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 green country in that edition.
Country Green is part of the Colour Kingdom, and borders country Red to the north. Country Green has a much lower population than country Red, with only 6.3 million people. The majority of the population lives in urban areas, while the countryside contains high mountains and rough terrain. Country Green has already some experience in marine spatial planning. The objective of country Green is to achieve a sustainable economy, while living within environmental limits.
In country Green’s EEZ a lot of oil and gas can be found. The government wants to extract as much as possible of these fossil fuels in the short run, even the smaller fields. In the future, the government wants to establish an energy transition. The first wind energy farms are already present in country Green’s EEZ. Wave and tidal energy seem very promising, because of the ideal sea conditions. The government has already established a couple of test sites. Country Green has a competitive edge in these relatively new technologies.
The fishing industry is a traditional sector with a great historical past. At the entire Sea of Colours fishing takes place. The Green government strives to achieve sustainable fisheries by 2020. Fisheries are currently allowed in wind farms. In the future, this policy may change. Aquaculture and fish farms seem very promising industries with high potentials. Along the Green coast, some aquaculture areas and fish farms are already operational. The government stimulates this new industry.
Tourism is of great importance to country Green. The mountains and rough terrain attract tourists from all over the world. Also the northern islands are well-known tourist attractions, especially during the summer time. The islands are connected with the mainland with ferry routes. In this area also many historical wrecks can be found, which is ideal for divers. Furthermore, the sea conditions are perfect for surfers and kite-surfers.
Country Green has a couple of marine protected areas. The harbour porpoise and the common and gray seal are situated in the Green part of the sea in huge numbers. The islands are also important areas for the Common Scoter. The government wants to designate more bird areas in the future. The Green government is committed to achieve the Marine Strategy Framework Directive objective of Good Environmental Status by 2020. One of the main concerns of the government is under water noise and contaminants.
Country Green has a relatively large marine presence in the Baltic Sea region, both geographically and geopolitically. The country is sparsely populated and economically not on the global stage. Still, throughout history, it has often managed to bridge gaps between western and eastern alliances, despite it being a mostly western oriented country itself. As a member of the EU, and with an extensive border with country Aqua, it manages to get economic benefits from both sides. Fishing has always been a major maritime sector, with more recently the addition of aquaculture, now also a major sector. The major archipelago in the south-west has always been subject of extensive marine research, and now an up-and-coming international tourism destination. The country's north-south directionality adds an interesting element: the northern waters are completely frozen over for several months of the year.
The country's government wants to plan its sea area regionally. This is not only politically arranged, it also makes a lot of sense in terms of the marine ecosystems. The government likes to approach the sea area as consisting of four major ecosystems: the Bothnian Gulf way up north, Bothnian Sea south of that, the archipelago to the south-west, and the gulf to the south and east. Different ecosystems mean different activities and priorities. The Bothnians are frozen in winter and have very little activity as a result. This the priorities here are fishing. The still shallow waters further from shore could still offer some opportunities for offshore renewable energy. The archipelago is shallow, fragile, biodiverse, and unique. It should be better protected, with still fishing, aquaculture and tourism allowed. The gulf to the south and east sees more shipping activity, and this should be able to endure, according to the government.
Consequently, the government is looking for a scenario where some new offshore renewable energy areas are planned for in the Bothnian Sea at least, and current fishing, aquaculture and shipping interests are defended, if not strengthened. The energy areas are more for exporting than internal use, as the country's energy relatively low demands are easily and sustainably met already through hydropower and on-shore wind.
Internationally, given its history, membership of the EU and still pending membership of NATO, the government needs to be mindful of its position, as tensions between west and east increase. Will it be willing and able to present itself rather neutrally? Or will it become even more western at the risk of alienating the east?
The Green authority area has a reasonably large marine presence in the Clyde marine region, with a small city with a nevertheless significant port in the north, and major ship traffic going through its area to and from the Clyde river. There are lots of touristic and fishing villages along this area's coast. Don't let the little island fool you - there's little to no interest in it in any way.
The authority wants this pristine area to stay that way. The major ship traffic is luckily quite far out at sea and not major enough to bother touristic and fishing vessels. There's a balance here that should remain. To ensure this the authority is willing to provide some space for offshore renewable energy areas in the most western parts of the area, between major shipping routes. The waters are still shallow there, touristic and fishing vessels don't really go there, and by giving in to this the authority hopes to be left alone elsewhere.
Consequently, the authority is looking for a scenario where new, appropriate, safe offshore renewable energy areas are developed in the western reaches of the area, and shipping, fishing and tourism activities are maintained if not strengthened.
Within the wider Celtic Sea context, the authority needs to be mindful that other authorities don't belittle it. With the Clyde river on one end, and the wider Celtic Sea on the other, this area and thus its authority is unfortunately easily overlooked or even ignored.
Country Green has reasonably small role to play in geographical and geopolitical terms within the Adriatic Sea region. The country's modern history was very dynamic, swinging back and forth between left and right. Most recently the country became much more westerly oriented, becoming a NATO and a EU member. It is not the most economically prosperous of countries, but also certainly not poor. In the sea area its primary sectors are fishing and shipping, in that order.
The country's government wants to open up much further for tourism. Neighbouring countries have a very well-established touristic infrastructure, and this country has beautiful and improving fishing villages and marinas, so why shouldn't they get a piece of the tourism pie? It should be relatively easy to attract tourists, and it can easily coexist with existing maritime activities, according to this government.
Consequently, the government is looking for a scenario where (marine) tourism is highly stimulated, in peaceful coexistence with fishing and shipping. The government has heard of international interest in offshore renewable energy areas, but so far has limited knowledge about it to make any decisions.
Country Green has a unique geographical composition, consisting of thousands of islands and islets, the depths of its waters and the great biological diversity they contain. Country Green has a well-developed coastal and sea tourism sector, facilitating boating, marinas and cruise ship ports.
Green's fishing industry contributes significantly to the Mediterranean fishing fleet operations. Small-scale fisheries play a pivotal role, not only economically but also socially and culturally, providing jobs and income, particularly in remote areas. Additionally, the evolving dynamics of the tourism sector and the exploration of oil and gas resources in the country's waters demand careful consideration to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
In pursuing this vision, the government envisions a scenario where substantial offshore renewable energy areas are developed in the short term, with plans for exponential growth until reaching a significant target. The concept of limiting commercial fishing in these areas is considered a positive step, offering an opportunity for the industry to adapt. Simultaneously, the government seeks to provide a new perspective for the fishing industry while allowing existing sectors to maintain their current standing.
To conclude, country Green stands at the forefront of a strategic and sustainable evolution, leveraging its maritime presence for the benefit of its people and the environment. The proposed plan reflects a commitment to balance, aiming for exponential growth in renewable energy while maintaining positive relationships and addressing the concerns of diverse stakeholders.
Co-funded by the European Union.