Legislative Decree October 2016, n. 201. Implementation of Directive 2014/89/EU establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning.

This Decree implements the Directive 2014/89/EU which establishes a framework for maritime spatial planning in order to promote the sustainable growth of maritime economies, the sustainable development of marine areas and the sustainable use of marine resources, ensuring the protection of the marine and coastal environment through the application of the ecosystem approach, taking into account the land-sea interactions and the strengthening of cross-border cooperation, in compliance with the relevant provisions of the Convention of the United Nations on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The decree applies to the marine waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Decree clarifies that the maritime spatial planning is implemented through the development of management plans, which identify the spatial and temporal distribution of present and future activities and uses of marine waters.
The Decree also identifies the competent authorities for the definition of the planning process of uses and activities relating to the maritime space.