The Baltic model of MSP development is based on a political framework through ministerial cooperation (VASAB). It acknowledges, as the Baltic Sea has no physical barriers, that it should be used and protected within a wider, supranational perspective. With the publication of 2010+ Spatial Development Action Programme in 2001 and the adoption of the Gdansk Declaration in 2005, VASAB was the first organisation to call for the introduction of MSP in the Baltic Sea region.
In 2007 the EU Blue Book on Integrated Maritime Policy introduced MSP as tool for the sustainable development of marine areas and coastal regions. In the same year the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) referring to the need to develop broad-scale MSP principles based on the ecosystem approach. HELCOM and VASAB jointly developed and accordingly adopted them in 2010.
In December 2022 VASAB Committee for Spatial Planning and Development of the Baltic Sea Region (VASAB CSPD/BSR) approved the new VASAB Vision for the Territorial Development of the Baltic Sea Region in 2040 (the Vision 2040). The Vision 2040 was endorsed by the VASAB Ministers in June 2023. The document highlights importance of advanced and transnationally coordinated land use and maritime planning systems across sectors, borders, and levels of administration in the Baltic Sea Region make the Region a pioneer in the sea and land planning, improving the resilience and security.
In parallel to political developments – starting in 2002 -, methodologies were tested and practical planning experience was gained through EU funded transnational and cross-border projects such as BaltCoast, PlanCoast, BaltSeaPlan, PlanBothnia, PartiSEApate, Baltic SCOPE, Pan Baltic Scope, Land-Sea-Act, Capacity4MSP. Lessons learnt were implemented in strategic documents at the political level, pilot maritime spatial plans produced, transboundary cooperation among planning authorities established and maintained. The projects have built capacities of public sector and stakeholders to support the implementation of the MSP Directive adopted in 2014.
HELCOM-VASAB MSP Working Group
The joint Baltic Sea MSP Working Group, established by HELCOM and VASAB, is a forum for intergovernmental discussions on MSP. The Working Group hosts dialogues on recent and future developments in the field of MSP in the Baltic Sea Region.
References: Text adapted from Schultz-Zehden, A. & Gee, K. (2014), MSP Governance Framework Report.
Visions and Strategies Around the Baltic Sea (VASAB)
VASAB is an intergovernmental multilateral co-operation of 11 countries of the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) on spatial planning and development. Its current work is guided by the “VASAB Vision for the Territorial Development of the Baltic Sea Region in 2040” strategic document, sets long-term territorial perspective for a vibrant, resilient, well-connected Baltic Sea Region, comprising the land-based and maritime spatial elements of the Region, respecting its diversities and specificities, and embracing sustainability, integration and cooperation throughout.
HELCOM is the governing body of the Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area (Helsinki Convention). In 2007, HELCOM developed the new Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP), which introduced MSP as a process aiming at more coherent management of human activities in the Baltic Sea. In 2021, HELCOM updated it’s BSAP where one of the set goals is “Environmentally sustainable sea-based activities”.
EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) – Horizontal Action “Spatial Planning''
The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) is organised according to three overall objectives: saving the sea, connecting the region and increasing prosperity. The 2021 Action Plan includes an Action “Ensuring coherent maritime spatial plans throughout the Baltic Sea”. Leaders of the Horizontal Action “Spatial Planning” are HELCOM and VASAB.
Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS)
The Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) is a political forum for regional intergovernmental cooperation. The CBSS addresses MSP-related issues through its Expert Group on Sustainable Maritime Economy (EGSME) which focuses on the Baltic Sea Region’s maritime economy’s growth potential while better protecting its marine ecosystems. Small and medium sized ports, together with clean shipping, maritime coastal tourism and sustainable yachting are topics the Expert Group.
The Nordic Council is the official inter-parliamentary body in the Nordic Region, while the Nordic Council of Ministers is the forum for Nordic governmental co-operation at prime ministerial and ministerial level. A Working Group of the Nordic Council of Ministers for the Environment called the Marine Group engages with MSP and coastal management.
The CPMR Baltic Sea Commission
The Baltic Sea Commission is one of six Geographical Commissions, which comprise the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe (CPMR). The Commission promotes the specific interests of Baltic Sea regions towards EU institutions and fosters regional cooperation to address common challenges. The organisation supports the main goals of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and works for a stronger involvement of regional stakeholders in the governance and implementation of the EU Strategy of the Baltic Sea Region. The thematic working group, Maritime Affairs, follows implementation of Maritime Spatial Planning and Integrated Coastal Management, focusing on the trans-national and cross-border dimensions of the implementation of the MSP Directive.
Baltic Sea States Sub-regional Co-operation (BSSSC)
The Baltic Sea States Sub-regional Co-operation (BSSSC) is a political network consisting of regional authorities from the 9 littoral states of the Baltic Sea - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden and Norway.
References: Text adapted from Schultz-Zehden, A. & Gee, K. (2014), MSP Governance Framework Report.
Fisheries
HELCOM Group on ecosystem-based sustainable Fisheries
Baltic Sea Advisory Council’s (BSAC)
Fisheries Secretariat (FISH)
Shipping and Ports
EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) – Policy Area “Shipping’’
Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO)
European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA)
Baltic Ports Organisation
Nature Protection
HELCOM on Biodiversity, Protection and Restoration
Baltic Environmental Forum (BEF)
Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB)
World Wide Fund (WWF Baltic Programme)
Offshore Renewable Energy Production
EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) – Policy Area “Energy’’
Baltic energy market interconnection plan (BEMIP)
CPMR Baltic Sea Commission – Renewable Energy Working Group
European Wind Energy Association (EWEA)
ENTSO-E – Baltic Sea Regional Group
Aquaculture
Underwater Cultural Heritage
The Baltic Region Heritage Committee (BRHC)
Scientific Research
Baltic Sea Hydrographic Commission
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Data Centre
Joint Baltic Sea Research and Development Programme (BONUS)
World Maritime University (WMU)
Baltic University Programme (BUP)
NORDREGIO – Nordic Centre for Spatial Development