ICZM and MSP to frame the Adriatic

Almost three months after meeting in Bari (February 2012), the SHAPE partners and relevant stakeholders gathered once again at the International conference on ICZM and Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP). The Conference was held in Venice, on 5 and 6 June 2012. The main aim of this event was to exchange experiences and practices in the field of integration of ICZM principles within the MSP processes, as well as to establish the relevant links with other European policies and directives (e.g. the Habitat Directive, MSFD, etc.). In addition, special emphasis was given to the importance of active and equal stakeholder involvement within the ICZM and MSP (vertical and horizontal) co-ordination processes.

During a two-day meeting, more than 30 presentations were made covering different aspects of the ICZM and MSP integration. Even though the majority of covered subjects were related to the Adriatic region, several good practices from the northern European marine regions and sub-regions showed valuable and comparison worthy examples on how to approach to integration of the ICZM and MSP and therefore to implement the MSP.

Prior to the conference, the 2nd Steering Committee meeting of the project took place. During the first part of the meeting, the very complex administrative and budgetary issues were discussed, while the second part of the meeting was dedicated to individual WPs.