Education and Training for Maritime Spatial Planners

Helena Calado,Manuel Frias,Marta Vergílio,Joseph Onwona Ansong,Catarina Fonseca

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-98696-8_19

Abstract

AbstractThe practice of Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) has developed substantially during the last decade, calling for more qualified professionals. Education, training, and growth capacity for MSP, however, are (still) some of the less addressed themes in MSP forums and specific learning materials, such as textbooks and practice manuals. Some teaching initiatives have nevertheless arisen at the postgraduate level for training new and specialised practitioners in the MSP field. A quick overview of such initiatives will help answer some questions concerning the path to follow for MSP education and training. This chapter presents an exploratory diagnosis based on a discussion of the basic skills needed to achieve successful professional practice. What skills are expected from a maritime spatial planner? Is a specific background required to become a maritime spatial planner? How should such professionals be trained? These questions are discussed using the visions and insights of consultants, maritime sectors, policymakers, scientists, and teachers of MSP, with experience in countries where MSP processes are already in place.

Highlights

The idea that became Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) was initially proposed in 1976 by international and national interests in developing marine protected areas as a response to the environmental degradation of marine areas caused by human activities (Olsson et al 2008)
In a truly globally connected world, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to sense and respond to new contexts will be necessary for all workers who operate in diverse geographical environments
Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) competences and knowledge Data-collection methods, spatial-database management, existing governance system, digital thinking

Summary

Introduction

The idea that became Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) was initially proposed in 1976 by international and national interests in developing marine protected areas (e.g. the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park) as a response to the environmental degradation of marine areas caused by human activities (Olsson et al 2008). The MSP concept evolved in the North Sea, a sea basin under high human pressure, where attention was placed on managing the multiple use of marine space driven by new maritime uses, such as offshore wind, especially in areas with conflicts amongst users and conflicts between users and the environment (Olsen et al 2014; Douvere 2008) It has developed and been implemented in about 20 countries over the past decade (Ehler et al 2018), and a community of MSP disciplines is developing that calls for qualified professionals (Ansong et al 2018). Marine scientists and technical specialists, for example, oceanographers, ecologists, surveyors, statisticians, economists, terrestrial planners, environmentalists, heritage and cultural specialists, GIS specialists, specialists in data and information technologies, social scientists Sectoral interests such as fisheries and marine industries (continued). Plan approval and adoption Review of draft plan to include comments and inputs from consultations with necessary arrangements for approval Plan implementation Ensuring coordination, compliance, and enforcement of measures and policies defined by the plan Monitoring and evaluation Reporting and monitoring the progress of the plan and necessary planning reviews Management of the planning process/other competences Coordination and organisation of the various activities and processes Additional skills

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion