Summary of Belgium’s Marine Spatial Plan
Belgium stands out in marine conservation, boasting 37% of its marine area as protected, significantly exceeding the European average of 8.9%. The nation also leads globally in offshore renewable energy space utilization. Given the diverse activities occurring in the North Sea—such as renewable energy production, nature conservation, shipping, fishing, and sand extraction—there is an urgent need for a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP). This framework is essential to balance the various economic, ecological, and social interests within a confined maritime space.
The MSP concept, which has been implemented on land for decades, brings unique challenges when applied at sea. Commissioned by the Minister of the North Sea, Belgium’s first marine spatial plan was developed by the Marine Environment Service of the FPS Health for the 2014-2020 period, marking Belgium as a pioneer in Europe and worldwide.
The current Marine Spatial Plan, effective from 2020 to 2026, is being revised based on the new Marine Protection Act. The forthcoming plan will cover the period from 2026 to 2034. To facilitate this revision, a launch event was organized on April 19, 2023, to promote stakeholder involvement. Various parties are encouraged to contribute proposals and ideas for the new MSP until June 19, 2023. A structured submission form is available to aid in properly outlining contributions for efficient decision-making.
The Marine Spatial Plan 2020-2026 has undergone significant foundational work, reflecting a collaborative process among multiple stakeholders—including NGOs, businesses, government bodies, and citizens. Two rounds of public consultations allowed these groups to share their insights and suggestions. A Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (SEA) was also conducted, underscoring sustainability in the planning process. Following the assimilation of these contributions, the MSP was officially signed by the King on May 22, 2019, and came into force on March 20, 2020.
The Marine Spatial Plan outlines critical activities and uses within the North Sea, visually represented in accompanying maps provided in a summary brochure titled “Something is moving at sea. The Marine Spatial Plan 2020-2026.” This document not only highlights the essential activities in the region but also offers a quiz to engage the public’s understanding.
For those interested, more information on the public consultation process and the MSP can be accessed through www.consult-environment.be. This ongoing dialogue positions stakeholders to shape the future of marine spaces in Belgium, ensuring that the diverse ecological and economic interests are aligned for sustainable development in the North Sea.
