In MSP research and practice, gaps are still apparent with respect to social and cultural values and their role in MSP. These relate but are not exclusive to:

the range of immaterial values associated with the sea, including traditional practices, perceptions, and different ways of engaging with and relating to the sea,
the wider socio-cultural environment and its relationship to MSP, for example how social impacts and interactions affect MSP and how MSP might deal with conflicting social values,
how different perceptions and representations of the sea and sea space affect MSP and its ability to provide integrated spatial governance.

This group is intended as a platform for bringing together a diverse body of knowledge from various fields. Its aim is to expand notions of "culture" and "socio-cultural" in MSP both at a conceptual level and from a practical perspective, based on knowledge and experiences from different countries, regions and cultures. How exactly is MSP related to socio-cultural values, and what are the opportunities and challenges for MSP in taking account of socio-cultural values and perceptions?

Culture and MSP

The group has started an intiative to address the diverse and sometimes challenging interrelationships between culture and MSP. An informal discussion has begun on what "culture" might mean in the specific context of MSP and how research and practice might address some of the issues arising. If you are interested in participating, email k.gee@gmx.de and we will put you on the mailing list. Further online meetings are planned and there will be scope for contributing to papers.

MSP Research Network

MARE conference 2021 Session: Why we should embrace culture in Marine Spatial Planning.

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Social and Cultural Values