Community of Practice

The aim of the eMSP NBSR project is to enable policymakers and maritime spatial planners 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. The project will provide learning about emerging topics such as multi-level government, monitoring and evaluation, use of data and science, ecosystem-based approaches, and sustainable blue economy, to make better informed decisions, facilitate change and improve coordination.

At the heart of the project is a Community of Practice (CoP) method that will facilitate continuous learning as a long-term way to ‘future proof’ MSP. A CoP is a group of people who share a common interest or passion. It is a meeting place where professionals share analyses, inform, and advise each other and develop new practices. When the journey begins, the destination is unknown. The aim is to share and build on existing knowledge. Through the free exchange of knowledge, insights and experiences, professionals work hands-on with others to learn and develop new ways of dealing with problems and challenges.

The core output of the project is a mechanism that allows maritime spatial planners to jointly develop approaches for MSP implementation, taking on board the ambitions and challenges for MSP stemming from policy developments under the EU Green Deal and other related EU initiatives. The Green Deal aims to turn climate and environmental challenges into opportunities that must be realized through fostering a just and inclusive transition, many of which will play out in the maritime environment.