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Case study Var County - France

SIMWESTMED

Abstract:

This pilot study focuses on Var County in France (Sud Region), particularly on land-sea interactions (LSI) and governance mechanism aspects required in the MSP planning process. The report presents reflections carried out within the case study framework which is based on the MFSD. 

Sea Basin(s):
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West Mediterranean
Country:
France
Application in MSP:
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Taken into account in an MSP process
Type of Issue:
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Cross-border cooperation
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Environment aspects
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Land-sea interactions
Type of practice:
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Pilot plan
Stage of MSP cycle:
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Develop and implement plan
Cross-border / trans-national aspect:
Yes
Coherence with other processes:
Marine Strategy Framework Directive
Key words:
SIMWESTMED
Var County
Source / Links:

https://maritime-spatial-planning.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/case…

Questions this practice may help answer:

How are land-sea interaction aspects addressed within an MSP process?

Implementation Context:

This pilot project was developed as an output from the SIMWESTMED project to demonstrate how cross-border cooperation can be achieved in MSP in the study area.  

Aspects / Objectives:

The aim of this pilot study was to provide an analysis of how land-sea interaction can be integrated into the governance process of MSP in Var county with the following points in mind:

  • Capitalise on previous activities related to the implementation of ICZM within the Barcelona Convention
  • Encourage synergies with other projects, programmes and initiatives
  • Support the implementation of the MSP directive

Var County Case Study Area

Method:

The analysis carried out for the initial assessment and the country fiches were developed in the framework of the SIMWESTMED project to provides some overall relevant elements on how LSI can be approached within MSP, what are the challenges and what are the most common interactions across the Western-Mediterranean countries.

Main Outputs / Results:

An analysis relating to the land sea interactions within Var country was done and developed through the following sections;

  • Definition of land-sea interactions, as illustrated in the following graphic

  • Introduction to French legal and institutional frameworks
  • Environmental state and programme of measures
  • LSI identification in Var coastal area

  • Identification of management approaches for the coastal and maritime areas of Var county;
    •  The ‘Toulon Bay Contract’, focusing on the waters ‘good environmental state’ of the entire Toulon bay and its watershed;
    •  The ‘Golden islands Contract’, with the same purpose as the Toulon bay one, covering the Hyères basin (with the coastal islands as its seaward boundary) and its watershed;
    •  The ‘Port Cros National Park’ and its local partners’ charter;
    •  The management plan (DOCOB) of Natura 2000 site of ‘Cape Sicié-Six Fours’;
    •  The management plan (DOCOB) of Natura 2000 site of ‘Hyères-Islands of Hyères’;
    •  The Giens Peninsula ‘Grand site’ initiative, with the purpose of restoring, preserving and developing a protected wetland-like territory;
    •  The SCOT coastal and maritime section of the Gulf of Saint Tropez as introduced before.
  • Management of MPAs within ICZM/MSP

Transferability:

This case study can be used as a methodological and knowledge base for the development of maritime spatial plans taking into consideration land-sea interactions in other areas.

Responsible Entity:

UNEP-MAP PAP/RAC

Costs / Funding Source:

EU Project Grant No.: EASME/EMFF/2015/1.2.1.3/02/SI2.742101

Contact person:

papracatpaprac.org (paprac[at]paprac[dot]org)

UNEP-MAP PAP/RAC