Marine Policy Volume 150
The Maritime Spatial Planning Directive 2014/89/EU requires implementation of spatial planning in the marine waters of EU Member States and the establishment of maritime spatial plans by Member States at the latest by 31 March 2021. In Directive 2014/89/EU it is explicitly mentioned that maritime spatial plans shall be reviewed by Member States as decided by them but at least every 10 years. This article aims to review accumulated practices in monitoring and evaluation of maritime spatial plans based on a review of literature, interviews and an expert workshop. Numerous approaches to monitoring and evaluation are applied and available. Monitoring and evaluation of maritime spatial plans is about more than the identification and use of best available methods, it requires sufficient skills and resources, for the evaluators and for stakeholders that might be involved. While not explicitly mentioned in the MSP Directive, equity in the allocation of marine areas for use is highlighted as an important emerging issue. Maritime developments are influenced by a mix of policies and linear approach to M&E fail to capture this complexity. The value of M&E is that can improve the quality of MSP by instigating and structuring a participative processes with cross-sectoral and cross-border learning.
Implementation Context:
While most EU Member States (MSs) have completed and adopted their Maritime Spatial Plans, the MSP Directive requirements include the revision of maritime spatial plans by MSs at least every 10 years.
Aspects / Objectives:
This article aims at assessing and discussing existing practices of monitoring and evaluation of MSP.
Method:
The article is based on a literature review focusing on monitoring and evaluation practices, a GAP analysis, experts’ interviews and workshops. The authors included examples from the European Union but also from Asia and the United States.
Main Outputs / Results:
The paper provides an overview of existing practices and associated methods for the monitoring and assessment of maritime spatial plans. It also supports further monitoring and evaluation of MSP with guidance for future evaluators.
Transferability:
This article is applicable to any MSP process.
Responsible Entity:
Wageningen Economic Research (Netherlands)
Ramboll Management Consulting (Belgium)
Monitor Deloitte (Netherlands)
CESAM & Department of Environment & Planning (Portugal)
Costs / Funding Source:
This study was funded by CINEA under contract nr. EASME/EMFF/2019/1.3.1.6/SI2.814685-SC04.
Financial support to FCT/MCTES and to CESAM (UIDB/50017/2020 and UIDP/50017/2020) through national funds and the co-funding by European funds when applicable.
Contact person:
S.W.K. van den Burg: sander.vandenburgwur.nl (sander[dot]vandenburg[at]wur[dot]nl)