EU ‘The Permanent Representatives Committee approved a draft directive establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning, which is aimed at contributing to sustainable growth of maritime economies and the sustainable development of marine areas. It herewith endorsed a compromise  reached between the Greek presidency and representatives of the European Parliament on 6 March.

Maritime spatial planning is a process by which the relevant member state authorities analyse and organise human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic and social objectives.

The draft directive requires member states to establish maritime spatial plans that map existing human activities in member states’ marine waters and identify their most effective future spatial development. In doing so, member states must take into account land-sea interactions, as well as environmental, economic, social and safety aspects. Member states bordering marine waters will also have to cooperate with the aim to ensure that maritime spatial plans are coherent and coordinated across the marine region concerned’…. To read more click here