Expert workshop on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) consultation best practices for Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP)

SEABAS project partner Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB), leading the activity 1.5, is organizing an online expert workshop on collecting and validating cross-border Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) consultation best practices for maritime spatial planning (MSP). The workshop will take place on 27 May 2026, from 10:00 to 15:00 CEST. It is aimed at national maritime spatial planners, as well as experts from the Espoo Secretariat, HELCOM Secretariat, VASAB Secretariat, and the SEABAS consortium.

The workshop aims to compile consultation best practices at a regional level. The session will begin with an introductory presentation outlining current project results on best practices and identified challenges, followed by an interactive workshop segment during which the identified themes will be analysed and discussed. Participants will exchange knowledge and perspectives on key criteria, implementation challenges and potential solutions, and discuss relevant questions to support the future improvement of Strategic Environmental Assessment consultation processes in maritime spatial planning.

Background

The Interreg SEABAS project platform enables public authorities, international organisations, and NGOs to integrate sustainable marine resource use, balanced human activity at sea, and ecosystem protection into maritime spatial planning, using harmonized monitoring, data-sharing tools, and policy recommendations.

SEABAS Activity 1.5, led by CCB, aims to:

1. Identify, analyse and synthesise best practices in Strategic Environmental Assessment consultation processes for maritime spatial planning in order to enhance stakeholder engagement, knowledge transfer and multi-level coordination.
2. Strengthen effective communication and collaboration to support successful Strategic Environmental Assessment integration.
3. Collect insights from previous projects, guidance documents, and consultation activities.

Registration details

Registration is open until Monday 25^th of May 2026. The agenda for the Expert workshop will be shared closer to the event.

If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Cervantes, CCB Biodiversity Officer (andrea.cervantes@ccb.se).