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 red country in that edition.
Country Red has a large marine presence in the North Sea (compared to neighbouring countries) and has had a strong presence there with fishing activities but also since the 1960s when oil and gas deposits were found. Commercial fishing still has a large presence there today, and has gotten renewed interest (and sparked new conflicts) because of this country's departure from the EU, as new quotas and fishing grounds have to be renegotiated.
The country Red government has a Blue Growth perspective, which means that exploitation of marine resources is prioritized, with commercial fishing and material extraction as continuously important activities. At the same time, there is also talk about more protection and establishing MPAs, especially around the country's Dogger Bank part.
Country Red's domestic case concerns planning for a scenario where commercial fishing grounds are kept and even expanded. At the same time, there is competition with existing sectors (like protection and the energy sector, oil and gas). Collaboration with neighbouring countries has become a problem after the country's departure from the EU and you do no longer want to allow foreign fishers in your waters. The country is generally hesitant to all border collaboration. The country wants to propose a new plan for the country's North sea area, with special attention given to the following three sectors:
The country needs to be mindful of international traffic at sea, both shipping lanes and passenger traffic (i.e. should not/cannot be changed). In addition, any national defence needs must be left unchanged. Finally, attention needs to be paid to environmental conditions and ecological qualities in the area, e.g. wind speed, currents, various species, pressures, biodiversity, etc. that may affect marine activities.
Country Red has a strategic and historic marine presence in its part of the Baltic Sea area. Its modern history is turbulent, but since its more western orientation (which includes EU and NATO membership), it has enjoyed and benefited greatly from its peace and prosperity. It has a strong relationship with country Green, resulting in interconnector electricity and telecommunication cables, as well as very regular and very popular passenger traffic with country Green. The infamous Nordstream pipelines run through this country's EEZ, as well as heavy ship traffic to particularly country Navy's major ports. Its large islands to the west are unique, both ecologically and culturally.
Country Red's government wants to protect for what it has fought so hard over the past decades to get. Still the rather large more shallow areas to the west and south are ideal for offshore renewable energy development, according to the government. Investing in this fits with further improving the environmental protection of the country overall, and the western islands in particular. The fishing industry, while powerful, needs to fall in line in this respect, according to the government.
To that end, the government is looking for a scenario where first, substantial offshore renewable energy areas are developed on a reasonably short term, with ideally an almost exponential growth after that until a set target is reached. This target is still being finalised, but should be substantial. The idea of this limiting commercial fishing is deemed more as a bonus than as a problem. At the same time, the government wants to offer a new perspective for this industry. Other than that, existing sectors should generally keep what they already have.
The country needs to be mindful of its diverse international relations. The positive relationship with country Green is very important, if only to becomes of these two country's mutual ... distrust ... with country Navy. As mentioned, country Red is a full member of both NATO and the EU, although the EU membership is still quite young. So far, the priorities that the EU brings to this country have generally been viewed rather positively.
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