GSC5102 - Managing Marine Space and its Potential as an Economic Resource - Project Study

Course Title

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

Semester 1

5 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-Time Day

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This micro-credential is exclusively being offered as part of the IOI Malta Training Course.

Within this study-unit, participants will be asked to prepare a holistic report on the legal and policy context, as well as on possible environmental and planning issues, concerning a proposed hypothetical offshore project located within a selected site within Malta's territorial waters. Prior to such an exercise, participants will be exposed to seminal literature and datasets defining the basic hydrographic and physico-chemical characteristics, ongoing economic activities and legal designations of the Maltese territorial waters. Despite this, participants will be expected to delve much deeper into the theme by conducting extensive independent research to unearth additional literature in support of their subsequent assignment.

Participants are expected to extensively apply Marine Spatial Planning principles they were trained in within earlier stages of the Course during such an exercise. The report prepared individually by each participant will be presented to the rest of the class during a session involving an eclectic iteration between a panel of experts and the same participants who will be expected to address questions concerning the content of their presentations.

Main Reading List

Deidun, A., Borg, S. Micallef, A. (201
. Making the case for Marine Spatial Planning in the Maltese Islands. Ocean Development and International Law 42:136鈥�154.
Drago A., Cordina G. et al. (200
. Building the best future for the marine sector in the Maltese Islands. 鈥楢 Vision Towards Enhancing the Marine Sector鈥檚 Contribution to the Maltese Economy in 2020鈥�, eFORESEE Marine Pilot Foresight Project, Malta.
IOC guide to Marine Spatial Planning:
National Statistics Office:
State of the Environment Report:

Study-unit Aims

To assist students in identifying the ocean governance framework applicable to the given hypothetical scenario;
To familiarise students with the salient environmental and socio-economic issues generated through the proposed project;
To assist students in identifying the major stakeholders operating within the earmarked marine site;
To assist students in understanding the impact that the proposed project will have on the environmental assets, conservation status and existing human activity within the earmarked marine site;
To formulate a series of implementation and siting recommendations based on the tenets and precepts of ocean governance assumed in the preceding study-unit.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

Understand the environmental and socio-economic implications that major projects proposed within the marine domain will have;
Recognise the legal provisions envisaged for such proposed projects within the prevailing ocean governance framework;
Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders operating within the marine domain;
Describe the predominant ocean governance framework which should be applied during marine spatial exercises, including local, regional and international legislation;
Define the basic tenets of Marine Spatial Planning in seeking to mitigate environmental impacts and reduce socio-economic conflicts arising from the proposed project.

Learning Outcomes: Skills

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

Outline the salient steps which should be followed in determining the suitability of a marine site for housing a major proposed project;
Tap into the most useful marine datasets and literature in assessing objectively the impacts of a proposed project;
Conduct a complete marine site selection exercise with the aim of housing/accomodating major projects whilst keeping socio-economic and environmental conflicts at a minimum;
Apply stakeholder identification techniques in identifying different stakeholder categories when embarking on consultation exercises;
Demonstrate a working knowledge of Marine Spatial Planning tenets in improving on the implementation aspects of the original project proposal.

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Micro-credentials offer the possibility of providing flexible learning pathways to respond to evolving needs and new developments, thus enabling students to tailor their studies to their needs. Micro-credentials may be combined or transferred into larger credentials, such as certificates, diplomas and degrees, provided that the relevant programme requirements are met. Applicants wishing to transfer micro-credentials to a programme of study are encouraged to seek the advice of the relevant academic entity.