MEDIGREEN: maritime spatial planning for the green transition in the Mediterranean

The green transition of the maritime sector in the Mediterranean is an urgent priority, though coordination and alignment can be a challenge. The Mediterranean Sea presents a uniquely complex governance landscape. It is a semi enclosed basin shared by both EU and non-EU countries, a mosaic of countries and cultures with different political commitments and ways of handling maritime spatial planning. Regional cooperation and cross-sectoral coordination are indispensable for progressing in the green transition, as well as for ensuring a sustainable maritime development.  

Led by the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (CSIC) and co-funded by the EU through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, the MEDIGREEN project investigates the importance of maritime spatial planning as a key enabler of the green transition. The project  builds on the results of the MSP-GREEN project and focusses on four critical sectors: offshore renewable energy, fisheries, aquaculture and nature protection. These industries are vital to the Mediterranean economy and are also at the heart of sustainability challenges. 

Integrating green transition into the Mediterranean spatial planning

The MEDIGREEN project is creating solutions to integrate the goals of the green transition into the Mediterranean maritime spatial planning in a practical and impactful way. 

The project assessed how 7 EU Mediterranean countries (Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Spain) incorporated European Green Deal objectives in their maritime spatial plans, in a state of play report by sector.

It developed a collection of multilingual communication material in English, French and Arabic which includes factsheets, flashcards and animated videos. The materials are designed to translate complex marine policy, environmental and blue economy topics into accessible, visually structured formats tailored to policymakers, practitioners, researchers and the general public.

The MEDIGREEN project carried out 13 national actions, which were different in scale, topics and approaches, and tailored to the country’s context and needs. These actions contributed to the implementation of specific measures included in the maritime spatial plans, and to the further integration of green transition objectives.  Such actions took place also in non-EU countries, (Algeria and Albania), and were particularly important as they outlined achievable steps and a scalable pathway for Mediterranean countries at early stages of maritime spatial planning development. 

The project also held training sessions for policymakers in Tunisia on maritime spatial planning, highlighting practical approaches and lessons learned from several EU countries and creating the opportunity for 43 Tunisian institutions to exchange with representatives from Algeria, France, Italy, Spain and Turkey. 

Connecting regions, shaping shared futures

As Cristina Cervera Núñez, MEDIGREEN’s Project Coordinator said: 

“MEDIGREEN shows how cooperation between EU and non‑EU countries can build on the Mediterranean’s shared cultural and historical roots to advance marine protection and sustainable sea uses.

Supported by the EMFAF, the project strengthens for the first time a collective Mediterranean vision for a greener sea.” 

The project promotes cross-regional cooperation and exchanges with other sea basins. These efforts aim to develop a common vision, harmonise practices and support a shared green transition. The MEDIGREEN project is very active in the Mediterranean Maritime Spatial Planning Community of Practice, a precious place for exchanges with experts in the field and for disseminating project results.  

Maritime spatial planning as enabler of the European Ocean Pact priorities

The MEDIGREEN project fully supports the Ocean Pact’s priorities,  by advancing maritime spatial planning at sea basin level, strengthening the cross-border cooperation between EU Member States and enlarging the cooperation to non-EU countries.

For further information and updated news on the project, check the project website, the MEDIGREEN blog and follow them on social media (LinkedIn, BlueSky). You can also subscribe to their newsletter.