Draft CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
For bibliographic purposes this document should be cited as: Coalition Clean Baltic, 2018. Annual Activities Report 2017. Uppsala, Sweden.
Information included in this publication or extracts thereof are free for citation on the condition that the complete reference of the publication is given as stated above. © Copyright 2018 by the Coalition Clean Baltic
Published in May 2018 by the Coalition Clean Baltic with a support of EU Life Programme and the Nordic Council of Ministers
Address: Östra Ågatan 53, SE-753 22 Uppsala, Sweden +46 (0)18 71 11 70 Email: [email protected] URL: www.ccb.se
Layout & Production: Coalition Clean Baltic
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CONTENTS
I. SUMMARY OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WORK PROGRAMME ...... 4
II. HIGHLIGHTS ...... 7
III. WORK PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES IN EACH POLICY AREA ...... 8
AREA A. WORKING UPSTREAM / WORKING ON LAND ...... 9 A1. Water protection in Agriculture ...... 9 A1.1 Nutrient resource management and nutrient runoff ...... 10 A1.2 Industrial Animal Farming (IAF) ...... 15 A2. Hazardous substances ...... 17 A2.1 Raising public awareness about pharmaceutical pollution ...... 17 A2.2 Storm/rain water management ...... 20 A3. River Basin and Wastewater Management ...... 22 A3.1 Turning River-Watch into River-Manage ...... 22 A3.2 Other point sources for nutrients...... 32
AREA B. WORKING DOWNSTREAM / WORKING AT SEA AND COAST ...... 34 B1. Reaching Good Environmental Status - Implementing MSFD ...... 34 B1.1, B1.2 NGOs role in implementation of the MSFD Programme of Measures (PoMs) ...... 35 B1.3 Fisheries – Implementing the CFP and EU environmental policies ...... 36 B1.4 Aquaculture - Implementing the CFP and EU environmental policies ...... 39 B1.5 Harbour Porpoise and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) ...... 41 B1.6 Sea-floor Integrity: marine sand and gravel extraction ...... 44 B1.7 Marine Litter ...... 47 B2. Introducing Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) ...... 51 B2.1 Public participation in MSP ...... 52
AREA C. CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES, LAND-SEA INTERACTION ...... 54 C1 Baltic Salmon ...... 54 C2 European Eel ...... 58 C3 Alien Species ...... 62 C4 Climate Change ...... 64 IV. ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING ...... 66
FINANCIAL OUTCOMES ...... 73
APPENDIX I. CCB CALENDAR OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL EVENTS ...... 74
APPENDIX II. LIST OF CCB PUBLICATIONS ...... 80
APPENDIX III. CCB SOCIAL MEDIA OUTREACH ...... 83
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I. SUMMARY OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WORK PROGRAMME
1. Objectives During 2017, CCB has been able to meet several short term objectives, and CCBs reputation and participations in EU and regional level work has continued to improve. The ambitions in the application has been well covered by CCBs activities. One of CCBs strengths is the consistency and long term commitment to see things through, to continue calling for transparency and public participation and holding countries accountable for what has been agreed. With this LIFE grant CCB has a unique opportunity to stay the path, continuing to push for balanced fertilization in agriculture, demanding adherence to scientific advice in setting fishing quotas and better protection of endangered species. At the same time CCB can address emerging issues such as pharmaceuticals, microplastic, MSP and climate adaptation. A consistent approach to CCBs three overarching objectives: holistic implementation of EU and regional policies, securing NGO and civil society participation, and smart use of public resources is crucial. In 2017, these CCB objectives have been met by: - Intensified work related to eel, demanding more from regional cooperation and supporting European Commission’s proposal to ban eel fishing - Continued awareness raising and focus on banning microplastics in consumer products, now openly supported by several countries also linked to SDG commitments - Establishment and chairing a new working group on ecosystem based management in BSAC and calling for and implementing two meetings during 2017. - Restarted interest in the Aarhus Convention among CCBs members due to pressures from industry (e.g. Nord Stream II) or even governments (i.a. Poland, etc.) - Finalising a comprehensive report on all recreational fishing in the BSR as a baseline report for discussions on rules, management and more harmonised data collection - Complementing official data on pharmaceutical pollution in the BSR with grassroot data on actual state-of-play with collection and disposal of obsolete medicines - Continued cooperation with NGOs outside CCB to influence development and implementation of EU policies such as technical measures (CFP), MSFD aquaculture. - More actors and experts agreeing that land-based aquaculture is the path forward - Providing grounds to circular economy path, instead of recirculation of accumulated old sins (internal loading at the Baltic Sea bottom) - Working with farmers to prove that targeted agri-environmental measures are capable in reducing nutrient runoff to meet HELCOM BSAP and EU Nitrates Directive goals - Creating demand for environmentally sound instead of industrially grown food - Calling for better use of joint resource in HELCOM related to finalising current BSAP and starting an update of the BSAP linked to MSFD with strong supported given in Commissions decision on criteria and methodological standards for GES (2017/848) - Chairing and increasing activity in the ASCOBANS Jastarnia group and targeted work to establish management in new N2000 area for harbour porpoise Most of the pursued objectives carry out a dual function of improving the environment by reducing pressures or protecting nature, and having potential in terms of climate adaptation. 2. Activities and means involved - CCBs participation in HELCOM working groups, with a considerable amount of written and spoken input to meetings, is important both to keep up demanding implementation but also an important arena to introduce new proposals, reports and facts. Port handling of fertilizers and riverine inputs of microplastic are examples of 2017 hot issues presented that have a potential for substantial pollution reductions, if further addressed by policy. - CCBs participation in BSAC has both the impact of watchdog function and function as arena to try to reach fishermen with joint proposals and get them engaged in a more ecosystem based management approach. - Broader public participation in management processes, would it be spatial planning on land or at sea, improvement of surface and groundwater quality, designation of nature protected areas or decision-making on large infrastructure projects, requires raising competence and expertise that
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general public often lacks. CCB’s work on education and capacity building on those issues can improve efficient participatory approach. - Looking at common solutions to transboundary environmental problems such as protection of migratory fish species, river basin management and hazardous substances becomes a common ground, channel of cooperation and way to speak common language, especially between those countries that are openly conflicting at state policy level, as e.g. Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. CCB network keeps on holding together the ties and strengthen the cooperation between nations even in difficult times of political and economic turmoil. 3. Results and impacts - Presented facts and proposals regarding the endangered eel has paid off. Culminating in the shared concern shown by the EC proposal to ban eel fishing, the eel issues is now on the agenda in HELCOM, EU and in other NGOs. The recovery of the eel stock is yet far away, but CCB has played a role to make chances for real improvement possible. - Recreational fishing has become a hot topic and CCBs idea to gather facts and figures in a comprehensive report finalized in 2017 has proven extremely well timed. Coming discussions will now have a good common ground as the report shows and underlines the need for harmonisation, licensing and greatly improved data collection. - Lobbying and information sharing effort towards parliamentarians has been successful and can be exemplified by the fact that CCB is asked for facts, to speak and to lead meetings. - All activities related to microplastics and marine litter will pay off, especially if low-cost and easy to handle synergistic solutions, addressing several waste streams, as e.g. constructed wetlands, are put forward without delay for further scientific check-ups. - Calling for transparency of large-scale infrastructure projects at international arena with strong public backing, e.g. Nord Stream 2 pipeline, Vistula Spit Navigation Channel or E40 Inland Navigation Route, may not deliver short-term gains, but will create a precedent forcing both developers and investors to choose less-impacting or even “zero” solutions. In this respect, better competence in access to environmental justice is vital. - CCB has succeeded very well to diversify funding streams in 2017. As a result, CCB has during 2017 engaged in and organised more meetings etc. than likely ever before. 4. Deviations/Unforeseen actions - Activities in 2017 have more than well covered the application ambitions. However a few areas has been given considerably more attention than first intended, such as eel, harbor porpoise, river basin management and marine litter/microplastics. The reason for this is simply that a) CCB got additional funding to support even deeper engagement on litter, river basin management and harbour porpoise conservation b) advancement of the eel issue by the EC demanded a re- prioritization. Also Baltic salmon management has not been given as much focus as intended, due to inactivity from the MS. Late 2017 the salmon reappeared on the agenda and this has meant that CCB had to mobilise and prepare materials and strategy to the largest extent possible. Lastly, as CCBs ambition to evaluate public money spending to support sustainable aquaculture has not been possible due to late establishment of operational programs and funds are not yet utilize, CCB will return to it during 2018. 5. Effectiveness and lessons learned - CCB must continue improving external communications. Dedicated staff is required when both website, social media and press is targeted, and this will be realised in 2018. - Better planning and coordination between CCB Secretariat, Working Area leaders and specific projects is needed to secure efficiency of actions. The new CCB setup has proven to gain results and the team is strong and capable enough to face the challenges. More active Working Area leaders can considerably increase CCBs capacity to advance emerging issues and strengthen attendance in important processes such as setting MSFD GES thresholds. 6. Approximate share of implemented activities to environmental policy and climate action Environment Policy 95 % Climate Action 5 %
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II. HIGHLIGHTS
Policy Area A: Working on Land Prevention of pollution by pharmaceuticals and microplastic CCB’s work on pollution of the Baltic Sea and its catchment by pharmaceutical residues and microplastic is very new and a challenging topic that is not addressed properly by legislation or research. Regional data on riverine inputs of microplastic simply does not exist. HELCOM has just recently started looking at those issues and so far did not come to any conclusive results, except proposal for listing the most commonly found pharmaceuticals in the natural environment as potentially dangerous and welcoming a few regionally announced national bans of microplastics in cosmetics. Likewise, with no “real” science behind, despite proven efficiency of constructed wetlands, HELCOM hesitates suggesting how to solve the problems either at source or at the end-of-pipe. Therefore, with the understanding that consumer behaviour plays an important role in curbing the inputs into the environment, a broad awareness raising is important and here Baltic-wide civil society platform will play a much needed and timely role. Additionally, the work with online pharmacies is of outmost importance, to ensure that constantly growing online-generated waste streams of medicinal products and microplastic containing cosmetics are handled in environmentally safe way, equal to traditional pharmacies.
