Letter from NGOs and scientists calls for Baltic Sea Ministers political commitment to take action for the Baltic Sea

Over the last year, HELCOM Contracting Parties have intensively revised the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) set to be adopted by all Baltic Sea countries and the European Union on 20 October 2021 with the goal to reach a healthy Baltic Sea. Despite this revision, NGOs and scientists note a worrying lack of ambition and commitment of the HELCOM Contracting Parties as actions fall short and target years are pushed back. The message from scientists is clear; with accelerated climate change and loss of biodiversity, we are at an environmental tipping point which will have social and economic repercussions for generations to come.

The conclusions of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report show that we need to intensify our efforts to minimize human-induced eutrophication, protect and restore Baltic Sea habitats, and adapt the future climate scenarios which will heavily influence the state of the Baltic Sea in the future. In order for the Baltic Sea environment to improve, concrete political targets need to be set that significantly reduce the cumulative, negative impacts from human activities and support the development of a minimal impact, climate-resilient and zero-carbon world.

Ahead of the next HELCOM Heads of Delegation meeting in September, Coalition Clean Baltic along with WWF BEP and 30 scientists have sent a letter asking the Contracting Parties to agree on a 2021 HELCOM BSAP and Ministerial Statement that sets the political ambition required for the coming 9 years.

Read the letter here.

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CCB leaves the social media channel X

By CCB • March 19, 2025

Uppsala, Sweden - 19 March 2025 - At Coalition Clean Baltic, we support open, civil, and constructive discussions. False news and hostility on X (former Twitter) have become more common in recent times and for this reason we have decided to close our account on this platform . “ Our aim has always been to engage in an open-minded exchange of relevant facts and views on environmental issues. We strive to connect with our community through inspiring actions and by advocating for the Baltic Sea, while sharing common values and principles of diversity, inclusiveness, and freedom of expression ”, says the CCB Council. Stay connected with us through the following channels: 🔹 LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook , and YouTube : @coalitioncleanbaltic 🔹 Newsletter – Subscribe here: https://www.ccb.se/ccb-newsletter 🔹 Website - https://www.ccb.se/ Thank you for being part of this journey - Let’s keep working together for a sustainable future and a healthier Baltic Sea!

"Focus on the Coast” – The history and current best practices of coastal protection in the face of climate change

By CCB • March 14, 2025

14 March 2025 – The newly released documentary video "Focus on the Coast" takes an in-depth look at the pressing environmental threats facing the Baltic Sea coastline. Produced by Ecodefense and Coalition Clean Baltic, with financial support from the EU LIFE Programme (*), the 1-hour film explores the devastating effects of intensified storms and rising sea levels , alongside inspiring and best conservation practices in Lithuania, Latvia and Poland . Global climate change has led to catastrophic storms and floods in the Baltic Sea region, destroying unique ecosystems and causing significant harm to communities and infrastructure. However, the Baltic region has a long history of coastal conservation, with valuable lessons learned and innovative solutions implemented. "Focus on the Coast" dives deep into this critical issue, highlighting both the threats and the measures being taken to safeguard these vulnerable coastal areas. “ With this documentary, we aim to showcase not only the challenges facing the Baltic coasts but also the efforts of those working tirelessly to protect them ,” said Alexandra Koroleva, Ecodefense Co-Chairwoman, author and producer of the documentary video. “ By featuring real stories and interviews with local activists and scientists, we hope to inspire action and demonstrate that effective coastal protection is possible ”. Through experts’ insights and on-the-ground footage, viewers gain insight into why these areas need protection, the specific strategies being implemented, and how they are making a difference. The documentary also underscores the gap between international recommendations —such as those from HELCOM (2014)— and the reality of policy implementation , emphasizing the need for stronger action from governments and policymakers. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in advocating for policy change, collaborating with scientists, independently exploring the coast and taking part in practical work on coastal conservation, participating in public hearings on environmental impact assessments (EIA), organizing educational programs, working with media, attracting and engaging local residents, and encouraging municipalities to act. "Focus on the Coast" serves as a vital educational tool to support these initiatives, providing high-quality visual materials that communicate the scale of the problem and the importance of sustainable coastal management. The documentary video it´s released on CCB´s YouTube channel and will be distributed through Coalition Clean Baltic´s network and partners to raise awareness and reach policymakers, scientists, and the general public. For more information, please contact: Alexandra Koroleva, Ecodefense Co-Chairwoman, author and producer of the documentary video, ecosasha@gmail.com (*) Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor CINEA can be held responsible for them.