OCEaN Statement on an Improved, Robust and Timely MSP Process

The Members of the Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature (OCEaN) strongly support an improved, robust and timely Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) process. This will speed up ORE, support the decision-making process for spatial allocation, and also reduce investment risks and project delays. In this context, OCEaN recommends in this Statement a number of principles to be considered by all EU Member States, including: improving application of an ecosystem-based approach in MSP, complementing environmental and socio-economic assessments for spatialdesignation with sensitivity mapping, enabling cross-border collaboration, continuing to implement EU nature law to a high standard; improving stakeholder involvement and creating benefits for local communities; and, adopting a long-term perspective.