Policy Area B: Working at Sea and Coast Transparency for large infrastructure projects and marine spatial use The competition for marine spatial use will constantly increase in the coming years and it is important that the economic sector does not treat maritime planning as an instrument to boost uncontrolled growth, but instead make sure that ecosystem based planning sets the boundaries for how far economies can grow without harming the environment. Wide public participation is crucial in those processes to ensure that ecosystem limits are not overstepped and neglected. With several large infrastructure projects running currently in the BSR, as well as being in the pipeline, there is a risk that developers may wish to hide environmental damage. Making those transparent and compliant with fundamental environmental protection principles is important to showcase potential future large scale investors that due environmental diligence and ecosystem approach will always remain a prerequisite for any “blue”, “green” or “brown” growth initiatives in the BSR. The Nord Stream II case is not yet over but public engagement in it has already demonstrated the failure of the developer to take into account societal and stakeholder groups interests. CCB’s role in this was both coordinating information hub and advocacy at policy level.
Policy Area C: Cross-cutting issues, Land-Sea Interaction The European Eel CCB is particularly pleased with its work regarding eel. Starting with fighting to get eel back on the agenda in 2016, CCB has during 2017 significantly increased efforts and reach. CCB has acted as coordinator to gather more NGOs to the issue, supported national NGOs work, addressed governments, ministers, politicians and delivered facts and figures, spoken to and in media, developed and printed information materials in almost all Baltic region languages, prepared and sent joint letters, developed joint social media outreach both for CCB members and NGOs outside the network. The eel is now part of HELCOMs work plan, implemented by two meetings on eel in 2017. IUU on eel is more addressed in a few countries. Clearly, the work is not done but CCB is hopeful and will continue to defend the fantastic and mysterious eel.
Organizational Development and Capacity Building Stepping up social media outreach and improving CCBs funding situation. CCB has considerably increased efforts to be more visible and vocal in social media. Facebook and twitter activities has increased and followers and reach has greatly improved. CCBs funding situation has during 2017 improved substantially, with improved diversification and several successful outcomes. As a result, it has been possible to increase staff, to manage the retirement of a long term staff member without loss of competence and to increase outputs, communication activities and participation in international meetings.
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III. WORK PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES IN EACH POLICY AREA
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A short list of main acronyms and terms used in the application is also included for reader’s guidance:
BALTFISH Baltic Fisheries Forum BAT Best Available Technique BEP Best Environmental Practice BSR Baltic Sea Region BSAC Baltic Sea Advisory Council BSAP Baltic Sea Action Plan CAP EU Common Agricultural Policy CC Climate change CCB Coalition Clean Baltic CFP EU Common Fisheries Policy EUSBSR EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region M(EP) (Member) of the European Parliament EC/EU European Commission/European Union GES Good Environmental/Ecological Status HD EU Habitats Directive IAF Industrial Animal Farm NIS/IAS Non-Indigenous/Invasive Alien Species ND Nitrates Directive MO(s) Member Organization(-s) RAP ML HELCOM Regional Action Plan for Marine Litter (ML) MPA Marine Protected Area MSP (D) Maritime Spatial Planning (Directive) MS Member State MSFD EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive NCM Nordic Council of Ministers PA Policy Area PoM Programmes of Measures RBMP River Basin Management Plan RW River Watch UWWT (D) Urban Waste Water Treatment (Directive) WG Working Group VASAB Visions and Strategies Around the Baltic Sea WFD EU Water Framework Directive WWTP Waste Water Treatment Plant HELCOM Helsinki Commission, Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission
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Area A. Working Upstream / Working on Land
These FPA objectives were perceived by CCB while implementing the work within Area A:
1.1 Ensure coherence in implementation of the ecosystem approach through MSFD and BSAP related to eutrophication, biodiversity, sea-floor integrity and alien species (env/clim). 1.2 Focus on adapting to climate change in relation to CCB priorities, underlining the need to incorporate climate change adaption into policies and management ranging from migratory fish species (e.g. salmon) to eutrophication (env/clim).
1.4 Support implementation of WFD, MSFD and HELCOM nutrient targets for GES (env/clim), through translating those into area or site specific implementation (strengthening local contributions towards regional goals) (env/clim) work towards minimization of nutrient losses, development and promotion of wise nutrient resource management strategies/practices,e.g. proper nutrient-balanced fertilization practices, to address across the Baltic Sea catchment area (env) work towards enforcement of EU and HELCOM requirements for all IAF within BSR, through promotion of best practices, ensuring that regulations’ update will not lead to weaker provisions (env) identification and adequately addressing nutrient inputs from other point sources than WWTPs/agriculture (env)
1.5 Strive towards reaching WFD’s GES of rivers draining to the Baltic Sea as having immense importance for reducing pollution inputs, as well as for conservation of biodiversity. (env/clim)
1.6 Ensure implementation of the EU and HELCOM conservation goals and measures to save, protect and restore vulnerable and critically endangered species (including wild Baltic salmon and European eel) in the BSR (env/clim). 1.9 Raise awareness on environmental impact of pharmaceuticals, extension of unused medicines’ collection systems and inclusion of core pharmaceuticals on HELCOM List of priority hazardous substances (env)
2.8 Address sources of chemical pollution that are not adequately covered, e.g. through work towards improvement of stormwater management in order to prevent litter, including microlitter, entering the aquatic/marine environment from severe weather events and address consumer behaviour related sources of contamination by pharmaceuticals including development of measures, to prevent pharmaceuticals from reaching the Baltic Sea (env/clim) 2.9 Organise education and awareness raising on best practices for IAFs with wide participation of agricultural schools, agri- advisors, farmer organisations and farmers (env) 2.10 Explore possibilities for establishing a joint public advisory team for a transboundary Baltic river basin, with wide stakeholder engagement, to identify important actions needed for river management and to support reaching WFD water quality goals (env)
3.3 Advocate for EU policies implementation, supported by EU subsidies, that would safeguard that public money will be used for public goods, related to EU environmental policies and goals (CAP, RDPs) (env)
These objectives were achieved through the following activities. A1. Water protection in Agriculture Reductions of nutrient inputs/losses from agriculture is a crucial factor in fighting eutrophication of the Baltic Sea, and form a large part of CCB’s contribution to HELCOM BSAP. CCB’s Priority WA on Water Protection from Agriculture leads this work with a number of dedicated national experts. CCB’s actions are directed both at enforcement of pollution abatement requirements applicable to conventional, organic and industrial farming as well as at promotion of nutrient resource efficiency in agricultural sector. It supports implementation of the EU WFD, ND, IED, CAP, improves the coherence with HD/BD and MSFD, ensures implementation of HELCOM provisions (part 2 of Annex III of the Helsinki Convention) and provides synergies with PA Nutri and Bioeconomy of the EUSBSR. It is evident that reaching GES requires BSR agriculture to become sustainable by targeting runoff reductions to areas critical to nutrient losses and promoting best nutrient 9
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017 management and agri-environmental practices. It is addressed in CCB’s Biannual Strategy for 2016-2017 and longer-term planning till 2020-2021, when GES should be achieved for the Baltic Sea. Specific focus was given to follow-up of updating by 2016 HELCOM provisions on pollution prevention from agriculture, reaching nutrient balanced fertilization, minimizing nutrient surplus and applying nutrient accounting at farm level in 2018. Likewise, follow-up on how CAP public payments to farms contribute to water protection was another important element. CCB’s work on raising attention to the EU ND implementation in the BSR contributed to e.g. designation of the whole territory of Poland as Nitrates Vulnerable Zones (NVZ). Lastly CCB has promoted EU circular economy approach for efficient use and recycling of limited natural mineral phosphorus, and climate-demanding nitrogen fertilizers.
