The 2016-2021 North Sea Policy Document outlines the current use and developments in the North Sea and the relationship with the marine ecosystem, as well as the vision, tasking and policy. The North Sea Policy Document, including the appendix Marine Strategy Part 3 (programme of measures), forms an integral part of the National Water Plan (NWP).
https://www.government.nl/documents/policy-notes/2015/12/15/policy-docu…
Questions this practice may help answer
- What is the current and future situation of marine activities in the Dutch part of the North Sea?
- What are the policies to be addressed through marine planning in the Netherlands?
- How can policies best be presented to guide marine planning?
- What is the approach to MSP in the Netherlands?
Implementation Context
The Central Government’s North Sea policy sets frameworks for the spatial use of the North Sea in relation to the marine ecosystem. The spatial aspect of the North Sea Policy Document applies to the Dutch Exclusive Economic Zone and the non-administratively classified territorial sea. Other aspects may also pertain to the area that is administratively classified. After all, there is interaction between the marine ecosystem and the designated uses at sea and the (water on) land. The 2016-2021 North Sea Policy Document outlines the current use and developments in the North Sea and the relationship with the marine ecosystem, as well as the vision, tasking and policy. The North Sea Policy Document, including the appendix Marine Strategy Part 3 (programme of measures), forms an integral part of the National Water Plan (NWP).
The vision on the North Sea has been laid down in the North Sea 2050 Spatial Agenda and incorporated into the North Sea Policy Document.
The expected intensification in the use of the North Sea, which is partly the result of an increase in the number of designated uses, demands responsible use of the limited available space. Increasing use is exerting pressure on the marine ecosystem. Policy is a prerequisite for harmonising the various designated uses of the North Sea and ensuring a healthy ecosystem. The Policy Document on the North Sea 2016-2021 sets out the desired policy for the use of space, within the limits of the marine ecosystem. The Central Government sets the spatial frameworks, allowing the use of space in the North Sea to develop in an efficient and sustainable manner. Multiple use of space is an important principle in this regard. It offers balanced opportunities for all forms of use of the North Sea.
This report is the subsequent Policy Document to the 2009-2015 North Sea Policy Document. It includes the Netherland’s Maritime Spatial Plan.
Aspects / Objectives
- Set out the changing use of the Dutch sector of the North Sea and policy developments
- Outline the policy targets and options for the North Sea and how this relates to the decision making framework
Method
Report prepared by the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment and Ministry of Economic Affairs
Main Outputs / Results
Transferability
This report applies to the Netherlands but is of broader interest particularly with regard to cross-border issues in the North Sea.
Contact Person
Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
Ministry of Economic Affairs
P.o. box 20901 | 2500 EX The Hague, The Netherlands
https://www.government.nl/ministries/ministry-of-infrastructure-and-wat…
Responsible Entity
Dutch Government: Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment and the Ministry of Economic Affairs
Costs / Funding Source
Dutch Government: Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Direct costs of this practice elaboration are unknown.