Maritime spatial planning in Croatia - necessity or opportunity for balanced development

Understanding the complete human influence on maritime space has the central position in the planning process. Maritime spatial planning logically connects on integral planning of coastal area. Applying integral management on coastal and maritime area, together with the establishment of the process of maritime spatial planning makes the coupling regarding managing of the resources; all that is directed to the existence of sustainable development. Maritime spatial planning (MSP) is the process of analyzing and separating spatial and temporal divisions of human activities in the maritime area. Croatia, even though it is extremely maritime country, has not yet established complete legal framework for setting up MSP. This paper analyzes European legal framework for implementation of MSP process in Croatia. It provides the overview of the accomplishments achieved until today, as well as achievements of the Republic of Croatia during establishing legal and institutional framework for establishment and implementation of maritime spatial planning. The overview of application of MSP in European practice is specially presented. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the growing needs for maritime space and the manners of amortization of its unorganized use. The goal of this paper is to point on the importance of adopting legal regulations regarding MSP and their practical application. Efficient management and protection of natural resources is specially emphasized, all for the purpose of reducing conflicts in maritime areas.