Land-sea interactions: case studies from the Baltic Sea Region

Abstract

Research background: Nowadays, mainstream discussions on maritime spatial planning (MSP) are tightly intertwined with the discourse on governance for land-sea interactions or interface (LSI), using multi-scalar and cross-sectoral governance systems. At the same time, principles with legal rank need to be respected and applied in both MSP and LSI and their respective governance structures while putting coastal communities at the centre and taking into consideration the process of “maritimisation.” In combination, these factors contribute to augmenting the pressure of competing uses both on land and sea in the frame of the Blue Economy. As an exemplary forerunner in the field of MSP, the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) and its case studies can provide a useful insight in this respect. Purpose of the article: The aim is to identify and integrate the principles with legal rank of Effective Governance for sustainable development to be implemented through different LSI governance perspectives and in the framework of MSP and the Blue Economy, providing concise guidance as to their application through BSR case studies. Methods: Preparation of this article involves applying traditional legal research methods (analysis and synthesis) and the results of maritime spatial plans and practical examples of pilot projects. Analysis includes the following techniques: descriptive, historical, special analytical and dogmatically comparable, including an analytical perspective of transnational environmental law. Synthesis is applied through the legally constructive method. Findings & Value added: Based on conclusions and lessons learned from BSR case studies, the article offers added value by structuring and improving knowledge and providing a basis for further theoretical discussion.

The role of Latvia's maritime spatial planning in promoting the European Green Deal

“…Combining these two thematic plans, which both detail territories and sectors, to a certain extent, ensures fulfilment of the land-sea interactions condition as one of the minimum requirements of the MSP Directive (Recitals 9, 16, 18, Arts. 4.2, 4.5, 6.2(a), 7.1; for more, see Neimane, 2021). However, the two plans present this detailing on different scales.…”