Progress report for
Elaboration of National Maritime Spatial Planning Strategy by 2021
Achievement at a glance
The Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) Directive 2014/89/EU has been transposed into Greek legislation in 2018 through Law 4546/2018, which sets the legal framework defining the scope, objectives, procedures, and structure of Maritime Spatial Planning. MSP consists of (a) the National Spatial Strategy for the Maritime Space (NSSMS) and (b) the Maritime Spatial Frameworks (MSFs), which are included in the regional level of the spatial planning system and correspond to an equal number of Maritime Spatial Units (MSUs).The NSSMS includes the processes of: a) drafting the plan; b) implementing the plan; c) monitoring the progress of the plan; and d) evaluating the results of the plan.
The NSSMS is prepared by the competent authority, the Hellenic Ministry of the Environment and Energy, in cooperation with the other co-competent ministries. It is approved by an Act of the Council of Ministers, which is issued after a proposal by the Minister of Environment and Energy and announced in the Greek Parliament (L. 4759/2020, No. 22).
The preparation of the NSSMS, as well as consultation processes regarding public participation, the National Spatial Planning Council’s opinion, and the opinions of co-competent ministries, have been completed. The NSSMS now is in the final stage of editing before its adoption.
Challenges faced in implementation
The National Spatial Strategy for the Maritime Space (NSSMS) is the required institutional policy-making document that includes basic policy principles for the development and planning of the maritime space and the interactions between the marine and coastal environments. It includes strategic directions, as well as medium-term and long-term goals for the organization and development of the maritime space. It defines the delineation of Maritime Spatial Units (MSUs) and indicates and justifies the priorities within them for the development and implementation of MSP.The aim of the NSSMS is to identify strategic directions for the integrated spatial development and sustainable organization of the national maritime space, covering all the maritime zones of the country (the coastal zone, the continental shelf, and the EEZ), as well as the coordinated implementation and integrated approach to its management.
The NSSMS sets goals focusing on the promotion of the Blue Economy and integrates the EU Green Deal principles and the EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change while enhancing cross-border cooperation in accordance with relevant UNCLOS provisions. By protecting the biodiversity of our seas, we are implementing the transition to the “Blue Economy,” reaping the benefits of a new balance between economic growth, social cohesion, and sustainability.
The NSSMS applies an ecosystem-based approach aligned with the MSFD Directive 2008/56/EC with the aim of ensuring the achievement of good environmental status (GES). The NSSMS integrates the ICZM principles, promoting an integrated approach to coastal zone management, addressing LSI issues, and ensuring the wide participation of stakeholders and local communities.
Next Steps
Evgenia LagiouBeneficiaries
As the National Spatial Strategy for the Maritime Space (NSSMS) is applied across the entire national maritime space, encompassing all maritime zones of the country, including the coastal zone, the continental shelf, and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), it addresses the entire coastal and island populations, communities and all range of stakeholders .