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 Aqua'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 Aqua. 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.
The Red authority area is by far the biggest area in size in the Clyde Marine Region. It's an area full of peninsulas, 'lochs' and islands. Yet it is also a sparsely populated area, where most of the population live and work very locally, and tourism is the most important economic sector. Roaming around this area easily explains why this is the case. The area is simply stunning, with its beautiful sea-side villages, its rolling hills, its forests, the lochs, its tranquillity. The main peninsula in the west only has one larger port from which tourists and other passengers travel back and forth to the mainland in the east, in the Orange authority area.
The authority wants to ensure this area stays pristine and beautiful for its flora, fauna and tourists. This bit of heaven is worth protecting and fighting for. The authority wants nothing to do with any crazy ideas about offshore wind farms in or very close to its area. Sustainability is important, but why build these in this beautiful area, when the primary reasons we need them now are far away from it in the Orange and Purple authority areas? The authority wants protected areas, and knows this will solidify and improve tourism.
To that end, the authority is looking for a scenario where more and more strictly enforced marine protected areas are put in place on a short term and for the long term. It also wants its tourism interests to be better identified in the marine plan. Commercial ship traffic should stay away, as should offshore wind farms.
The authority needs to be mindful of the wider Celtic Sea area, where some of the other authorities might view themselves as just as beautiful and touristically important.
Country Red has an important role to play in the Adriatic Sea thanks to its large area in the region, and its economic power. It has roughly half of the entire sea area under its control. The country is quite densely populated and its economy depends on a broad range of sectors. Arguably a main sector is tourism. Tourists from all over the world visit the country for its many historical sites, its beautiful coastline, and its rich culture. The north-west and center of this country's sea area have a strong oil and gas industry. This as well as several major cities along the coast, more so further up in the north-west, introduce also quite a lot of heavy shipping activity.
The country's government wants to develop the 'blue economy', first and foremost. Although the country is politically powerful and economically a major player, the unemployment rate is still relatively high, leading to a bit of a 'brain drain' as more and more people choose to work in other EU member states. All the tourism is nice, but the focus should be on getting jobs for the local populations.
To that end, the government is looking for a scenario where modern and new maritime sectors get space. At the moment the government is looking mostly at aquaculture. Offshore renewable energy is interesting, but a preliminary investigation years ago left the government with more questions than answers. What about the depth of the sea? Can we reuse some of the older oil and gas infrastructure? What about making oil and gas production cleaner?
Internationally, the country needs to be mindful of EU legislation coming its way. It's an old and influential member state, but sometimes the majority decides something that this country's government might not be very happy with. Particularly the EU's marine protection policies are a source of concern: the country cannot just ignore them...
Red's maritime sectors have face disruptions due to conflict. Fishing has traditionally been a part of its economy. The conflict, however, has had adverse effects on the fishing industry. As the nation looks towards recovery, there's an opportunity to incorporate marine spatial planning measures that focus on rebuilding fisheries, preserving marine ecosystems, and promoting sustainable activities.
The country does have oil and gas reserves, and prior to the conflict, the oil sector contributed to the country's revenue. The conflict has led to damage to infrastructure, displacement of populations, and a general deterioration of the economic environment. Within its coastal landscape, country Red grapples with the impacts of conflict, displaced populations, and the need for economic recovery. Marine spatial planning becomes essential for rebuilding infrastructure, revitalizing fisheries, and addressing the challenges posed by ongoing conflict.
To conclude, Red's plan must navigate the complexities of ongoing conflict, humanitarian considerations, and potential collaboration with neighboring countries. Sustainable development and collaboration with neighboring countries are key ingredients for this country's MSP Challenge
Co-funded by the European Union.