AZTI's tool respects the Convention on Biological Diversity principles and supports global conservation goals
AZTI
Researchers from the Basque Technology Center AZTI have launched a new tool to help marine planning professionals and competent authorities apply ecosystem-based approach principles more effectively in the marine spatial planning of uses (MSP).
The Ecosystem-Based Marine Spatial Planning Assessment Tool (EB-MSP Assessment Tool) can adapt to the different phases of ecosystems during the marine spatial planning process.
In this way, it respects the Convention on Biological Diversity principles and supports global conservation goals, such as those established by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
"The tool helps to evaluate whether environmental, social, economic, and governance aspects and participatory processes have been properly considered, proposing specific actions for the continuous improvement of marine space management," explained Research Coordinator Ibon Galparsoro.
"This methodology is reproducible and can be adapted to different geographical contexts, which is vital for international collaboration in protecting our oceans," added AZTI researcher.
According to a study published in the Communications Earth & Environment journal of the Nature publishing group, the AZTI tool helps to complement economic development, human well-being, and marine biodiversity protection.
During trials conducted in the cross-border area of the Bay of Biscay, under the jurisdiction of France and Spain, the need to anticipate the effects of climate change, improve governance structures, and enhance knowledge of ecological processes was identified.
"The tool developed is being well accepted by the scientific community and by marine spatial planning practitioners in several European countries where it is being applied, within the framework of the MarinePlan project, and we intend to extend its use to a broader geographical context," Galparsoro concluded.
Furthermore, AZTI has been using two autonomous underwater gliders since 2024, which travel along the Basque coast to collect observation data that contributes to studying the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems.
