Abstract
Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) is essential for managing shared marine spaces. By balancing ecological, economic, and social priorities, MSP has evolved to incorporate ecosystem-based management (EBM) to promote sustainability. However, developing policies across borders brings challenges due to several reasons. Examples of these are differences in governance structures, a lack of trust between stakeholders, and limited resources, which often make collaboration difficult. On the other hand, effective governance needs coordination at multiple levels, such as by involving regional councils, ministries, and cooperation networks. This study examines how public governance can support cross-border MSP efforts. It conceptualises the inquiry through a literature review, using thematic analysis in NVivo 14. The initial key themes include governance, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge sharing. Additionally, interviews with MSP stakeholders in the Mediterranean region will provide further insights. We expect the findings to help demonstrate good governance practices that strengthen stakeholder participation.