The activities in this area have been carried out
Fully Mainly Partially Limited
A1.1 Nutrient resource management and nutrient runoff CCB continued to advocate for mitigation of the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea through implementation of agreed policies to reduce the nutrient load. Advocating at HELCOM and other Baltic stakeholders’ meetings for proper nutrient balanced fertilization practices and efficient use of fertilizer nutrients, saving nutrient resources and minimizing eutrophication, was performed via following-up and monitoring the implementation of agreed actions. CCB’s aim was to halt any attempt to water-down the adopted requirements, support the implementation of nutrient reduction targets and minimization of nutrient losses within the BSR. Assessment of CAP-subsidies efficiency for water protection plays a key role in devising an approach for successful and coherent implementation of sectoral policies with environmental acquis, including WFD, ND, MSFD, potentially also linking it to the EUSBSR. Within 2017 CCB continued to develop and promote strategies to address wise nutrient resource management, and to follow the EU roadmap towards Circular Economy, and support initiatives for management of critical raw materials like phosphorus and development of markets for raw materials like organic fertilizers. Specific sub-area objectives: Contribute to implementation of high environmental standards set by HELCOM actions related to nutrient-balanced fertilization practices, including nutrient-surplus restrictions on farmland (env); Pursue improved integration of CAP and EU/BSR policies and programmes. More efficient use of CAP-subsidies, public payment, for support of EU water legislation implementation in the BSR (env); Promote/support wise and efficient nutrient management practices on farmland within the BSR (env) Bridge the gap in translating HELCOM nutrient reduction targets into area and site specific implementation and thus strengthening local contributions towards regional goals (env); Present good examples of demonstration farms applying efficient nutrient-balanced fertilization (env) Develop understanding and application of balanced fertilization procedures in Poland, that will save nutrient resources and reduce nutrient runoff (env/clim); Promote an efficient use of internal European nutrient resources as agriculture fertilizers, supporting the saving of limited phosphorus global resources and energy-demanding production of nitrogen fertilizers, in accordance with approaches in EU circular economy package (env); Accomplish mapping of phosphorus rich soils in BSR as environmental risk areas, and raised awareness that phosphorus-saturated soils need strict regulations to avoid nutrient losses (env/clim).
Activities: The following actions were planned and implemented by CCB in 2017; many of those are focused to Poland, as 38% of all farmland in BSR is found in Poland. a. Policy implementation follow-up - CCB agricultural experts took part and contributed to the process on reviewing and updating of part 2 Annex III of the Helsinki Convention. It was originally planned to be accomplished in 2016, but due to delays with national processes and inputs on specific actions, has only started in 2017. Likewise 10
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
CCB took part in discussion of HELCOM actions on nutrient-balanced fertilization practices and reduced nutrient runoff to be continued within 2018. - Assessment and mapping of different types of farmers payments from CAP-subsidies including direct income support, market intervention and agri-environmental schemes within a river basin with nutrient pollution has been initiated in 2017 and will be accomplished with a view to explore how much public payment to farms contributes to water protection. A limited study for two selected small river basins at north Poland – Słupia river and at the east-south Poland – Warężanka river has started. The general conclusions of the study are made available and will be used within 2018 at various policy level and expert events. - CCB took part in the international conference "CAP 2020. Towards sustainable agriculture" that was dedicated to the future of EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The event was initiated and organized by the Estonian Fund for Nature on 1-2 September 2017 in Tallinn, prior to the informal meeting of the ministers of agriculture of the EU Member States. It resulted in an open letter from the speakers and participants of the conference “CAP 2020. Towards sustainable agriculture” submitted to the aforementioned meeting. The Conference i.a. addressed whether CAP subsidies helped in reducing pollution pressure from agriculture. - CCB joined the Living Land campaign of the European environmental NGOs, initiated by by BirdLife Europe & Central Asia, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and WWF EU with an aim to support organisations and concerned citizens to call on decision-makers to fundamentally rethink our agricultural policies. b. Testing efficient nutrient management at farm level - Original plan to engage 8 demonstration farms in BSR countries for testing efficient nutrient management and low-nutrient surplus, applying nutrient bookkeeping and nutrient-surplus calculations, as well devising site nutrient reduction targets, has been changed. 4 model farms were chosen in Poland, where nutrient balance and nutrient recycling approaches were introduced. The chosen farmers have good contact with neighbouring farms and good experience with information dissemination. The farms are located in Biadacz-Kamienisko near Kluczbork, Pokrzydowo near Brodnica and Grzybowo near Płock and Juchowo near Szczecinek. The fifth farm location was chosen at the Biodynamic Institute which is located in Järna, Sweden, where practical advice is provided to farmers, students, on organic method of cultivation, nutrient balance and improving soil condition. The work will continue in 2018. - A brief folder was produced to introduce best farm practices for saving nutrients-efficient, nutrient- balanced fertilization and low-nutrient surplus agriculture in Polish. The title of folder is “Poprawa wydajności gospodarstwa rolnego poprzez zapobieganie wymywaniu azotu i fosforu z gleby do wód” (Improve farm productivity by preventing the elimination of nitrogen and phosphorus from soil to water). The folder describes effective instruments to save nutrients and is targeted to farmers, farmers organizations, advisory services, agricultural schools. It encourages target group for proper management of nutrient with the help of nutrient balances. Folder covers the following issues: information on fertilization and the source of pollution on the farm level, the method how keep the nutrient in the soil and briefly outlines balance base on mineral fertilisation. The folder was printed in 1000 copies and disseminated at 8 farmer meetings/trainings. The folder was also translated into English, Latvian, Lithuanian languages and printed 500 copies by language. The folder was further on disseminate at farmers meeting at Lithuania and Latvia and will be disseminated further within 2018, including at HELCOM Ministerial Meeting and Baltic Sea Future Congress in Sweden. - Preparation of brief practical guidelines on nutrient-balance calculation methods for the farm gate balance, with examples of best applied practice has been accomplished. The guidelines were prepared in cooperation with Institute of Cultivation, Fertilization and Soil Science (IUNG) in Puławy, Poland and Biodynamic Institute in Järna, Sweden. The material is targeted to farmers to raise their awareness on importance of the nutrient balance. - Campaign “Saving nutrients in fertilization practices” to raise awareness among farmers organisations, advisory services and individual farmers has started in Poland in 2016 and continued in 2017, with eight trainings on proper fertilization being conducted and 198 farmers being trained. The trainings took place in Mikołów – 23.02.2017, Bielsko-Biała – 23.02.2017, Wrocław – 23.02.2017, Grzybów – 4.03.2017 and four trainings for students of agriculture high school in Biadacz-Kamienisko – in October and November 2017. A folder on nutrient balanced fertilization (developed in 2016) was disseminated at the trainings. The trainings were prepared in cooperation with Advisory Services and Farmers Association “Ziarno”. 11
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017 c. Ecological Recycling and Organic Agriculture - Continuous support to the Information Centre in Poland in promoting ecological recycling agriculture (ERA) was provided; it offers farmers relevant information and advice on ERA practices, including low-nutrient surplus agriculture as well as information on correct nutrient management and provide also this practice to the students of agriculture schools; - Polish website on Ecological Recycling Agriculture was updated with information on new CCB materials connected to sustainable management of nutrients (e.g. folder and brochure); as well as on efficient management of nutrients (in cooperation with advisory service in Poland) and its products for consumers; targeted to agricultural institutions; farmers; consumers; media; - Support for development of new legislation for organic farming in Belarus was provided, by expert comments to the draft law on organic agriculture, and development of draft technical regulation on organic agriculture. Polish expert Prof. J. Tyburski visited 3 farms which are going to change production profile into organic in June 2017. He provided professional agricultural service, evaluated the soil condition and adviced what type of crops to use. He has also supported Belarusian colleagues in preparation regulation on organic agriculture. This components was implemented with matching financing from SIDA within the CCB’s Water Programme for Belarus. d. Saving and recycling nutrient resources - CCB continuously followed up the process of the EU circular economy package/circular economy strategy and presented its positions (from the whole network and individual organizations) within consultations; - A brief report on ´Efficient nutrient resource management within Baltic agriculture - Saving nutrients´ has been prepared. The report presents the fundamental need for mankind and BSR to save phosphorus and nitrogen resources, obligatory EU regulation on N and P usage, HELCOM recommendation concern N and P management, the importance of nutrient balance in BSR. The Report was produced in English, and will be translated into several national languages within 2018; as it is targeted at Baltic governmental institutions; international conferences; farmer organizations; farmers, media - it will primarily be disseminated to those events in 2018, including at HELCOM Ministerial Meeting and Baltic Sea Future Congress in Sweden. e. Areas critical to phosphorus leaching/losses - Compilation of data has been initiated across the CCB network to produce and publish a CCB report on mapping of phosphorus-saturated soils on arable land in the BSR. Such soils are high-risk areas for phosphorus runoff. Collection of data on phosphorus-saturated soils on arable land in the BSR is still ongoing due to differences in national data. All national information will be summarized and presented for the whole BSR (targeted at HELCOM; Baltic governmental institutions; experts; farmer organizations) - An approach for designation of risk areas for phosphorus losses to water bodies was developed in cooperation with Polish, Swedish and Belarusian experts and will be reported to relevant fora in 2018, including HELCOM and EUSBSR events.; - CCB continued to develop and present proposals for regulations/requirements on phosphorus fertilization on phosphorus-saturated arable land, to minimize runoff, e.g. requirements to limit phosphorus surplus fertilization. This activity is primarily targeted to HELCOM and decision-makers, as well as agriculture advisers.
