Marine Spatial Planning & Geoinformatics

On successful completion of the course, students will acquire the knowledge and skills to:

• Understand Fundamental Principles and Policy: Fully comprehend the main principles, steps, and theoretical concepts of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), integrating the Ecosystem-Based Approach (EBA) and the legal frameworks (EU MSP Directive) at European and Transboundary levels.
• Geospatial Data Management: Apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies to collect, manage, and structure geospatial data, including the development of reliable Geodatabases for the marine environment.
• Analyze Spatial Interactions: Identify, analyze, and map the spatial and temporal distribution of marine biodiversity and human uses, assessing the synergies and conflicts (including cumulative impacts) arising from multiple activities.
• Conflict Resolution & Site Selection: Utilize spatial analysis tools, such as the development of Conflict Matrices, and propose Optimal Site Selection for new marine activities (e.g., offshore renewables) based on multi-criteria analysis.
• Planning and Zoning: Learn and implement the principles of Marine Zoning to develop comprehensive, spatially explicit Zoning Plans, explicitly considering potential Multi-Use Areas.
• Case Study Evaluation: Critically evaluate various MSP Case Studies from the Mediterranean and international regions, learning from successful implementation and challenges associated with transboundary planning.
• Develop strategies for Communication and Adaptive Management: Evaluate the necessity of Stakeholder Participation and employ Web-GIS tools to facilitate public engagement, while developing strategies for monitoring and adaptive management (including climate change adaptation).

Taking into consideration the general competencies that the degree-holder must acquire, the course aims to:

• Information Management & Adaptability: The ability to search for, analyze, and synthesize data and information, with the effective use of Geoinformatics. This includes the capacity to stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in MSP, fostering continuous learning and the ability to adapt to new technological and legal situations in professional practice.
• Integrated Decision-Making: Decision-making processes toward an adaptive and integrated approach to MSP, based on spatial data, critical thinking, and conflict analysis.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Communication: Demonstration of the ability for teamwork and collaboration in interdisciplinary teams, as well as effective communication of MSP strategies to diverse audiences (stakeholders, policymakers).
• Autonomy & Professional Development: Demonstration of independent work (Working independently), taking initiative (Project planning and management), and enhancing professional competencies for marine and coastal management.
• Environmental Responsibility: Respect for the natural environment and promotion of ecosystem-based management and sustainability.

At theoretical level: The course provides a comprehensive introduction to fundamental MSP concepts, covering the historical development, the MSP Process with a Step-by-Step Approach, and the shift towards Ecosystem-Based Sea Use Management. t involves an in-depth examination of regional, national, European, and international policies and legal aspects of MSP for Protection & Conservation in the Oceans. The course covers the understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of biodiversity and habitats, the use of the coastal/marine space and the relevant human connections, and threats related to anthropogenic activities (e.g., habitat loss and degradation, over-exploitation, pollution, climate change). It details the tools and strategies for conflicts’ resolution and the assessment of synergies and conflicts of activities in marine space, as well as the assessment of potential multi-use areas. Special emphasis is placed on the principles of marine zoning, on the establishment of Marine Protected Areas and on the decision-making processes towards an adaptive and integrated approach that promotes the participatory process, stakeholders’ participation and public involvement, using advanced web-based spatial tools. Finally, it examines relevant case studies of MSP applications at various scales.

At practical level: The practical component focuses on the implementation of MSP principles using geospatial technologies and relevant methodologies (Geoinformatics). Students learn to use conventional and web-based GIS tools and techniques for visualizing and processing spatial data.
The core practical activities include:

• Data Collection and Management and the development of relevant geodatabases for mapping ecological elements and data related to anthropogenic activities.
• Critical analysis and mapping of activities through the creation of Conflict Matrices and Synergies/Multi-Use Areas.
• Application of case studies for spatial planning, such as the assessment of areas for the sitting of specific activities.
• Elaboration on methods for involving stakeholders and the wider public using conventional and advanced web-based spatial tools and webGIS for developing and managing online maps.
• Practical design and development of Marine Zoning Plans.

