Name: Global distribution of spatial planning in the marine environment
Display Field: name
Type: Feature Layer
Geometry Type: esriGeometryPolygon
Description: <div>This dataset is a first attempt at mapping the global distribution of areas in which intitiatives of some kind are in place to undertake spatial planning in the marine realm. This layer is based upon the work done in the "International cross-border MSP [Marine Spatial Planning] best practice" (2016-2017) project. Spatial planning in the marine environment involves the analysis and allocation of spatial and temporal distributions of human activities in marine areas in order to achieve ecological, economic and social objectives. Some defining characteristics of marine spatial planning processes are that they are ecosystem-based, area-based and participatory. Spatial planning processes often involve multiple marine users or sectors, however they can involve only one sector or user. Spatial planning can therefore have single outcomes or multiple outcomes depending on those involved and the environmental and socio-economic needs of the area. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This version of the dataset only contains 23 sites not located in European waters, though the country coverage is likely to be increased in future versions. Also, the processes were selected on a set of six pre-defined criteria, as defined during the project "International cross-border MSP best practice" (2016-2017).</div>
Copyright Text: UNEP-WCMC (2017). Global distribution of spatial planning in the marine environment. Unpublished dataset. Cambridge (UK): UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.