Results and Evidence: CCB-report on ‘Efficient nutrient resource management within Baltic agriculture’ (Saving nutrients – Limit the Baltic Sea Eutrophication) has been prepared. Collecting background information for CCB-map of phosphorus-saturated soils on arable land in the BSR and proposals for reduction of losses from phosphorus-saturated land o Data collection on phosphorus-saturated soils on arable land in the BSR has started. A brochure on phosphates role for eutrophication prepared o Proposal for designation of nutrient sensitive areas has been developed with NCM and Sida funded CCB’s activities in Belarus and will be translated into English in 2018 Developing brief folder on best farming practices for saving with nutrient-efficient fertilizer usage, nutrient-balanced fertilization and low-nutrient surplus agriculture
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Nutrient efficient use in the BSR (2008-2012). Source: “Nutrient recycling in agriculture – for a cleaner Baltic Sea”, Policy Brief, Baltic Sea Centre (2016).
The brief folder “Improve farm productivity by preventing the elimination of nitrogen and phosphorus from soil to water” was produced in Polish. Printed in 1000 copies and disseminated at 8 farmer meetings/trainings. The folder was translated into English, Latvian, Lithuanian and printed in 500 copies per each language Elaborating brief guidelines on nutrient-balance calculation methods o Brief practical guidelines on nutrient-balance calculation methods for farm gate balance, with examples of best applied practice were prepared. The contact with Institute of Cultivation, Fertilization and Soil Science (IUNG) in Puławy - Poland and Biodynamic Institute in Järna – Sweden was establish. Interviews with farmers on nutrient balance were done. Awareness raising campaign in Poland on saving nutrients in fertilization practices o 8 trainings on proper fertilization were conducted within awareness raising campaign on “Saving nutrients in fertilization practices” in Poland. Training session took place in the beginning of 2017 in following places: Mikołów – 23.02.2017, Bielsko-Biała – 23.02.2017, Wrocław – 23.02.2017, Grzybów – 4.03.2017 and four trainings for students of agriculture high school in Biadacz-Kamienisko – in October and November 2017 (cf. List of Participants and programme). Prepared materials on nutrient-balanced fertilization were disseminated at the trainings. Total trained number of farmers was 198. The trainings were prepared with cooperation Advisory services and Farmers Association “Ziarno”. Initiating expert support to up to 8 demonstration-farms for efficient nutrient management and low- nutrient surplus, applying nutrient bookkeeping and nutrient-surplus calculations o 4 demonstration farms were chosen in Poland, which introduce nutrient balance and nutrient recycling. The farms are located in Biadacz-Kamienisko near Kluczbork, Pokrzydowo near Brodnica and Grzybowo near Płock. The fifth location is Biodynamic Institute which is located in Järna – Sweden. The work is still ongoing as it requires several seasons to follow the results on a longer-term basis. Advocating at Baltic Sea level (HELCOM, EUSBSR) for proper nutrient balanced fertilization practices, efficient use of fertilizer nutrients and saving nutrient resources o At the policy level CCB kept on advocating for the need to focus regional environmental policies with regard to agricultural inputs on already agreed HELCOM ministerial commitments from 2007, 2010 and 2013. It was been highlighted both at policy (see statement at HELCOM 38-2017, outcomes of HOD 52-2017, HOD 53/2017 – CCB pointing to the delays with agreed actions) and expert level (outcomes of AGRI 4-2017, AGRI 5-2017 stressing lack of progress in nutrient accounting and nutrient recycling, misleading national reporting, delays in revision of Annex III of the Helsinki Convention) and lack of ambition
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CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
prior to the Ministerial Meeting in 2018. CCB’s own position on sustainable agriculture within BSR was also presented to experts at HELCOM Workshop on nutrient recycling. o CCB participated and contributed to HELCOM Seminar at 8th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region with regards to minimisation of agriculture inputs as a contribution towards reaching GES in the Baltic Sea o CCB presented its position “Is CAP contributing to the clean Baltic Sea” at the “CAP 2020. Towards sustainable agriculture" Conference on 1-2 September 2018, which resulted in a joint Open letter to informal meeting of EU Agricultural Ministers o CCB joined the Living Land campaign of the European environmental NGOs: The campaign resulted that 258 708 individuals and organizations demonstrated to EU decision-makers that a thorough reform of EU CAP is urgently needed. o CCB submitted inputs to the EU Public Consultation/Survey on the Future of CAP o As a side effect of CCB’s and other NGOs work on promoting environmental friendly agricultural methods in Poland, a new regulation has entered into force in Poland from 1 January 2018, in a response to the infringement procedure for not complying with ND requirements, that designates the whole territory of the country as NVZ and sets stricter requirements for nutrient management. Supporting Information Centre to promote ecological recycling agriculture (ERA) in Poland, providing expertise and advise to farmers, including update of the ERA website o The Polish website on Ecological Recycling Agriculture (ERA) was updated and maintained with EU LIFE support. The website contains articles on ERA products for consumers. The site gains annually about 5000 visitors. o ERA Information Point, which operates on Mondays and Thursdays (10:00-14:00). It has the goal of providing information for general public, consumers, farmers on ERA, its impact on environment (surface waters and the Baltic), Baltic eutrophication, information on ERA- produced food. The average monthly number of calls was 10-15, accounting to 150 end- receivers of our information. Most frequently asked questions from the info-point were related to environmental aspects ERA vs. conventional agriculture, nutrient recycling, as well as practicalities on how to become ERA farmer, where to get relevant consultations. o The Information Centre in Poland is promoting ecological recycling agriculture (ERA) and other environment friendly agriculture practices. The farmers received information and advice on ERA practices, including low-nutrient surplus agriculture as well as information on correct nutrient management. The materials and information are provided also to the students of agriculture schools. Providing expert support on development of new organic farming legislation in Belarus o Promotion of environmentally friendly agriculture technologies: 17 farmers graduated for Organic school, 18 are still completing the course, 8 graduates got certified according to EU organic standard; check Organic school website and promo-video o Finalization of the Law on Organic agriculture: partners participated in 5 formal and monthly non-formal working meetings of the Working group on Law elaboration under the Ministry of Agriculture of Belarus; o Preparation for the 5th international research-to-practice conference “Organic agriculture: foreign development experience and implementation in Belarus” has commenced; o A draft of the section on organic agriculture for the “National strategy of the agriculture adaptation to the climate change” prepared in 2017; o A brochure “Questions and answers on organic agriculture” for the Parliament officials elaborated; o 45 articles on organic agriculture, series of Programmes on radio and national television were produced - cf. examples of media outreach below: http://www.zautra.by/art.php?sn_nid=24067 https://www.sb.by/articles/vechnaya-gryadka-rozuma.html http://www.gorkiv.by/?p=29715 http://agracultura.org/news/gorodskoj-prazdnik-urozhaja/ http://agracultura.org/news/prinjatie-zakona-ob-organicheskom-zemledelii-dolzhno- uvelichit-chislo-zanjatyh-v-njom-fermerov/ o The printed materials produced booklet “What is organic agriculture” – 1000 copies, brochure “Growing organic bushberries” – 500 copies 14
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
o More evidence is compiled here o In addition, CCB supported 2 events on sustainable agriculture in Lviv, Ukraine: Seminar on Ecological Safety and Sustainable Agriculture in April and Organic and Natural Products Fair in October 2017, both contributing to promotion of best EU agri-environmental practices and standards Initiating assessment and mapping of efficiency of CAP-subsidies for farmers within 2 selected river basins with nutrient pollution o A limited study for two selected small river basins at north Poland – Słupia river and at the east-south Poland – Warężanka river has started. The general conclusions of the study are presented here. Social media coverage Agriculture o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1401569136587958 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1365821136829425 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/videos/1347043192040553 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1330675220344017 General eutrophication and nutrient pollution o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/videos/1347043192040553/ o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1535197076558496 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1460358684042336 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1440107192734152 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1287064304705109 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1039291929482349
A1.2 Industrial Animal Farming (IAF) Intensive rearing of animals represents an important source for overfertilizing of adjacent farmland. This sector needs to be addressed by improving management of its waste flows (manure, slurry, urea, etc). CCB has been involved in Baltic wide activities related to IAFs for 15 years. In 2014-15, CCB participated via the IED Forum in the process for development of the new IED (former IPPC) BAT/BEP document. After consultation period, new legally-binding requirements for IAF was finally adopted by EC in February 2017. In 2016 CCB performed series of seminars promoting the new BREF for IAFs in the BSR and in 2017 provided inputs to national events in Ukraine and Belarus on this topic. HELCOM has via BSAP and its follow-up process adopted a number of actions related to manure management and farmland fertilization. CCB actively participates in development of HELCOM policies related to manure management and minimizing farmland nutrient runoff. Through advocating at HELCOM meetings, CCB supports the full implementation of HELCOM actions that are stricter than EU requirements legislation (e.g. cover not only poultry and pigs, but also cattle). The CCB focused its work on IAF in Poland, as most of the IAFs in the BSR are located there.
