Maritime Spatial Planning The Dutch experience Kopenhagen 28 november 2012 Lodewijk.Abspoel@minienm.nl
North Sea 2
Outline History of MSP in the Netherlands Spatial Plan for the Dutch EEZ, principles and the making of Knowledge management Lessons learned Future developments, cross border cooperation 3
History of MSP in the Netherlands Freedom, Mare Liberum First come, first serve Sectoral policies Bisectoral agreements Increasing pressure and complexity Need for integrated approach Management plan: reactive, based on zoning and permits Integrated maritime policy document Spatial plan, forward looking, based on (actual and future) urgencies and practical issues 4
Future oriented way of planning 2009 IMP and Spatial Plan for the North Sea in Dutch National Water Plan, approved by cabinet 2010/2011: parliament No sectoral objectives but dividing space Main principle: sustainable development 5
Mutual gains approach:stakeholder participation and sustainable development Open negotiations lead to sustainable custom made solutions Interests instead of positions and fixed targets Joint Fact Finding More alternatives Informal (cross border) consultation Decisions according to people democratic principles Formal consultation (SEA/FS) Sustainable development planet profit 6
The making of: identifying spatial pressures and possible conflicts 7
The making of: ambitions and interests Sustainable use in balance with ecosystem Wind energy, oil and gas, shipping, sand extraction, military activities are of national interest Designation of wind energy areas: space for 6000 MW Enough space for sand extraction (coastal defense) Respect Natura 2000 areas, no significant effects etc. Strive for: No constructions within 12 miles zone 2 NM between wind areas and shipping routes No wind mills 5 NM around platforms 8
Combination of maps The making of: combine maps Identify 80 % that everybody agree upon and 20 % that is subject of discussion. 9
Wind energy sets urgency for forward looking MSP Spatial claims for 77 initiatives (2th round) Financial support for approximate 4 windfarms Uncertainty High administrative load Wind energy areas to be designated (3th round) 10
Lessons learned - I sense of urgency Felt by stakeholders and politicians Wind energy was driving force For an integrated and forward looking plan Providing certainty for all users institutional aspects stakeholder participation 11
Lessons learned - II sense of urgency institutional aspects Government institutes work closely together One department responsible for coordination Of policy making and implementation With legally binding instruments stakeholder participation 12
Lessons learned - III sense of urgency institutional aspects stakeholder participation Building up confidence Government facilitates process Gathering table for developing alternatives Involving stakeholders in studies (ecological, alteratives, cost/benefits e.g.) Separating facts and fictions: knowledge base for: Political decisions 13
MSP guiding principle 10 A strong data and knowledge base MSP has to be based on sound information and scientific knowledge. Planning needs to evolve with knowledge - adaptive management EMODNET or a digital aquarium Little is known of the sea, and of the impact of human activitities, especially cumulative impacts Sound politcal decision making requires a sound evidence base, and incorporates also information and opinions Quality assurance and joint fact finding/research are part of good stakeholder management Plans based on environmental impact analysis, cost-benefit analysis, safety assessments etc 14 Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment
The importance of a common language 15 Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment
MSP in the Netherlands 2012-2020 Next planning phase starts 2012/2013 Stock taking of visions, developments & trends Taking the North Sea s societal significance as a starting point Implement a well-balanced approach to ecological, economic and sociocultural interests on the one hand and long-term food and energy supply on the other hand Consultation cross border on horizon 2040: in depth analysis Strenghtening MSP tools to enhance polictical decision making and licencing/permetting. 16 Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment 19 November 2012
Analysing future use Outline each sector s objectives which are then integrated into common objectives, taking into account the significance of the North Sea to Dutch society. Formulate challenging but realistic ambitions for the North Sea development. Examples: Heating two million residences through the use of seawater Using the North Sea as a large-scale heat exchanger Increasing production of food and other types of high-quality organic materials harvested from the North Sea, while simultaneously reducing overfishing and pollution 17 Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment 19 November 2012
MSP: cross border co-operation near future Manage ongoing activities in a cross-border context New MSP cycle starts starts in 2012/2013 Analysis: future developments 2030-2040 Inventory: what is at stake / who has which stake? Identify possible spatial conflicts and opportunities to optimize space Are we conducting the proper research (scoping the research agenda)? Do we accept each others methodology? What do we think of the results? Points of attention: Language, knowing who s who, getting to know the stakeholders even better 18 Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment 19 November 2012
Thank you for listening Time for Q&A s. More info: Lodewijk.abspoel@minienm.nl 19 Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment
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