Related bibliography:

-Dimitra Kitsiou , Michael Karydis (2017)  Marine Spatial Planning: Methodologies, Environmental Issues and Current Trends. Nova Science Publishers.

-Jacek Zaucha, Kira Gee (2019) Maritime Spatial Planning, past, present, future. Palgrave Macmillan.

Related academic journals:

-Ehler Charles N (2021) Two decades of progress in Marine Spatial Planning, Marine Policy, Volume 132, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2020.104134.

-Patera Anastasia, Pataki Zoe, Kitsiou Dimitra (2022) Development of a webGIS application to assess conflicting activities in the framework of marine spatial planning, Journal of Marine Science Engineering, Volume 10, https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10030389

-Pataki Zoe, Kitsiou D (2022) Marine Spatial Planning: Assessment of the intensity of conflicting activities in the marine environment of the Aegean Sea, Ocean & Coastal Management, Volume 220, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2022.106079

-Douvere F., Ehler CN (2009) The importance of marine spatial planning in advancing ecosystem-based sea use management, Marine Policy, Volume 3, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2008.03.021

- Micheli F., Levin N., Giakoumi S., Katsanevakis S., Abdulla A., Coll M., Fraschetti S., Kark S., Koutsoubas D., Mackelworth P., Maiorano L. & H.P. Possingham, 2013. Setting priorities for regional conservation planning in the Mediterranean Sea. PLoS ONE, Vol. 8(4): 1-17, e59038.

- Giakoumi S., Guilhaumon F., Kark S., Terlizzi A., Claudet J., Felline S., Cerrano C., Coll M., Danovaro R., Fraschetti S., Koutsoubas D., Ledoux J.B., Mazor T., Merigot B., Micheli F. & S. Katsanevakis, 2016. Space invaders; biological invasions in marine conservation planning. Diversity and Distributions, Vol. 22 (12): 1220-1231.

- Katsanevakis S., Levin N., Coll M., Giakoumi S., Shkedi D., Mackelworth P., Levy R., Velegrakis A., Koutsoubas D., Caric H., Brokovich E., Ozturk B. & S. Kark, 2015. Marine conservation challenges in an era of economic crisis and geopolitical instability: The case of the Mediterranean Sea. Marine Policy, Vol. 51: 31-39.

- Giakoumi S., Guilhaumon F., Kark S., Terlizzi A., Claudet J., Felline S., Cerrano C., Coll M., Danovaro R., Fraschetti S., Koutsoubas D., Ledoux J.B., Mazor T., Merigot B., Micheli F. & S. Katsanevakis, 2016. Space invaders; biological invasions in marine conservation planning. Diversity and Distributions, Vol. 22 (12): 1220-1231.

- Sini M., Katsanevakis S., Koukourouvli N., Gerovasileiou V., Dailianis T., Buhl-Mortensen L., Damalas D., Dendrinos P., Dimas X., Frantzis A., Gerakaris V., Giakoumi S., Gonzalez-Mirelis G., Hassiotis T., Issaris Y., Kavadas S., Koutsogiannopoulos D.D., Koutsoubas D., Manoutsoglou E., Markantonatou V., Mazaris A., Poursanidis D., Papatheodorou G., Salomidi M., Topouzelis K.. & M. Zotou, 2017. Assembling Ecological Pieces to Reconstruct the Conservation Puzzle of the Aegean Sea. Frontiers in Marine Science, Vol. 4 (No 347): 1-22, doi 10: 3389.

- Dimitriadis Ch., Sini M., Trygonis V., Gerovasileiou V., Sourbes L. & D. Koutsoubas, 2018. Assessment of fish communities in a Mediterranean MPA: Can a seasonal no-take zone provide effective protection? Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science, Vol. 207: 223-231.

- Di Franco A., Hogg K.E., Calò A., Bennett N.J, Sévin-Allouet M.E., Esparza Alaminos O., Lang M., Koutsoubas D., Prvan M., Santarossa L., Niccolini F., Milazzo M. & P. Guidetti, 2020. Improving the governance and perceived effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas through collaborative interventions: A multiple case study from the Mediterranean Sea. Journal of Environmental Management, Vol. 269, 1-13.