Specific sub-area objectives: Reduce nutrient runoff from IAF in the BSR, by promotion of good environmental practices (env) Promote full implementation of BSAP actions related to IAFs (set up the Hot spot list of IAF entities not fulfilling HELCOM requirements) in HELCOM countries (env) Promote the implementation of the foreseen new IED BREF document on best practices for intensive rearing of animals in EU BSR countries (env) Introduce requirements for nutrient surplus calculations in fertilization plans, and the approach to also include goats, sheep, fur animal and horse farms in the revised version of the HELCOM Annex III planned to be delivered in 2016 (see also section A3.2) (env)
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CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
Activities: In the field of Industrial Animal Farming within 2017, CCB has continued its campaign to advocate the Baltic-wide environmental standards concerning the IAF that i.a. consisted of a. Advocating for full implementation of HELCOM agreements/actions related to IAFs, via participation in relevant HELCOM meetings. - CCB participated in the discussion of the process to review/updating of the Annex III, to strengthen requirements on e.g. nutrient-balanced fertilization practices and type of animal farms that should apply to Annex III requirements. b. “Educate-the-educators” and dissemination of knowledge/training materials - Advisory service for local communities living in the neighborhood of industrial animal farms – over 35 consultations were provided via email, telephone and eye-to-eye meetings, regarding legal procedures, environmental protection and nature conservation law, possibilities of counteracting the negative effect of industrial livestock farming. This activity included also visits on 8 farms and places of planned farms in Poland. - Work on development of two packages of educational materials on IAF for agricultural schools was conducted and includes handbook for teachers, with various educational scenarios (education planning) and for students with brief information on IAF impacts on the environment and local communities and possible solutions – the materials will be finalized, printed and send out to all agricultural schools in Poland in 2018. - The survey of selected industrial livestock farms has been completed. The survey was dedicated to compliance with environmental regulations, mainly Annex III to the Helsinki Convention. Its results are being analysed and the report will be published in 2018. - The project thematic webpage in English has been maintained and regularly updated. The information on the website include promotion of the amended IRPP BREF document. The website was updated with over 20 html pages. Project’s activities were also promoted via the Green Federation “GAJA”. - The work on elaboration of the leaflet about the challenges of the IAF for the Baltic Sea Environment and possible solutions to target livestock farmers was continued during 2017 and the leaflet will be printed and sent out to farmers’ organizations in 2018. - Participation in the administrative procedures connected with investment process on establishing of new farms – Green Federation “GAJA” has participated in 1 procedure. - Expeditions to 12 livestock farms and complexes were organised. A technique for using aerial photography to study the environmental impact on the territory around potentially harmful agricultural objects has been worked out during the expeditions. - Assistance in organization of a study visit of the Belarusian farmers and agricultural experts to the large-scale organic farm “Juchowo” in July 2017. - Presentation on industrial livestock farming in the Baltic Sea catchment area (“Baltic Sea and Agriculture – problems, challenges and solutions”) was given during the CCB’s summer school “Our Common Baltic 2017” (Hel, Poland, 03-07.07.2017). - Active participation in the international seminar organized by the World Laboratory and EkoTerra – “Ecological Safety and Sustainable Agriculture – Agroport Lviv 2017”, with presentation entitled “Environmental protection and in industrial animal farms’ operations” Industrial livestock farming and the environment protection” (Lviv, Ukraine, 27.04.2017). - Active participation in the conference “The Warmia and Mazury Community in the face of the expansion of large-scale livestock farms”, with presentation entitled “Problems related to the operation of large-scale animal farms in Poland and the Baltic Sea region“ (Olsztyn, Poland 19.06.2017). - Active participation in the international conference “Emissions of Gas and Dust from Livestock – EmiLi 2017” (Saint-Malo, 21-24.05.2017).
Results and Evidence: Primarily, the work was targeted to industrial livestock farms owners, students and teachers of agricultural schools, local societies endangered by the negative impact of industrial animal farms, public administration and decision-makers on regional, national and international level responsible for environmental protection and nature conservation in agriculture, other NGOs, civil society, media. In every target group there was approx. equal participation of women and men. There was no group negatively affected by the project. 16
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
The work was coordinated by CCB Expert on Industrial Animal Farming, who worked in close cooperation with 1 volunteer from the Green Federation “GAJA”. Moreover, the core group of the project cooperated directly with 7 local leaders in Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, Belarus, Latvia, Finland and Poland, as well as 5 other NGOs interested in the issue (West Pomeranian Nature Society, Polish Ecological Club, Polish Society for Conservation Genetics LUTREOLA, Society of Friends of the River Ina and Gowienica, Aquarius Foundation), two universities (University of Szczecin, Institute for Research on Biodiversity/Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection and West Pomeranian University of Technology, Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding) and the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation. It is assumed that project activities reached directly about 40 local districts, with the direct temporary or permanent cooperation with 5 local leaders and indirectly – through the dedicated webpage, more than 5,000 people in Poland. Report on public monitoring of IAF installations in Belarus Seminars promoting sustainable farming incl. IAF practices Seminar: Ecological Safety and Sustainable Agriculture, 27.04.2017, Lviv, Ukraine Organic and Natural Products Fair, 14.10.2017, Lviv, Ukraine Advocacy At the policy level o CCB kept on advocating for the need to focus regional environmental policies with regard to agricultural inputs on already agreed HELCOM ministerial commitments from 2007, 2010 and 2013. It was been highlighted both at policy (see statement at HELCOM 38-2017, outcomes of HOD 52-2017, HOD 53/2017 – CCB pointing to the delays with agreed actions) and At expert level o Cf. outcomes of AGRI 4-2017, AGRI 5-2017 stressing lack of progress in nutrient accounting and nutrient recycling, misleading national reporting, delays in revision of Annex III of the Helsinki Convention) and lack of ambition prior to the Ministerial Meeting in 2018. o CCB’s own position on sustainable agriculture within BSR was also presented at expert level at HELCOM Workshop on nutrient recycling Social media coverage o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1401569136587958 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1330675220344017
A2. Hazardous substances Hazardous substances (and marine litter – cf. B1.6) represent one of three main threats to the Baltic environment and marine life. Preventing and reducing inputs of hazardous substances to the aquatic environment, with a view to phasing out pollution, is clearly stated as one of the main objectives of the MSFD and WFD, in line with international commitments at global and regional level. CCB network started with addressing pollution “hotspots”, being sources of such substances. Following the request by MOs, CCB lifted up this issue to a Working Area on Hazardous Substance and Marine Litter, to be able to respond to policies in this field.
The activities in this area have been carried out
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A2.1 Raising public awareness about pharmaceutical pollution Undesired occurrence and effects of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals in the environment is a global emerging concern, as recognized by UNEP. Pharmaceutical residues have been detected in environmental compartments of the Baltic Sea, but their environmental fate, possible accumulation and effects on biota are still poorly known. Gaps in existing legislation with regards to safe collection, recovery and disposal of unused and expired medicines leads to pharmaceuticals still ending up in the sea. Several pharmaceuticals are now on the 17
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
EU Priority Substances watch list and a Strategic EU approach to pollution of water by pharmaceutical substances has been proposed in April 2017.Following HELCOM ministerial commitments from 2010 and 2013 to increase knowledge on presence and sources of pharmaceuticals in the Baltic marine environment, a Status report on pharmaceuticals in the BSR has been released in late 2017 and state of play for the sea contamination reflected in the first version of the State of the Baltic Sea Report, also in 2017. However, those reports so far resulted only in establishing dedicated Correspondence Group, interlinked with a Baltic Sea Pharma platform set in 2017 under the EUSBSR. According to the recent research, over half of unused human medicinal products in EU is not collected due to low level of awareness and lacking collection schemes, thus requiring urgent attention. Based on the above CCB decided to focus on addressing consumer behaviour and disposal options as the priority for its work in 2016-2017 and the coming years.
