IMSP

Integrated Maritime Spatial Planning (IMSP)

Integrated Maritime Spatial Planning combines the tools and procedures of terrestrial spatial planning with the principles of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). IMSP views coasts and seas as constituent parts of an integrated system, both in terms ecology and socioeconomic factors. Through intensive stakeholder involvement and use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), IMSP extends terrestrial spatial planning and principles of ICZM to the open sea. Because of the many interconnections between land and sea, IMSP considers terrestrial and marine space as equally important.

EU Blue Book definition: "Integrated maritime spatial planning across EU waters is a fundamental requirement for the continued sustainable development of maritime economic activities because it provides a neutral tool to arbitrate between conflicting or competing activities or interests".

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