The opening conference of the eMSP project was organized on the 22nd of February, 10:30-17:30 CET, online. Aim of the conference was to introduce the topics and working methods of the eMSP NBSR project, as well as to discuss opportunities of stakeholders to get involved in project activities.

The Emerging ecosystem-based Maritime Spatial Planning topics in North and Baltic Seas Regions (eMSP NBSR) project aims to enable maritime spatial planners, managing authorities and policymakers from the North and Baltic Sea Regions to reflect on current MSP practices, to learn effectively from each other, and to collectively identify problems and solutions. In addition, the European Green Deal and other EU policy incentives fostering inclusive transition and climate neutrality will have impact on the maritime spatial plans, therefore considered an overarching and cross-cutting theme for the whole eMSP NBSR project.

The opening conference of the eMSP NBSR project introduced the Communities of Practice (CoP) partners are building within learning strands presenting five emerging MSP topics:

• Ocean governance
• Ecosystem-based approach
• Sustainable blue economy
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Data sharing, information and communication technology serving MSP.

Science policy interface will facilitate the knowledge gained throughout the project by providing scientific advice in the learning strands and establishing a project scientific advisory board.

Throughout the opening conference participants had a chance to learn more about the Green Deal aspects to be considered in MSP, methods of the ‘Community of Practice’ and ‘Scientific Advisory Board’ and contributed to the discussions within the learning strands.

Download agenda HERE.

More information about the project HERE.

VASAB Secretariat is a partner of eMSP NBSR project responsible for the overall communication of the project. Project has been approved by the European Commission European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency. Project is financed with the contribution of the European Union.