Skip to main content

IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

The role of marine spatial planning in sea use management: the Belgian case
Douvere, F.; Maes, F.; Vanhulle, A.; Schrijvers, J. (2007). The role of marine spatial planning in sea use management: the Belgian case. Mar. Policy 31(2): 182-191. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2006.07.003
In: Marine Policy. Elsevier: UK. ISSN 0308-597X; e-ISSN 1872-9460, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keyword
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Sea use management; Marine spatial planning; Biodiversity; Nature conservation

Authors  Top 

Abstract
    The expansion of offshore activities and the increasing need to meet international and national commitments to biodiversity conservation have led to an enhanced interest in marine spatial planning (MSP) as a tool for sea use management. Several European countries, on their own initiative or driven by European legislation and policy, have taken global leadership in implementing MSP. This article will discuss the Belgian experiences with MSP. It will give a short historical overview based on legal developments and review the implementation process of a ‘Master Plan’ as a spatial management policy for the Belgian Part of the North Sea. Additionally, this article will reflect on the research that has been done in Belgium to apply a land-use planning approach to the marine environment. The MSP process in Belgium shows that a spatial approach to sea use management is possible despite the lack of a legal zoning framework. However, it concludes that a legal basis for MSP, in addition to the current permit system, would provide a more strategic and integrated framework for ecosystem-based, sea use management.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors