MSP4BIO Deliverable 7.5: Policy brief

This policy brief presents the final recommendations from the MSP4BIO project supporting the effective integration of biodiversity into Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) across Europe. Drawing on three years of research, working in test sites, and together with stakeholders, MSP4BIO highlights key challenges to ecosystem-based MSP and offers concrete policy solutions. The brief calls for embedding biodiversity targets in maritime policies and planning approaches, updating and aligning MSP with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the EU Nature Restoration Regulation, and provides recommendation that can be used for the operationalisation of the Ocean Pact. It recommends institutionalizing regional approaches to MSP through cross-sector and transboundary coordination platforms such as HELCOM, the Barcelona Convention, and inter-ministerial bodies. The adoption and scaling of the ESE Framework is urged to support the spatial integration of conservation, ecosystem services, and sustainable uses. To ensure effective implementation, the brief emphasizes the need for dedicated training and resources for planners, the use of EU funding instruments to keep applying MSP4BIO tools in practice, and sustained investment in data, capacity-building, and inclusive participation using MSP4BIO’s open-access resources and Communities of Practice.