Specific sub-area objectives: Support collection of information for assessment of pharmaceuticals contamination status and development of measures, to prevent pharmaceuticals from reaching the Baltic Sea (env); Address consumer behaviour related sources of pharmaceutical contamination with a view to stimulate application of preventative approach in healthcare sector, public sector and households (env);
Activities: Within 2017 CCB focused its actions on raising public awareness on pharmaceutical pollution problem in the BSR, based on existing international experiences and own work from 2016: a. National information on take-back/collection and disposal systems for pharmacies, management of hospital pharmaceutical waste was compiled in a study, comprising of: - The report on pharmaceutical pollution in the BSR, addressing existing gaps in take-back and disposal systems, as well as in awareness raising, was finalised and presented to the expert and policy level within HELCOM and EUSBSR. The report is compiled on national information about pharmaceuticals collection systems, and management in the BSR. The report has been provided to various stakeholders for consultations and feed-back before the final version was released. In several countries, e.g. Sweden, and Belarus CCB has initiated additional consultations with relevant stakeholders and authorities about take-back collection systems from e-pharmacies (in Sweden), and about establishment a general collection system for obsolete pharmaceuticals (in Belarus). b. Exchange of national experiences and practices on pharmaceutical waste streams management among MOs was carried out, comprising of - Sharing information about national practices between the MOs at various occasions, e.g. CCB Annual Conference, Our Common Baltic summer camp and project specific meetings, as well as in social media - Updating of the dedicated playlist on pharmaceutical pollution at CCB Youtube channel c. Awareness-raising campaign on pharmaceutical problem in the Baltic Sea to address general public, healthcare institutions and other stakeholders (to be continued and intensified within 2017), based on and comprising of: - Final CCB report on pharmaceutical pollution in the BSR, identifying gaps in pharmaceutical waste streams management, needs for targeted outreach products (type of material, targeted audience, etc.) and potential pilot activities (e.g. pharmacy chains and healthcare institutions to be involved/committed); - Printed and electronic materials (folder) were produced in Russian and English, based on already available ones, e.g. Pills/No-Pills project, Healthcare Without Harm Europe (HCWH), Swedish EPA, etc.; translation into national languages is pending, based on the demands from MOs – the materials were used by Russian, Belarusian, Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian MOs for national awareness raising campaigns; - Information campaign for the public, selected healthcare institutions and pharmacy chains has been launched (awareness-raising material for pharmacies and consumers, including support for development of take-back paper bags for consumers, and simplified survey on general consumers’ attitude to pharmaceutical pollution) with a dedicated webpage set on CCB website. - A pilot case for setting a collection system of obsolete pharmaceuticals was developed and implemented in healthcare institution in Minsk, Belarus. 18
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017 d. Development of proposals/recommendation for policy response at national, regional/Baltic and European level, based on findings in the status-quo report and awareness-raising - The CCB report on pharmaceutical pollution in the BSR (both draft and final versions) was presented at expert level to HELCOM PRESSURE Group and prepared for distribution at 2018 HELCOM Ministerial and Baltic Sea Future Congress; - CCB activities on pharmaceutical pollution were communicated to Baltic Sea Pharma platform under the EUSBSR PA Hazards; - CCB has joined in 2017 the Healthcare Without Harm Europe (HCWH) and through it o co-signed an open letter to the EC regarding the delayed release of a strategic approach to address the pharmaceutical pollution of water o co-signed a Declaration to European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, expressing their deep concern about the threat posed by pharmaceuticals in the environment to European citizens, their communities, and the environment o contributed to the development of a joint response to the public consultation on pharmaceuticals in the environment (due in 2018)
Results and Evidence: CCB work on pharmaceuticals in 2017 was concentrated on 2 main areas: Preparation of the draft status-quo report, identifying gaps in pharmaceutical waste streams management in the Baltic Sea countries, needs for targeted outreach products. o Final CCB Report on pharmaceutical pollution in the BSR was prepared in coordination with MOs and partner NGOs from Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia, Sweden, Russia, as well with other stakeholders in Denmark, Germany, Finland, Estonia, and Ukraine. A summary was also compiled for policy outreach purposes Running information awareness raising campaign for the public, and selected healthcare institutions and pharmacy chains (1-2 per each participating country), covering certain share of territory/population of participating country. o Awareness raising campaign for public focusing on consumer behaviour and other stakeholders has been started in late 2016 with a number of publications, mainly for Russian-speaking countries of the Baltic Sea catchment area, where the problem of absence of collection of obsolete pharmaceuticals is very urgent. Outreach materials include a leaflet (translated and adapted for MOs in St.Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Estonia, Lithuania and Poland), stickers, and a folder and an adapted video in cooperation with HCWH with subtitles and dubbing in Russian have been produced for further dissemination. o CCB Pills Free Baltic webpage was launched o An article “Healing” Water: How Residual Drugs End up in Your Glass” was published and promoted through the network o Dedicated playlist on CCB YouTube channel was created o CCB has continued cooperation with APOTEA – biggest Swedish online pharmacy chain and agreed on the use of their promotional video for wider Baltic purposes o A pilot case setting a collection system of obsolete pharmaceuticals was developed and implemented in healthcare institution in Minsk Development of proposals/recommendation for policy response at national, regional/Baltic and European level, based on findings in the status-quo report and awareness campaign o CCB activities in this area are contribution to HELCOM, EUSBSR and EU work on evaluating scale of pharmaceutical pollution problem and raising public awareness. o Draft and final CCB Report on pharmaceutical pollution in the BSR was reported to HELCOM PRESSURE 6-2017 and PRESSURE 7-2017, as well as summary for policy outreach purposes
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CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
was prepared for dissemination at 2018 HELCOM Ministerial and 2018 Baltic Sea Future Forum o CCB participated in 2 meetings of the HELCOM Correspondence Group on Pharmaceuticals (CG PHARMA 1-2017, CG PHARMA 2-2017) o CCB took part in the launching EUSBSR Baltic Sea Pharma Platform in Riga in November 2017 o CCB in cooperation with HCWH co-signed an open letter to the EC regarding the delayed release of a strategic approach to address the pharmaceutical pollution of water, co-signed a Declaration to European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, expressing their deep concern about the threat posed by pharmaceuticals in the environment to European citizens, their communities, and the environment and contributed to the development of a joint response to the public consultation on pharmaceuticals in the environment (due in 2018) o CCB also provided feedback to the roadmap for the EU Strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment Social media coverage on pharmaceuticals o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1537329826345221 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1457154571029414 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1324056564339216 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1286132911464915 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1248323205245886
A2.2 Storm/rain water management
Stormwater management is of particular interest today due to increased awareness of its pollution by nutrients and hazardous substances, and predicted climate change implications within BSR. Climate change-driven urban planning also demands stormwater systems to prevent flooding. Many BSR cities with combined sewerage systems are not capable to cope with severe rainfalls and discharge an overflow of untreated sewage and stormwaters into receiving surface waters. In 2016-2017 CCB specifically addressed stormwater systems as an important source of various litter/microlitter originating from land (e.g. rubber pellets, tyre dust and other plastic debris).
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CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
At EU level stormwater management is regulated through actions against flood risk (Floods Directive) and the WFD on water quality requirements. EU Guidelines on best practice to limit, mitigate or compensate soil sealing also provide recommendations for mitigation of flood events. HELCOM RAP ML stresses the need for improvements of stormwater management to prevent and reduce litter from entering marine environment (by 2018) and possible amendment of relevant HELCOM Recommendations on wastewater treatment and stormwater management.
Specific sub-area objectives: CCB defined the following objectives on stormwater runoff and related microliter inputs Address sources of chemical/microlitter pollution that are not adequately covered (env); Promote and facilitate improvement of stormwater management in order to prevent litter, including microlitter, to enter the surface waters and marine environment from heavy weather events (env/clim) Support development of a guidance on stormwater management on a local level to prevent and reduce stormwater related waste (including microlitter) entering environment (env).
Activities: CCB approach to mitigate increased pollution load to rivers and Baltic Sea from stormwaters and increased precipitation/drainage, as impact of climate change, was sought through under this activity. It comprised of development of a fact-based CCB Guidance to reduce micro-particles pollution from stormwater in urban areas, addressing the following main components: (1) problems of stormwater management; (2) legislative background; (3) inventory of current stormwater management practices in the BSR countries, (4) existing monitoring methodology; (5) available technological solutions, including existing and potential pilot cases in the BSR (6) proposals for Baltic-wide measures that should be addressed at HELCOM and/or EUSBSR level, including inputs to revision of relevant HELCOM requirements. The Guidance is targeted to wide range of stakeholders including national and local authorities, municipal planners, general public. In 2017, these activities were extended with practical testing of a simplified methodology to monitor riverine inputs of microplastic pollution that should fit for citizen science monitoring purposes. The aim of this action was twofold – raising awareness on riverine inputs of microplastic and creating a knowledge base on such inputs within BSR as a background for developing policy response measures. This activity was carried out with dedicated co-funding from the Swedish Postcode Foundation, Nordic Council of Ministers as well as Swedish EPA and Swedish Water and Marine Management Agency.
