Sociocultural Dimension of Land–Sea Interactions in Maritime Spatial Planning: Three Case Studies in the Baltic Sea Region

Tarmo Pikner,Joanna Piwowarczyk,Ivo Vinogradovs,Kristīna Veidemane,Jacek Zaucha,Hannes Palang,Anu Printsmann,Anda Ruskule

doi:10.3390/su14042194

Abstract

Spatial planning faces challenges in addressing interactions between land and sea. This paper elaborates on land–sea interfaces, which can integrate certain socio-cultural values and related tensions into maritime spatial planning (MSP). In this article, three regional case studies from Estonia, Latvia, and Poland analysed important intersections between the formations of cultural values and spatial dynamics within MSP processes. These cases make it possible to address current challenges, contested boundaries, and spatial planning possibilities to embrace the vibrant and complex ways the sea becomes connected to societal change. The study indicates the multiplicity of land–sea interfaces, which should be involved in MSP through situated places of terraqueous interactions, means of public participation, and meaningful boundaries within mobilised co-existence. The actual and possible tensions in allocating new functions of maritime spaces indicate the importance of coastal landscapes and communities. Thus, MSP practice can employ the land–sea interfaces to advance regional planning through participatory engagements, which reveal sociocultural linkages between society and environment on coastal areas.

Highlights

Introduction and the Thematic ApproachTangible and intangible interactions between terra firma and the sea are crucially important in the planning of complex maritime spaces
The paper contributed to understanding the sociocultural dimensions of maritime space by focusing on the multiplicity of land–sea interfaces in maritime spatial planning (MSP)
The three case studies in the Baltic Sea region indicate that land–sea interfaces in MSP are related to situated places of terraqueous interactions, means of public participation, and meaningful boundaries within mobilised co-existence with the sea

Summary

Introduction

Introduction and the Thematic ApproachTangible and intangible interactions between terra firma and the sea are crucially important in the planning of complex maritime spaces. The sociocultural dimension of these interactions has often become simplified, as linking marine environments and experienced landscapes in a holistic spatial planning process is complex. Coastal areas play an important role in facilitating and maintaining land–sea interactions, and there is a need “to engage critically and reflexively with the multi-scalar, regional embedding of the coast and the sea as sociocultural spaces and places” [1] The aim of the paper is to understand the socio-cultural dimension of maritime spaces by focusing on land–sea interfaces in maritime spatial planning (MSP). This focus can highlight the various challenges in spatialising and integrating sociocultural land–sea interactions to MSP processes.

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Conclusion