Laying the Foundations for Cross-Border Cooperation in Marine Spatial Planning: The Case of the European Macaronesia

Abstract

Legal-administrative borders in the marine environment rarely coincide with the boundaries of marine ecosystems and their ecological processes. Thus, cooperation in the processes of marine spatial planning (MSP) across borders is essential to apply an ecosystem-based approach. This research analyzes the usefulness of the work flow undertaken to promote cross-border cooperation in MSP for the European Macaronesia. Given the vast extension of the sea basin, it is especially important to define the cooperation scope. The planning of cross-border cooperation initiatives must consider the capacity of the different competent authorities to progress in the MSP process as well as the specific stage that each of the parties involved is. The importance of ensuring the engagement of all competent authorities across all work phases has been confirmed, but it is highlighted the relevance of including those authorities competent in foreign affairs. It is recommended that cross-border cooperation efforts go beyond the process strictly related to spatial planning of the maritime sectors and are used as tools to overcome structural limitations and enhance the natural advantages derived from the island’s condition of insularity and outermost regions. Thus, the proposed work process has proven to be useful as a roadmap to promote cross-border cooperation adapted to the legal-administrative singularities and to respond to the physical-natural and socio-economic realities of the case study.