Results and Evidence: Water Revival Systems AB, an independent environmental consultants, produced for CCB “Guidance on concrete ways to reduce microplastic inputs from municipal stormwater and waste water discharges”, including (1) stormwater management implications in climate change conditions and (2) draft methodology for microplastic detection, has been finalized and published on CCB’s website. It was presented for testing and dissemination at the meeting of partners for 2017 microplastic campaign, as well as presented at the EU MSFD CG meeting as a contribution to development of the Programmes of Measures for MSFD Decsriptor 10 (marine litter). Simple methodology for detection of microplastic in rivers, streams and other freshwater bodies has been adapted from the original Swedish version and tested by CCB’s member organizations and partners in several locations in Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia (both St.Petersburg and Kaliningrad regions) in several river basins, including Vistula and Nogat rivers (Poland), Neris/Vilya river (Belarus, and Lithuania), Neva river (St.Petersburg, Russia). In some countries (e.g. Belarus), these public monitoring brings the very first monitoring data about microplastics on national level. After testing the methodology will be included into CCB’s River Watch public monitoring manual (also in national languages) and continued on a regular basis. The screening was undertaken in several rounds throughout the whole year and its final results will be published in April 2018. Detailed information on the outcomes of the screening was presented at the Final Project’s Conference in Druskininkai, Lithuania in December 2017. CCB’s work on microplastic monitoring and stormwater management was presented to HELCOM at o HELCOM PRESSURE 6-2017 (Outcome, CCB’s input), o HELCOM PRESSURE 7-2017 (Outcome) o HELCOM RAP ML Workshop 2-2017 (Outcome, input, presentation) 21
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
CCB Executive Secretary acted as a moderator of the Baltic Water Excellence Forum and disseminated materials on sustainable stormwater management at municipal level at the Forum of the Project on Interactive Water Management (IWAMA), organised by the Union of Baltic Cities “Guidance on concrete ways to reduce microplastic inputs from municipal stormwater and waste water discharges” was also disseminated at UN Our Ocean 2017 Conference on Malta Social media coverage on microplastic and stormwater management o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1515298415215029 o https://www.facebook.com/events/329960367444021/ o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1453675391377332 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1324056564339216 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1322059584538914 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1300685876676285 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1294347493976790 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1271785902899616:0 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1270145889730284 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1351450511599821 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1278957528849120 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1450973888314149 A3. River Basin and Wastewater Management As assessed by the EC in 2015 GES of the Community waters under the WFD was not reached due to remaining pollution pressure. MS were granted exemptions by 2027 latest. As ruled by the European Court of Justice in 2015, no derogation should apply if an ongoing or planned activity leads to deterioration of water body status according to WFD obligations. MS need to step up their efforts to base their PoMs on a sound assessment of pressures and impacts on the aquatic ecosystem and on a reliable assessment of water status. The latest UWWTD reporting (2017) demonstrated gaps in compliance in the BSR for secondary and more advanced treatment. Further delays in implementation of UWWTD may compromise meeting the environmental objectives of the WFD and the MSFD. As BSAP requirements in wastewater treatment are stricter than UWWTD, reaching GES in the BSR is under threat. In 2016-2017, CCB re-enforced its activities to focus on integrated river basin management and identifying new potential sources of pollution, hence contributing both to implementation of the EU WFD and MSFD, as well as the BSAP to reach GES. These efforts were made possible with sufficient co-funding raised from EU LIFE, Nordic Council of Ministers, Swedish Postcode Foundation and Swedish International Cooperation Development Agency (Sida).
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A3.1 Turning River-Watch into River-Manage Public participation in water management is one of the key elements introduced by the WFD, Drinking and Groundwater Directives, as highlighted by the review of the 1st RBMPs cycle. Significant gaps were identified in joint management of transboundary basins both between MS and even more – with third countries. As major Baltic river catchments (e.g. Vistula, Nemunas, Daugava, Odra, Narva, Neva and Tornio) are transboundary and in many cases start from upstream non-EU states (Russia, Belarus and Ukraine), this issue becomes even more important. In 2013 HELCOM stressed that achievement of GES and reaching HELCOM nutrient reduction targets in the Baltic Sea partly relies on efforts and shared responsibility of non-Contracting Parties to reduce their waterborne (riverine) nutrient loads. Meanwhile, 3 major transboundary Baltic river basins - Daugava (Russia/Belarus/Latvia), Nemunas (Russia/Belarus/Lithuania/Poland) and Vistula (Ukraine/Poland/Belarus), jointly discharging 30% of all nutrient load to the sea, still lack efficient joint basin management that hampers solving common 22
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017 challenges, e.g. floods protection, conservation of migratory species or reduction of pollution inputs. Cross-border public participation in joint water management, addressing those challenges from the civil society perspective, can build a ground for potential inter-governmental dialogue and for establishing joint management bodies. Specific sub-area objectives: Based on the above CCB defined the following objectives for this area: Support reaching GES of rivers draining to the Baltic Sea as having an immense importance for reducing pollution inputs, as well as for conservation of biodiversity (env) Explore possibilities for broader public engagement in transboundary river basin management (env) Develop understanding on climate change implications to joint river basin management (env/clim) Continue River Watch activities and facilitate its integration with public river basin management (env)
Activities: Based on the experiences gained in 2016, CCB continued its work with establishment of a joint transboundary Public Advisory River Teams (PART) in order to: - facilitate engagement of public and civil society into decision making related to water management issues, through involvement of interested NGOs and citizen groups in the PART’s work; - enhance capacities of public River-Watch monitoring practices to provide data and information that can be used for management purposes, including e.g. on riverine litter inputs; - develop recommendations and proposals regarding state of abiotic and biotic components of river basins, including on protection and restoration of habitats for protected migratory species, curbing inputs from point sources (municipalities, industries, IAFs), promoting sustainable agricultural practices, addressing nutrient recycling, contributing to allocation of basin nutrient reduction targets etc. PARTs would regularly meet to discuss actual water management agenda, establish working groups on specific themes (e.g. flood protection/emergencies, nature conservation, water pollution, etc.), invite for its meetings representatives of national water management authorities, cooperate actively with relevant research institutions, provide broad dissemination of information on its activities, facilitate public awareness and capacity building for local residents on the state of river basins. This work within 2017, being supported with sufficient co-funding from the Nordic Council of Ministers and Swedish International Cooperation development Agency, has continued through the following elements: a. Joint transboundary PART, comprising of Phase II, Implementation: 2017 - preparatory work for PARTs consisting of: (1) inventory of existing RBMPs across the basin (EU/non-EU); (2) inventory of previous efforts/projects addressing joint river basin management; (3) inventory/mapping of public initiatives within river basins, has continued in Daugava, Western Bug and Odra river basins with number of meetings arranged in each of those; o Environmental Protection Club of Latvia (VAK) actively participated in the work of the Daugava River Basin Advisory Council on national level. (Council consists of 6 NGOs, 6 ministries and 6 regional planning authorities). Based on VAK initiative, an extraordinary meeting was convened on the availability of funding for solving various problems in the Daugava River basin. o VAK organised international seminar in Daugavpils on November 22-23, 2017, possibilities on establishment of Joint Public Advisory river basin management team were discussed, co- operation on thematic public advisory teams was also discussed. o Start-up of working group on inclusion of the Nature Park of the Daugava Loki (Circles) into the UNESCO nature and cultural heritage list was renewed and meetings held at the Daugavpils City Council. Participants from local municipalities, NGOs (as well as VAK), Baltic Hydroecology Institute, local tourism representatives are involved in the WG. - establishment of a joint Public Advisory River basin management Team (PART) in Nemunas basin due to vast existing background knowledge and most advanced preparatory work been carried out in previous years;
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CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
o The overview baseline report on ERBM in Neman river basin, including description of current status of public participation in it was prepared o stakeholder analysis for Nemunas basin PART was done and amended, plans for round table and PARTs discussed with partners. - Activities in Luga River basin PART included o Support for the PART received from regional authorities of Leningrad Oblast and local deputies from Luga, Kingisepp, Peterhof, good cooperation established with Public Environmental Council of Leningrad region, and a common multi-stakeholder roundtable was organized. o Cooperation with local activists in Luga town and common activities at the local level have started, e.g. Luga River Festival. Cooperation with local civil society organization has strengthened. - an International Workshop on transboundary river basin management in the eastern part of the Baltic Sea catchment area was arranged in Minsk, Belarus in January 2017 - an International Conference for major Baltic Sea transboundary river basins “Addressing common challenges of the Baltic Sea Basin by working on Integrated River Basin Management, microplastic & litter inputs” was arranged in Druskinikai, Lithuania in December 2017 b. Continue CCB’s River Watch programme As a continuation and follow-up of CCB RW the following actions were performed in 2017 Further development of RW Network - CCB RW Manual is being updated to include riverine litter monitoring guidelines by the Priority Working Area on River Basin and Wastewater Management - Environmental Club Zvejone (as a part of Lithuanian Green Movement): o has started producing video-lessons on RW Manual and translated o organized Student competition in cooperation with Klaipėda University, Biology Department of Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuanian centre of non-formal youth education, to analyse the water quality of water bodies (streams, rivers), using RW methodology. o arranged two-day RW workshop for teachers, to practice RW methods o prepared RW video course for waters of bad and good quality; video tutorials for the research on streams were prepared to upload to YouTube (with English subtitles, in order to engage children and young people in water quality testing; o ‘The Nearby Rivers’ guidebooks were reprinted for the purpose of the national conference ‘Research Activities in Environmental Education 2017’ - Environmental Protection Club of Latvia (VAK) o had successful experience with public participation and involvement in water management problems solution in Daugava catchment in Strazdupīte. Due to VAK successful involvement of public, environmental experts, Green party members, the public received official response from Riga Council Environmental Department to improve hydrogeological situation and correct the mistakes made in managing Strazdupīte river. o actively participated in public monitoring processes in Daugava river basin: regularly received information from the State Environmental Service regarding planned drainage projects; regularly received citizens' letters on various river hydro-morphological projects and provided consultations and 6 trips with experts (2 of them in Daugava basin - Oša river and Bērzene river). o A new River watch group has been set up by involving local residents in Riga Strazdupīte (Daugava basin). 