On Monday, June 24, 2024, the V MED-MSP-CoP Webinar, titled “MSP4BIO Science-Policy Dialogue Think Tank On The Co-Development Of Policy Solutions For A Better Integration Of Biodiversity Conservation In MSP And Sectoral Policies,” took place online from 11:00 to 12:30 CET. The event was an important step in fostering collaboration between scientific communities and regional and national policy makers to enhance biodiversity conservation within Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and related sectoral policies.
Key Components and Objectives
In our quest to co-develop key policy recommendations, MSP4BIO established a Science-Policy Dialogue Think Tank. This platform fosters collaboration with linked projects, facilitating the communication of scientific outputs and the validation of policy solutions. Initially comprising relevant experts and scientists, the Think Tank has expanded to include policy stakeholders at both the EU and regional seas level, such as:
- MSP4BIO Project Partners
- Scientific Representatives from sister projects and initiatives
- Policymakers and European Policy Actors (DG MARE, DG ENV)
- Regional Authorities and policy actors (BARCON, HELCOM, OSPAR, BSC)
Two Think Tank meetings have been conducted so far, initiating the co-creation process of policy solutions based on the outcomes of the MSP4BIO Report on key barriers and levers for policy coherence, along with analyses from related projects.
Highlights of the Webinar
During the webinar, MSP4BIO presented its work to the NW-MED MSP Community of Practice (CoP), emphasizing the results of the policy coherence analysis pertinent to the Mediterranean at regional and national levels. The discussions focused on prioritizing the identified policy solutions to improve the integration of biodiversity considerations into MSP.
The event featured insightful discussions on MSP4BIO’s efforts to address policy barriers and co-create solutions for better biodiversity integration within MSP in the Mediterranean region. Participants provided valuable feedback on the identified policy solutions, underscoring their significance for Mediterranean countries and their broader applicability across the region through the CoP’s work.
The collaborative efforts of scientists, policymakers, and regional authorities are essential in achieving the objectives of the MSP4BIO project and supporting the broader goals of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the European Green Deal.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to #MEDMSPCOP for hosting MSP4BIO partners and fostering productive discussions on policy barriers and solutions. The collective effort and shared expertise will undoubtedly contribute to improved policy coherence
across the Mediterranean.
Presentation available here
