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 yellow country in that edition.
Country Yellow has a relatively small marine presence in the North Sea (large in relation to country size), but has had a strong presence there since the 1960s when oil and gas deposits were found. Fishing has traditionally also had a large presence and commercial fishing is still important but with strong competition with new sectors. The newest on the agenda is green energy forms at sea, particularly wind energy, where country Yellow has been leading in years.
The country Yellow government has a Blue Growth perspective, which means that exploitation of marine resources is prioritized, with fishing and material extraction as historically important activities. At the same time, there is currently talk about phasing out oil- and gas rigs, while there is also focus on protecting the Dogger Bank part in country Yellow sea space.
Country Yellow's case concerns planning for a scenario where oil- and gas rigs are completely phased out over 10 years in favour of areas with renewable energy (both wind, wave and current). At the same time, there is competition with existing sectors (like fishing and shipping) and a need to protect and connect representative key habitats. A current concern is also fishers from countries not partnering in the EU's Common Fisheries Policy, who are difficult to negotiate with. Planning border activities is therefore not easy, and collaboration depends on sectors across borders. Special attention needs to be given to the needs of the following three sectors:
Meanwhile, 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. Also environmental conditions and ecological qualities in the area need to be considered, e.g. wind speed, currents, various species, pressures, biodiversity, etc. that may affect any planned activities.
Country Yellow's sea area can actually better be understood as consisting of two connected ones: an area in the Baltic Proper region, and an area that actually a Gulf. In terms of marine ecosystem and human activities both are quite different. The latter is more oriented towards the country's capital city, with its tourism and its busy port, while the former is much more oriented towards other more commercial ports and wider shipping industry. The country is a westerly oriented country, situated between countries Navy and Red with which it has strong, historic ties. Ties with country Black, which it borders to the east, exist (in several different ways), but are emotionally very weak.
Yellow's government indeed likes to keep the two sub-areas mentioned above separate in its ambitions. The government feels that the Gulf needs protection and can simultaneously benefit much more from (marine) tourism, think of boating, sports, artisanal fishing, diving, the works. Fishing further out into the Gulf should still be possible too - the unique brackish ecosystem has given the fishing industry an edge here. In the Baltic Proper area the needs of the shipping sector are paramount. Still, the government recognizes (perhaps a bit reluctantly) that there are some opportunities for offshore wind farm areas in that region too.
The government is looking for a scenario where shipping, fishing and tourism are catered to first, marine protection second, and offshore renewable energy third. This latter sector should only get Baltic Proper areas. Current marine protection sights make a lot of sense, they should be properly implemented first before additional areas are found.
Internationally, the government needs to be mindful of its membership of the EU and NATO. It enjoys these westerly ties, and is weary of developments towards the east. Yet the westerly ties also introduce some influences that this country is still getting used to, notably when it comes to environmental protection. Other influences, e.g. concerning energy security, are not so difficult to deal with at all - the country happily benefits from them.
Country Yellow 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 Yellow'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 once 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...?
With its vast Mediterranean coastline, country Yellow faces challenges and opportunities in harnessing its maritime potential. The nation's recent history, marked by conflict, calls for a strategic approach to marine spatial planning for recovery and sustainable development.
Yellow's economy is predominantly reliant on oil exports, contributing between 75% and 90% of the nation's income. In addition to oil, marine fisheries and related activities play a crucial role, although they represent one of the smallest national catches in the Eastern Mediterranean. Country Yellow's maritime sectors have been deeply impacted by political instability and conflict. As the nation rebuilds, there is an opportunity to implement marine spatial planning measures that prioritize responsible resource management and the restoration of coastal industries.
In conclusion, country Yellow envisions a future where strategic marine spatial planning plays a pivotal role in rebuilding its coastal economy, contributing to broader national stability, and ensuring the sustainability of vital sectors, including fisheries and oil exports.
Co-funded by the European Union.