Finance in focus: NGOs bring together industry and ministers to discuss the future of finance in the Baltic sea

20 October – Lübeck, Germany – In conjunction with the HELCOM Ministerial Meeting to adopt the updated Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) [1], WWF along with Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB) have invited high-level ministers, finance representatives and NGOs together to discuss ‘how regional investments in the seascape can help support and restore the Baltic Sea.’

A healthy ocean provides blue natural capital which our economy, our societies and our future are dependent upon. The BSAP is lacking robust financial indicators that support a Sustainable Blue Economy (SBE) and Good Environmental Status in the Baltic Sea and so there is a real need to find ways to engage the finance industry. Valerie De Liedekerke, Manager and Interim Director of the WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme says: “Investors have a significant role to play in improving the Baltic Sea environment. In fact, they have clear asks for political commitment to provide security, stability and guidance (a roadmap) on how to support achieving the goals of the BSAP to deliver towards a sustainability pathway. WWF and CCB make the case that a sustainable pathway is not only economically beneficial for the finance industry but also allows governments to achieve global targets that ultimately benefit nature and generations to come.”

At the event, findings from recent reports will be presented showing which sectors are exposed to the risk of declining ocean health and the value of assets and revenue in a business-as-usual versus a sustainable development scenario [2]. An upcoming WWF report ‘Financial Flows into the Baltic Seascape’ will highlight the main blue economy sectors in the Baltic as well as future sectoral development in the region along with their environmental and social impacts. It will also highlight the various types of financial mechanisms that would support an SBE in the Baltic region.

“Initial findings show that despite decades of work to achieve a Good Environmental Status in the Baltic Sea and access to a variety of existing financial mechanisms to support achieving an SBE, there remain significant discrepancies between what sectors the governments are investing in and the environmental targets they are committing to,” says Mikhail Durkin, CCB Executive Secretary.

The Baltic Blue Economy is currently some distance from being a Sustainable Blue Economy that would ensure nature thrived and resources are available in perpetuity. However, with political commitment, well-targeted and sustainable finance can accelerate the transition to a Sustainable Blue Economy by flowing into companies and sectors that have overall positive environmental and social impacts on the Baltic Sea region.

For further information:

Valerie de Liderkerke, Interim Director, WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme, valerie.deliedekerke@wwf.se

Hannah Griffiths Berggren, Communications Manager, WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme hannah.griffiths.berggren@wwf.se

Mikhail Durkin, Executive Secretary, Coalition Clean Baltic mikhail.durkin@ccb.se

Federica Pastore, Communication Officer, Coalition Clean Baltic federica.pastore@ccb.se

Notes to the editors:

CCB – Coalition Clean Baltic is a politically independent, non-profit association, which unites 23 member organizations and 1 observer, with over 850,000 members in all countries around the Baltic Sea. The main goal of CCB is to promote the protection and improvement of the Baltic Sea environment and its natural resources. More info at www.ccb.se.

WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme – is an ambitious and highly influential force working to conserve and restore the health of the Baltic Sea. The programme is comprised of WWF and NGO partners in each of the nine coastal Baltic Sea countries. Representing the region’s largest membership network, the programme’s approach has been to work with public and private sector partners toward ensuring a healthy, productive Baltic Sea through sustainable, ecosystem-based management. More info at: https://www.wwfbaltic.org

The update process -HELCOM launched the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) process nearly two years ago and WWF and CCB have been active participants in the ongoing stakeholder process to develop the plan. WWF and CCB participated as official HELCOM Observers to the Ministerial Meeting today, and WWF delivered a statement made on behalf of the environmental NGOS, stating the concern that this plan lacks the very tough actions and commitments which are needed to achieve its objectives.

[1] For more detail on the background, goals and objectives of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan please visit: http://www.helcom.fi/BSAP/en_GB/About_BS/
[2] Global value at risk report: https://value-at-risk.panda.org/#intro

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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.