News » The turning point for saving the Baltic Sea is now

The action plan linked to the ecosystem approach which theHelsinki convention (HELCOM) agreed upon in 2007 is at risk. Theprogress of the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) has slowed down and mostof the problems that were identified 40 years ago are still there. TheCCB network of environmental NGOs calls upon the 2018 HELCOM MinisterialMeeting to make a strong stand for reaching the targets of the BSAP andfor the parties to follow the agreed commitments.

Since 2007 the Helsinki Convention has been aiming at fulfilling itsown Baltic Sea Action Plan, based on the ecosystem approach. But despiteambitious goals set on a long original timeline, the progress of theBaltic Sea Action Plan has slowed down and most of the problemsidentified 40 years ago are still there. At the same time politicalcommitment, willingness and resources to solve those problems havesubstantially diminished.

-With the current pace of implementation, HELCOM may no longer beseen as a front runner but risk of being seen as a failed cooperationand that is not what we want, says Mikhail Durkin, executive secretaryof CCB.

Studies and reports warn for socioeconomic effects of continuedecological deterioration of the Baltic Sea. As representatives of thecivil society we express serious concerns on the lack of progress. Theecosystem health of the Baltic Sea remains highly unsatisfactory; incertain cases it has even deteriorated.

Adding to lack of progress and broken promises is the unacceptabletrend to question science, and established process. To claim room tonegotiate when there is none and openly break established rules is notonly highly questionable but also dangerous. The trust and faith in thepolitical level cooperate and to save our environment is at great risk.This is something the environment, our institutions and the foundationof the social contract cannot afford.

-Progress has been made, but often on a local level far fromMinisters. The question is how we make the overarching cross sectorialpolicy successful, to deliver a positive spirit that the goals areachievable, says Mikhail Durkin, executive secretary of CCB.

The good news is that we know what we have to do, we have a plan andnow more than before there is a better and stronger framework in theBaltic region, supported by EU policies that acknowledge that deepercoherence and more regional focused work is called for. Both EUfisheries policy and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive need aregional approach, and has funding to back it up. The turning point ishere, and the foundations and plan exists. We simply ask our Ministersto be as engaged and committed as we are to save the Baltic Sea.

#IamtheBaltic #saveouroceans #everysecondbreath #wearethebaltic

Read the alternative Civil Society Declaration here.

Read the joint NGO letter to Ministers here.

Press contact: Executive Secretary Mikhail Durkin, mikhail@ccb.se; +46 73-977 0793