Our Common Baltic course edition 2023 was dedicated to discussing the current ecological situation in Ukraine. The consequences of the ongoing war need to be analysed and approached – for both young and experienced environmental protection specialists to be ready to meet the challenges and take every possible action.

PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION:

We started with an overview of the current state of water bodies in Ukraine discussing how the war is affecting the environment, specifically water resources. Having the ‘big picture’ in mind, we went deeper into detail: we discussed how to restore water management in Ukraine having in mind Polish examples (working based on EU legislation), how the water protection is organised in Poland, what is done to keep it in good status and what OCB participants can do at the local level to support the good status of rivers and water reservoirs in their countries.

The key areas of interest included: 

• measures for protection and restoration of water resources: nature reserves protection, rivers protection and public monitoring (taking Odra river contamination in 2022 as an example), 
• wastewater treatment from a city and a small community perspective, 
• agriculture impact on the Baltic Sea and organic farming as a nature-friendly alternative,
• principles of sustainable integrated water management and how it helps to maintain good water status.

STUDY VISITS & PRACTICAL EXAMPLES:

For each of the themes, we visited Polish locations: walk through Łężczok Nature reserve, go kayaking on the Odra River taking water sampling, had discussions at a wastewater plant in Gliwice and a hydrophytic sewage treatment plant in the mountains, an agritourism farm in Koszarawa and saw how to operate an organic farm in Mikołówand in Czaniec.  

The OCB 2023 programme presented multiple chances for networking and partnership, best examples of environmental activism, and life discussions with the experts. 

RESULTS OF THE COURSE:

In the evening, participants reflected on concrete steps and initiatives that could be implemented in their context in their home countries. As a result of the course, they built an action plan for the coming 6 months ‘Green Recovery for my community’ – where each participant formulated the steps needed to make the ecological situation better, keep people informed, youngsters – educated and involved in environmental protection.

To take part in CCB events, proof of vaccination, or a negative PCR-test is no longer required. However, for each CCB event, participants must observe national regulations. More information in the CCB Health Risk Guidelines.

Please, DO NOT buy any tickets before getting a confirmation from the organizers.

COSTS:

The course was free of charge.
The costs of the participation (accommodation, travels, meals, lectures and outdoor activities) were covered by CCB.

Refunded costs for participants were up to 200 Euro include travel costs for participants from EU Member States, as well as from Eastern Partnership countries.

CCB is not responsible for injury or loss of property during Our Common Baltic.