Lime

General Information

In each edition of the MSP Challenge, countries are coded by colours. This is to help users to distance themselves a bit from the real-life countries and assume a more playful mode - one where they are in control and can try out new things. The idea is to make plans for a managerial area without thinking too much about the how the real-life politicians and policy-makers from the actual country might think about it. Thus, the countries profiles are explained to the users for context and objective specification only. It is up to the users to decide what they want to achieve in MSP Challenge and how.

Click on the tab corresponding to the edition you are interested in and check the profile of the lime country in that edition.

Baltic Sea

Country Lime has the by far biggest marine presence in the Baltic Sea region, at least geographically. Geopolitically, the country is a strong player, yes, but given its low population density and relatively lower economic power, it's not as influential as it used to be many centuries ago. Having said that, practically all the big container, bulk and tanker vessels go through this country's sea area at some point, or multiple points. There are important IMO routes and schemes in place in this country's sea area as a result. The biggest port of the region in the west is part of this country. Similar to country Green, this country hosts several distinct marine ecosystems: two in the north-east (Bothnian Bay and Bothnian Sea), two to the east (Bothnian Proper) and in the west towards the North Sea entrance/exit (Skagerak).

Country Lime's government wants to use its vast sea area to push something that it feels other countries would rather ignore: marine protection. The country is host to very important spawning and nursery areas, particularly in its Boltic Proper part. Moreover, the country's waters go from salty to brackish to practically sweet, and the ecosystems are all the more fragile because of it. Moreover, certain areas are already technically 'dead zones'. It's time for change, and this government is going to push for it strongly. The government also wants to see offshore renewable energy areas developed wherever they sensibly can. There are plenty of shallower waters particularly to the south. Marine protection comes first though!

To that end, the government is looking for a scenario where vast and more strongly enforced marine protected areas are defined on the short term, as well as the first offshore renewable energy areas (presumably wind farms). The latter should exponentially increase over the next 30 years. The country expects to export most of the energy produced, however, since its own energy demands are more or less met by hydropower and wind power on land.

Internationally, the government should keep an eye on EU legislation coming their way. After all, the country is an EU member state. When it comes to marine protection EU legislation, the government foresees no problems. It is planning to do even more/better anyway. The country really wants to join NATO as well. As soon as this happens, expect the military sector to have an even more powerful say in the marine/maritime spatial planning process than they already do...

Adriatic Sea

Country Lime has currently only a small role to play in the Adriatic Sea region. Of all countries it is economically the weakest. Although it is now considered politically reasonably stable, for a very long time this was not the case. The country is a relatively recent member of NATO, and a prospective member of the EU. The coastal area is nationally and internationally regarded as pristine and untouched, with mostly small fishing villages besides the odd larger town. The country is also host to many islands close to shore. The economy is dominated by agriculture. The biggest maritime sector is fishing.

Country Lime's government wants to see its population getting above the poverty line more and more. Agriculture is important, but a more diverse and balanced economy should help more people get jobs and improve the overall economy. The government has set its eyes on tourism. Especially ones EU membership is official, it has huge potential in attracting international tourists, according to this government.

To that end, the government is looking for a scenario where coastal towns become busy touristic coastal cities, and have a fitting marine and maritime infrastructure. Think of passenger ferry routes, harbours for cruise ships, boating areas, artisanal fishing areas, diving areas and beaches/bathing sites. The government is interested in scenarios that combine this meaningfully and convincingly with marine protection. The commercial fishing industry should perhaps simply go further out to sea?

Internationally, the government should be aware of the EU legislation that will be coming its way. As it is fixed on finalising the membership, the government will surely need to convince the EU that it will and can conform to e.g. marine protection legislation and reducing carbon emissions. Is the government fully aware of this...?