1st academic study on Türkiye’s Marine Spatial Planning published

Türkiye’s marine needs – such as for energy, fisheries, and transportation – will reach new dimensions through use of MSP map and integration with blue economy, says DEHUKAM CEO

Ankara University National Research Center for Maritime Law (DEHUKAM) has published the first academic study on Türkiye’s Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), which aims for the country to maximize sustainable use of its surrounding seas. Türkiye’s marine spatial planning efforts, launched years ago to protect its rights and interests in surrounding seas, better assess the environmental impacts of future maritime activities, and maximize the use of marine areas, are now reaching their final stage with contributions from relevant institutions. As part of this initiative, DEHUKAM published a map on the website “www.dmpturkiye.dehukam.org”. The map shows that under Türkiye’s marine spatial planning, areas beyond its territorial waters in surrounding seas have been designated for economic, scientific, and military activities, with specific zones identified for each purpose. It has been learned that the studies are being conducted both to safeguard Türkiye’s rights and interests in its seas and to ensure alignment with the EU’s relevant legislation. Deepening ‘Blue Homeland’ concept According to official sources, a high-level "Inter-Institutional Coordination Committee" will be established under the auspices of the Presidency and coordinated by the Foreign Ministry to better manage MSP matters across state institutions. The plan, which functions as a "master plan" for the seas, will help guide how maritime areas are to be used. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is also reportedly conducting similar studies toward the declaration of its own MSP. The MSP study is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the "Blue Homeland" concept among the public and relevant sectors, and to help organize Türkiye's activities in the surrounding seas in a more structured way by also taking environmental factors into account. MSP aims for most efficient use of marine areas According to a DEHUKAM statement, seas are not only a source of natural wealth, but are also essential for economic development, food security, and ecosystem health. Effective, sustainable, and multi-stakeholder governance of the seas is therefore critical, and this is where MSP comes into play. MSP is a science-based, participatory, and integrated planning process developed to ensure harmonious use of coastal and marine areas. It aims to balance different uses such as fisheries, energy production, transportation, tourism, conservation, and scientific research for optimal and sustainable utilization of marine spaces. MSP is not only a tool for protecting marine areas and evaluating economic potential, but also contributes to strengthening the blue economy, managing marine protected areas, combating climate change, and securing the future of the seas. Although Türkiye has not yet officially adopted an MSP, significant progress has been made in recent years. Numerous studies, research efforts, and projects related to MSP have been conducted in collaboration with public institutions, universities, civil society organizations, and the private sector. The academic interest in MSP is also growing, with the topic being widely discussed at national and international conferences, symposiums, and workshops. As part of these efforts, DEHUKAM has led the establishment of the Türkiye MSP Platform, which aims to present the country’s efforts in this field within a structured framework. The platform includes up-to-date information on MSP-related projects in Türkiye, the authorities responsible, current legislative infrastructure, and the core elements of MSP. DEHUKAM’s Map of Türkiye’s Marine Spatial Planning One of the most striking components of the Türkiye MSP Platform is the new map, created using open data sources shared by public institutions and the private sector. The MSP map visually presents marine activities, potential areas of use, and planning needs in Turkish waters. It serves as a critical reference for decision-makers, researchers, and investors. The development of such a map marks a concrete and strategic step in Türkiye’s marine spatial planning process. The map, created as an academic study, does not represent the official position of Türkiye. The designated areas on the DEHUKAM map indicate project implementation zones and do not imply state jurisdiction. Still, the Türkiye MSP Platform functions not only as an information-sharing tool, but also as a strategic platform that strengthens multi-stakeholder collaboration, bridges academia and practice, and supports policymaking. All of these efforts reflect Türkiye’s determination to scientifically build its “Blue Homeland” vision—recognizing the economic potential, environmental value, and geopolitical importance of the seas surrounding the country. Türkiye aims to develop a holistic and sustainable management model for its marine areas, ensuring the conservation and development of the “Blue Homeland” for both current and future generations. DEHUKAM CEO Mustafa Baskara spoke to Anadolu about the first academic study on Türkiye’s MSP and highlighted the growing global need for marine resources. However, Baskara warned that increased marine use has started to threaten the sustainability of seas, marine ecosystems, and biodiversity. “That’s why marine spatial planning studies were initiated by UNESCO with the initiatives of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission in the 2000s,” he said. He noted that while the EU made MSP mandatory for member states with a 2014 directive, Türkiye, as a non-member, has chosen to carry out MSP entirely within the framework of its own sovereignty. He emphasized that the research and activities led by DEHUKAM are based on an ecosystem-based approach and that the Türkiye MSP Platform covers studies, projects, and institutional findings related to marine spatial planning. A ‘living’ map Baskara underscored that the MSP map is not a one-time, finalized product, but a “living map”—one that can evolve and be refined in line with developing needs and newly identified jurisdictions. He stated that Türkiye’s marine needs—such as for energy, fisheries, and transportation— will reach new dimensions through the use of the MSP map and integration with the blue economy. "Our work in this field is based on academic scientific data and produced using publicly available resources, in coordination with public institutions,” he said.