MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING POLICY
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) policy exists in Monaco in what concerns to some protected or restricted marine areas.
It is implemented by the technical departments as the department of maritime affairs and the department of the environment, the marine police and one NGO, the Association Monegasque pour la Protection de la Nature.
Pre-selected areas for ocean energy have not been defined. Site selection is carried out by the Government according to the need or proposals.
AUTHORITIES INVOLVED
The authorities involved in the consenting process are:
• Department of the Environment – checks if the project is compatible with the local environment;
• Department of Urban Amenities – manages the concessions (e.g. electricity, water);
• Department of Maritime Affairs – manages the MSP.
CONSENTING PROCESS
A proposal has to be sent to the Ministry of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development.
If the project could be of interest for the Principality of Monaco, a technical committee will be set up to analyze and implement the project. The duration of the process will depend on the project.
The specific authority responsible to manage the ocean energy consenting process as a whole is the Ministry of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required if the project can possibly affect the maritime traffic, restricted areas, marine protected areas and/or the environment in general.
The decision of conducting an EIA is taken by the Government through the Ministry of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development.
LEGISLATION AND REGULATION
There is no legislation nor regulation for ocean energy.
CONSULTATION
Consultation is usually a legal requirement if there is any requirement for Public Funds.
This process should be carried out before the project implementation. The mandatory consultee is the Ministry of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development.
GUIDANCE AND ADVICE
There is no specific guidance available to help during the process, but the technical services can assist the applicant on the process.