Transboundary Management of a Common Sea in the Gulf of Venice: Opportunities from Maritime Spatial Planning in Italy and Slovenia

Italy and Slovenia have recently adopted their first Maritime Spatial Plans (MSP). These plans belong to a new generation of spatial planning acts that introduce numerous innovations. This article presents the differences and similarities between the Italian and Slovenian MSP. The aim is to determine how a new planning approach can support joint spatial development and management in a transboundary perspective with particular reference to the cross-border area of the Gulf of Venice. Descriptive and comparative scientific methods were applied in the study. We analysed the structure of both plans and the content of the individual planning instruments and tools for three key sectors: Fisheries, Maritime Transport and Nature Conservation. We found that both plans offer new opportunities for transboundary spatial coordination and planning, while the process of preparing the plans themselves is particularly important. Both plans provide instruments to address transboundary environmental impacts, spatial development and sectoral management regimes. The implementation tools include provisions on the spatial, temporal and technical conditions for carrying out a particular activity at sea. The Italian plan adopts a strategic approach that offers possibilities for intersectoral and cross-border planning coordination. The Slovenian plan is more detailed and binding. Regardless of individual differences, the adoption of both plans represents a major step towards achieving the common goals of sustainable spatial development in the shared marine area of the Gulf of Venice.