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 pink country in that edition.
Country Pink has a small area in the North Sea, but it's a vital one. The country itself is also quite small, but has quite a lot of power in the region and Europe, if only because the country hosts the EU's capital. A big chunk of the very small marine area is mostly occupied by big, heavy container, tanker and bulk vessels; the country is also host to one of the busiest shipping regions in the entire world. As the country's area is so small, the remainder is also more or less completely occupied. Big offshore wind farms to the north-east, fishing and protected areas more to the south-west, and electricity and telecommunication cables crossing throughout.
Country Pink's government wants to keep evaluating its (planned) use of the marine space, and make adjustments accordingly. This position is the result of the area simply being fully planned and almost fully developed. The offshore wind farm areas to the north-east are now almost completely developed. Maybe there are still some opportunities for multi-use of that space, though? And are the marine protected areas doing any good?
To that end, the country is looking for a scenario where adjustments are proposed based on thorough evaluations of what developments resulting from earlier plans are actually doing. Perhaps additional maritime activities can take place in the offshore wind farms. And perhaps marine protected areas should be moved and/or better enforced.
Internationally, the country needs to be conscious of the IMO breathing down its neck. The heavy shipping traffic needs to be able to use the northern/north-western part of this country's area safely. The country is also a founding member state of the EU as well as NATO. These relationships have been invaluable to this country for many many decades, hopefully for many more decades to come.
Country Pink has a relatively small but in several ways vital marine presence in the Baltic Sea. The majority of vessels going in and out of the Baltic Sea from and to the North Sea go through this country's EEZ. IMO always keeps an eye on this country's area, since there are only a very limited number of suitable commercial shipping routes through it. The many many islands that also make up this country introduce a rather unique ecosystem, and a unique dynamic of passenger and fishing vessels (commercial and private) throughout the entire EEZ. The country also has a presence in the North Sea, so it can use both its Baltic and North Sea areas to try to pursue its marine and maritime ambitions.
The country's government wants to further grow in renewable energy. It is already one of the most progressive countries in the world in this sector, really an 'early adopter', and the government wants this to stay that way. Simultaneously, the government wants to explore other new sustainable 'blue growth' sectors, notably offshore aquaculture. Given the shallow, still salty sea and abundance of islands, the unique ecosystem in this country's EEZ needs to be better protected, according to the government.
Consequently, the government is looking for a scenario where offshore renewable energy areas are increased substantially in the short and medium term. Shipping traffic going in and out of the entire Baltic Sea has limited and well-established routes that need to be maintained, in the eyes of this country's government. A significant increase in suitable, meaningful marine protected areas as well as aquaculture sites need to occur. The country's strong commercial fishing industry has so far been content, but is under pressure because of all of this, of which the government is of course very aware.
More internationally, the country needs to be mindful of EU policies concerning marine protected areas and commercial fishing. It is a member state, after all. The IMO routes established in this country's area is a point of international concern too.
Country Pink has a long, thin coastline and is of all countries on the eastern side of the Adriatic the most prosperous and influential. Its many many islands and larger coastal towns and cities make fishing, tourism and shipping the biggest maritime sectors for this country, in that order. The country is a relatively new member of the EU and NATO, and has enjoyed the political stability and economic prosperity both have brought. Every year more and more tourists flock to the country during Summer, from all over Europe. They are lured not just by the beautiful nature (also out at sea) and sea-side villages and towns, but also by the country's still rather low prices and big parties.
Country Pink's government wants to see more space for marine tourism: bathing, boating, artisanal fishing, diving, and also passenger vessels to and from the many islands. All should have their spaces, combined where possible and logical, but safely. The most north-westerly part of the country has some nice shallow areas in which the government would like to see offshore renewable energy sites developed. This has to meaningfully combined with the dozen or so oil and gas platforms in the region; although not a major sector to the country, the government is looking for some stability here at least.
To that end, the country is looking for a scenario where marine tourism sites of all sorts are (further) defined in the middle of the country's sea area relatively close to shore. Meanwhile, the country is looking for offshore wind farm areas meaningfully and safely combined with oil and gas areas further north. What to do with all the marine protected areas the EU is looking for...? Can't that be combined with marine tourism? As long it it doesn't interfere with commercial fishing...
Internationally, the country needs to be conscious of its still young relationship with the EU and NATO. The relationship is quite excellent, yes, but the country still has to prove itself a bit. Tourism is all fine, also EU politicians enjoy visiting this country, but at what cost? The EU is keeping an eye on this country...
Nestled along the Mediterranean and Red Sea, country Pink strategically utilizes its maritime presence for economic and environmental pursuits. Despite historical challenges, the nation is poised to leverage marine spatial planning as a cornerstone for sustainable development. Pink's maritime sectors have evolved, emphasizing responsible resource management. Advances in marine technology, fisheries regulation, and coastal tourism showcase the nation's commitment to balancing economic interests with environmental conservation.
Within its coastal expanse, Pink addresses the intricate task of coordinating diverse maritime activities. The government navigates challenges such as preserving marine biodiversity, ensuring sustainable fishing practices, and fostering a thriving maritime economy, all while safeguarding the ecological integrity of its coastal regions.
In conclusion, Pink aspires to be a trailblazer in responsible marine spatial planning, setting a precedent for sustainable maritime practices that harmonize economic progress with environmental conservation.
Co-funded by the European Union.