Baltic sea challenge: networking and experience exchange enhancing the implementation of concrete water protection measures

Abstract

Watercourses are affected by eutrophication, harmful substances, maritime traffic and leisure boating, dredging, littering and building of infrastructure. On the other hand, nature is an important factor for the well-being of coastal municipalities and industries. Monetary value of the ecosystem services produced by the Baltic Sea is about 5 billion Euros annually. These regulating services, natural resources and recreational services are responsible for e.g. recycling of nutrients, flood prevention, providing fish stocks and a framework for tourism. The protection of waters is governed by international and national laws, intergovernmental conventions and regional or local environmental permits. However, also the implementation of EU or HELCOM regulations is usually carried out on the local level. Municipalities, ports and water utilities are examples of local actors which can set their own, more ambitious goals and take further steps for being exemplary – not only complying with regulations but accomplishing voluntarily measures for water protection. Cities of Helsinki and Turku in Finland see the state of the Baltic Sea as a basis for their competitiveness. They decided in 2007 to launch the Baltic Sea Challenge initiative for the protection of the sea: they published a joint Baltic Sea Action Plan with almost 40 activities that were additional to legal requirements, and challenged other organisations to join. In 2014 the network includes 200 organisations around the Baltic Sea. Together, events are organised, materials produced and best practices shared, in order to protect the waters. The network is free of charge and open to all. Helsinki and Turku updated their joint Baltic Sea Action Plan for 2014–2018, and new operating model with priorities for the network were set out. Baltic Sea Challenge continues to provide benefits and function as a strong communication channel for members, while retaining its distinctive nature as a free-form, easy and direct network.