Exploring the socioeconomic dimensions within the link of Maritime Spatial Planning and Integrated Coastal Zone Management: the case of the Adriatic-Ionian region

Abstract

Despite the differences between Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), both concepts share the common target of promoting the sustainable development of human uses. Within this target, social and economic prosperity acquires a fundamental role as, together with environmental protection, they form the three pillars of sustainable development. Therefore, the economic and social environment, in which maritime uses are being developed, should be recognized and evaluated.The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the socioeconomic significance of maritime and coastal uses in a comparative context. Initially, the challenges of data unification and integration into the planning process are addressed and then a methodological framework for the socioeconomic evaluation coastal and maritime uses is being developed. The proposed framework results in the development of a Socioeconomic Maritime Index (SMI) which is used further in order to assess the socioeconomic significance of the uses within a pilot MSP action developed for the Adriatic-Ionian Macroregion.