online conference
15 September 2021
lessons from the European Atlantic
for implementation of maritime spatial planning
in transboundary contexts

Conference resource centre

The SIMAtlantic conference took place on 15 September 2021. Its objective was to share learning and best practice from the SIMAtlantic project and elsewhere around Europe, to assist in shaping future cooperation and coherence in maritime spatial planning (MSP).

Sessions were aimed at a wide audience from researchers to policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders, while including everyone who shares an interest in maritime spatial planning, particularly the benefits and challenges of transboundary working. There were 150 participants from 24 different countries.

Conference programme

Session recordings

Session resources

Session recordings

Programme

09.00–10.30 Session 1

Developing a vision for MSP in the European Atlantic region

Using the characteristics and current spatial uses of the European Atlantic region and relevant policy drivers as a basis, this session provides perspectives on developing a vision for MSP in the region.

Chair:
Anne Marie O’Hagan, MaREI Centre, University College Cork

Speakers and panellists:
Julien Dilasser, Cerema
Cristina Cervera Núñez, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO, CSIC)
Adriano Quintela, CESEAM, Universidade de Aveiro
Juan Ronco, DG MARE, European Commission
Patrycja Enet, North Sea Focal Point, European MSP Platform

11.00–12.30 Session 2A

Governance for transboundary MSP

Exploring practical ways of communicating between countries, especially on issues with environmental impact, and mechanisms for long-lasting cooperation in the European Atlantic.

Chair:
Martin Le Tissier, MaREI Centre, University College Cork

Speakers and panellists:
Anne Marie O’Hagan, MaREI Centre, University College Cork
Adele Boyd, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI)
Steve Fletcher, University of Portsmouth
Conor McCabe, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

11.00–12.30 Session 2B

Data sharing and stakeholder engagement

Considering questions of how transnational data sharing might support cross-border coherence of national maritime plans, how to effectively assess and spatially represent economic and social stakes, and how to deliver and explain complex maritime plans to enhance stakeholder ownership.

Chair:
Neil Alloncle, OFB

Speakers and panellists:
Adeline Souf, Shom
Julien Dilasser, Cerema
Amy Balding, Marine Management Organisation
Neal Gray, Marine Management Organisation
Sagraio Arrieta Algarra, Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico
Hervé Tréhein, Direction Interregional de la Mer Sud Atlantique

13.00–14.30 Session 3A

Beyond environmental assessment towards ecosystem-based MSP

Investigating the role of cumulative impacts in strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and how these elements can be applied to operationalise ecosystem-based management (EBM) in MSP, including transboundary considerations.

Chair:
Helena Calado, Universidade dos Açores

Speakers and panellists:
Marta Vergílio, Fundo Regional para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FRCT)
Mónica Campillos-Llanos, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO, CSIC)
María da Luz Fernandes, CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro
Adele Boyd, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI)
Adriano Quintela, CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro

13.00–14.30 Session 3B

Approaches to land-sea interactions in the European Atlantic and beyond

Examining different approaches to land-sea interactions and their suitability in addressing LSI risks and opportunities, using case studies from the European Atlantic and elsewhere, and taking into account aspects such as timescales, funding and resources.

Chair:
Emma McKinley, Cardiff University

Speakers and panellists:
Marina Markovic, United Nations Environment Programme PAP/RAC
Andrea Morf, Nordregio / Gothenburg University
Alice Guittard, ICRE8
Stephen Jay, University of Liverpool
Martina Bocci, t-ELIKA

15.00–16.30 Session 4

Achieving cooperation and coherence in European Atlantic MSP

Final messages from the SIMAtlantic project, perspectives on cooperation in the European Atlantic area and future work to be done on MSP.

Chair:
Ana Paula Simão, Direção-Geral de Recursos Naturais, Segurança e Serviços Marítimos (DGRM)

Speakers:
Tom Woolley, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
David Sanmiguel-Esteban, CINEA
Dymphna Keogh, Department of Foreign Affairs
Niccolò Bassan, Marine Planners / United Nations Environment Programme

Resources

Session recordings and other resources are available here. You can also visit our Padlet virtual venue, which provided a place for conference participants to share information.