./transl.jl)