Assessment of the Ecological Status and MSP preliminary initial assessment in VloraMarine Area (Albania) in the framework of the MSP Pilot Project supported by the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea (IMELS) within the cooperation
The present Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) study is elaborated within the framework of the IMAP, the ICZM Protocol and the MSP Decision (Decision on the MSP Conceptual Framework) and are part of the MSP Pilot Project “MSP Pilot project in synergy with SUPREME and GEF Adriatic projects outcomes and to strengthen the EUSAIR Strategy, to be developed into the Adriatic relevant marine areas, subject to major pressures” implemented within the Bilateral Cooperation Contract with the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea (IMELS). The project is financed by IMELS and is implemented by SPA/RAC under the coordination of the UNEP/MAP Coordinating Unit. Particularly, the present study is aligned with the GEF Adriatic project. Indeed The GEF Adriatic Project major outcomes are the establishment of a National Monitoring Programme in Albania and Montenegro and the MSP process support in both countries. This report has been realized in order to support the realization of a Marine Spatial Planning approach in the Vlora area and to develop guidelines for MSP in Albania, within the framework of the IMAP, the ICZM Protocol and the MSP Decision (Decision on the MSP Conceptual Framework). Barcelona Convention Contracting Parties decisions (Decision IG.17/6 on “Implementation of the ecosystem approach to the management of human activities that may affect the Mediterranean marine and coastal environment” and the Decision IG.20/4 on “Implementing the Ecosystem Approach Roadmap”) reflect the wish to strengthen cooperation and seek synergies with the EU initiative, the MSFD, to achieve a shared vision of “a healthy Mediterranean with marine and biological ecosystems that are productive and biologically diverse for the benefit of present and future generations”. Additionally, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is based on the allocation of marine space in order to achieve sustainable development, including the protection of marine biodiversity and the conservation of marine resources, along with social and economic objectives, by overcoming the single-sector approach that focuses on a particular use of the sea. According to the European Commission (EC), MSP fulfills four objectives: •Reducing conflict on access to maritime space; •Reducing cumulative impact of maritime activities on the environment; •Reducing coordination costs for public authorities; and •Improving certainty and predictability for private investments. In the Adriatic Sea, implementing the Ecosystem Approach and improving sub-regional management capacity through Marine Spatial Planning aim to restore its balance.
9545: Implementation of Ecosystem Approach in the Adriatic Sea through Marine Spatial Planning
Assessment of the Ecological Status and MSP preliminary initial assessment in VloraMarine Area (Albania) in the framework of the MSP Pilot Project supported by the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea (IMELS) within the cooperation.pdf
