A Scientific Basis for the Integration of Nature Conservation Issues into Marine Spatial Planning under Consideration of International Requirements

NaBel-MSP shall develop a scientific basis for the integation of nature conservation issues in Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP). Due to the requirements of the EU MSP Directive, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive as well as in the light of existing commitments under OSPAR and HELCOM the implementation of an ecosystem approach is an essential innovation in national policies. 

So far, the scientific basis for the practical implementation of the ecosystem approach in MSP is weak. The project is intended to fill existing gaps. Especially within HELCOM (in cooperation with VASAB), but also with other international fora, working groups have been installed in which the compatibility of maritime activities with the spatial dimension of marine nature conservation objectives has to negotiated. The project aims to review and revise scientific methods for the implementation of the ecosystem approach and investigate which ecosystem processes and functions are essential for the implementation of the ecosystem approach.

Project partners

Leibniz-Institute for Baltic Sea Research (IOW) - Germany - Lead partner

Leibniz-Institute for Ecological Spatial Development (IÖR) - Germany - Associated partner