Local knowledge in MSP

The Nordic Region is undergoing significant transformations driven by environmental changes, digital transformations, and evolving socio-economic landscapes. As renewable energy from marine sources grows in importance and oceans remain vital for food supply, achieving a sustainable blue economy, in line with the European Green Deal and climate targets, requires careful balancing.

The rapid digital transformation, while offering opportunities, also risks sidelining local knowledge that is crucial for sustainable, inclusive, and coherent blue and green growth. This project, Local Knowledge in Marine Spatial Planning, green transition and digital transformation, aims to support the development of a sustainable ocean economy in the Nordic countries and their North Atlantic neighbours through more inclusive marine spatial planning (MSP) processes. By integrating diverse knowledge sources, the project seeks to contribute to a fair and just green transition, ensuring that local communities and a range of stakeholders are part of the decision-making process.

Inclusive, fair, and sustainable transition in MSP

The primary aim of the project is to promote a more inclusive, fair, and sustainable transition in the marine spatial planning domain, with a particular focus on coastal communities in the North Sea and Atlantic regions. Specifically, the project seeks to:

• Enhance cross-border knowledge-sharing across the Nordic Regions and remote areas of the North Atlantic, especially with Scotland.

• Examine the role of local knowledge and data in marine spatial planning, and address challenges linked to their inclusion in an increasingly digital context.

It will explore mismatches between national data needs and local knowledge requirements, assess challenges and opportunities from the digital transition in MSP, and examine data use, sharing processes, and gaps in knowledge access. This will ensure that local knowledge is effectively integrated into MSP in a digital context.

Integrating knowledge for sustainable coexistence

The project focuses on how to better integrate a diverse range of knowledge into MSP also to support sustainable coexistence at sea. Key questions include:

• What challenges have North Atlantic countries faced in incorporating local knowledge and data into MSP?

• How is local knowledge reflected in MSP outputs, especially in relation to balancing marine renewable energy and blue food industries?

• What factors, including digitalisation and AI, can enable the integration of local knowledge in MSP to promote collaboration and sustainable coexistence?

Methods and outcomes

The project will assess current practices, explore data challenges, and engage with stakeholders through cross-border knowledge exchange. Workshops will bring together regional stakeholders to share insights on how digitalisation can support the inclusion of local knowledge in MSP processes. The project outcomes will be communicated through policy briefs and other publications.

By focusing on the role of local knowledge in planning and governance, the project will contribute to ensuring that different sectors can coexist sustainably, benefiting both ecosystems and coastal communities.