The Baltic Sea is a unique inland sea: It is a dynamic economic area and at the same time characterised by special geographical and environmental conditions.
The different sea uses such as shipping, fishery, wind farms or mineral extraction are increasingly competing for the limited sea space. On top of this the fragile Baltic ecosystem and the threats of climate change call for a balanced multi-sectoral approach. A wise, pro-active maritime spatial planning (MSP) could not avoid conflicts, but also create synergies and thus lay the basis for a sustainable maritime development.
So far, however, there is only little practical experience regarding spatial planning on the sea. This is the challenge but also the chance for the BaltSeaPlan project, which aims to create the basis for developing, introducing and implementing maritime spatial planning throughout the Baltic Sea in a coherent manner.

a) Improve the joint information base / stocktaking
b) Include Spatial Planning in National Maritime Strategies
c) Develop a Common Spatial Vision for the Baltic Sea
d) Demonstrate MSP in 8 pilot areas: Danish Straights / T-Route (DK), Pomeranian Bight (DE/DK/SE/PL), Western Gulf of Gdansk (PL), Middle Bank (SE/PL), Lithuanian Coast (LT), Western Coast of Latvia (LV), Pärnu Bay (EE), Hiiumaa and Saaremaa Islands (EE)
e) Lobbying and capacity building for MSP