3 monitoring activities with analyses of water biota, two river clean- ups and film in Main TV program LTV1 was created. Proposals have been prepared for the inclusion of river restoration measures in the Riga Development Plan for the next period. - Within the Sida-cofunded Water Programme in Belarus the following activities contributing to the objectives of the Biannual Strategic Work Programme were accomplished o The work of 10 information centres on water-related topics has continued in Belarus, to raise interest and activities of local population in water protection o An expedition on Viliya River in Belarus was arranged to check water quality throughout the entire path 24
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
o A regional competition “Baltic starts here” was arranged for involving more schools and drawing attention to the water topic. It allowed the teachers to increase their professional level and to expand the participants' understanding of the connection with the Baltic Sea basin. o Several meetings and seminars were held in 2017 including RW training seminar for the teachers, strategic seminar on development of the Info Centres activities and working meeting for the "Water Control" volunteers. o The results of the public monitoring are available online and are followed-up in co- operation with relevant authorities. The work instrument is a common online-database www.watercontrol.by accumulating sources of water pollution and water quality in wells, while the water in the wells is an indicator of the overall level of contamination of groundwater and surface water. o A simple device for public monitoring and accurate analysis of nitrates water concentration has been developed by students of Mogilev University. The device can be independently manufactured within the framework of school research groups. Assembly of the device was presented to school teachers at Water Alive Festival in Vileika, 17.02.2017. Results from application of three devices created by school research teams in Mogilev region will be presented at the International Water Contest "Stockholm Junior Water Prize" in Stockholm. - RW also actively continued in Russia in 2017 within Sida cofunded Barents Baltic Nature and People Programme, also contributing to the objectives of the CCB Biannual Strategic Work Programme (in Luga, Nemunas and Pregolya river basins – the latter two are transboundary ones) o “Clean Luga” organization, using the experience of CCB MO, Friends of the Baltic, is expanding its activities by testing wells and springs in Luga town, and planning to organize wells monitoring as main part of their regular activity. This became a successful example of how raising capacities for cooperation partner can be arranged. o Technical and methodical support for youth River Watch (RW) investigations/expeditions was provided for schools in the Luga River Basin. Youth was involved in Pubic River monitoring through RW youth expeditions and youth investigation conference on eco-monitoring. Five local schools in Luga district and Centre for Creative development (network of all 18 Kingisepp district schools) are involved in cooperation in LO. Forming the RW coordination team is continued. o Programme partners held testing of nutrient concentrations at Luga River and two main drinking water sources of Luga town and discussed with residents about how to reduce the nutrient impact on water sources. Other activists received test materials for continuing investigations on the South shore of the Gulf of Finland. A mobilization of pilot communities for testing sustainable approaches was launched - through local visits, working meetings, consultations, methodical support (farm, gardening community, small-scale local municipality). o A media tour for journalists was arranged about the best practices of water management in agriculture within the Luga river basin and the Baltic Sea in order to popularisation of the information about pollution in the Luga river and promoting sustainable solutions. The Ecocentrum held two campaigns “Youth for clean rivers” and “Wells without nitrates", with the aim to raise awareness about the water quality in the region and health protection o “Water Centres” in three schools located in towns within the Nemunas and Pregolya river basins (Zapovednoe, Gvardeisk, Sovetsk) were established; hydro biological and hydro chemical equipment for public water monitoring was transferred to centre/school coordinators. Belarusian NGOs from another CCB Programme were involved as experts in training about nitrates and other RW methods o The survey and interviews with local population were done jointly by Kaliningrad Region partners in order to assess an engagement of local residents in environmental problems of Nemunas river basin. The survey covered various social groups and took into account social status, age and gender.
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CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
- Joint CCB Youth River camp “Baltic Starts Here” (including training for RW leaders), field testing on how to use RW manual and integrated transboundary river basin management was arranged in Baranovichi, Belarus in September 2017; - Joint CCB RW online map has been extended to cover the whole eastern part of the Baltic catchment, adding respective data layers for monitoring and mapping of nitrates in groundwater and drinking water in Russia, Lithuania and Latvia commenced, with Sida and NCM co-funding; - Adapting of the Water Control in Belarus project to the mobile application has started with the support of Sida Water Programme for Belarus and NCM Project on on Creation of a Sustainable, NGO-led River Monitoring Network on the Neman and Pregola Rivers Eco-sanitation - Promotion of small scale eco-friendly wastewater treatment facilities in local communities, population in rural areas, producing info-materials has continued in Belarus, Ukraine and Russia, supported by funding from Sida and Baltic Sea Conservation Foundation; It included o A design for a constructed wetland to be installed in Ivye district, Belarus for the house for elderly people, was developed in coordination with municipality that is highly interested to see the implementation and potentially introduce it for other locations. The engineering was prepared for starting construction in early 2018 in accordance with Belarus and EU norms. In process of the installation a training for all interested will be organised inviting all organisations that could potentially use the same technology. o Study visit for NGOs and decision-makers to demonstration sites for various sustainable small scale wastewater management installations in Sweden in March 2017 has been arranged for stakeholders from Belarus and Ukraine; o Involvement of small businesses for construction of Eco-sanitation installations (training, education with experts from other countries) has been an issue for Ukraine (Sokal, Kariv municipalities of Lviv Region). It was presented at several events during 2017, including Seminar on Ecological Safety and Sustainable Agriculture (April, Lviv), HutaFest (August, Sokal District) and Public Advisory River Team Western Bug meeting (October, Sokal) o Ecocentrum and the CCB MO Friends of the Baltic have launched a project on Small Scale Solutions for Reducing Nutrient Load into the Baltic Sea, with installation of dry composting toilets for gardening and summer cottage associations around the city of St.Peterburg; the first toilet was installed in September 2017. The project is co-funded by Sida and Baltic Sea Conservation Foundation. It will be combined with education and awareness raising campaign. Strengthening of enforcement monitoring - Promotion of stronger enforcement of water protection legislation and its implementation on rivers waters monitoring and wastewater treatment in rural areas has been an issue across the whole network, but specifically addressed within NCM Project From River Watch to River Manage; - Monitoring of implementation of UNECE Water and Health Protocol has been addressed in Sida- funded Water Programme in Belarus through number of meetings with relevant stakeholders; - a meeting report on pollution loads (nutrients, hazardous substances) and sources from Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, as well as other challenges to Odra river basin was created, based on inputs of regional NGOs in Wroclaw, Poland on 13-14 November 2017. Emerging issues - A methodology for riverine monitoring of microplastic litter inputs has been tested in several locations in Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Russia with a support from Postcode Lottery Foundation and the NCM; - A first phase of the study on CC implications on river basin management was produced based on expert inputs and available regional studies through Sida-funded project for Russia (incl. for transboundary Nemunas catchment); inputs to the study were provided by the document on CC implications on stormwater management from 2016 (cf. A2.2) - In order to support the national campaign on peatlands and involve maximum number of interested citizens one of the project partners (NGO “Bahna”) has created an online Info Center www.bahna.land that unites around it the key experts in peatland protection topic, accumulates information on wetlands and serves as a reference point on the topic. NGO "Bahna" is involved 26
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
into the discussion of the wetlands protection topic at the cross sectoral level. Bahna is part of the Working group set up to develop the concept of the draft Law of the Republic of Belarus "On the protection and use of wetlands (peatlands)". The fact of the law elaboration is a big victory and a significant result of the work on peatlands conservation. Another victory that preceded this fact was the repeal of the conflict decree of the Council of Ministers dated June 17, 2011 No. 794 "On some issues of peat extraction and optimization of the system of specially protected natural areas" that envisaged the peat extraction at protected territories. However, work on creation of Belarus peatland map has brought the project partners to a conclusion that the Belarus state institutions still have a gap in openness and accessibility of the environmental information. As of now the state institutions are not ready to give access to this information to the public, despite the fact that the Aarhus Convention we have been ratified by Belarus in 1999. Therefore, joint efforts of the project partners are needed to gradually change the situation.
Results and Evidence: - Public Advisory River Teams – Integrated Management and Participation o Workshop on transboundary river basin management in the eastern part of the Baltic Sea catchment area, 18.01.2017 at Minsk, Belarus o Workshop and study visit, 05.03.2017 in Stockholm, back-to-back with the Baltic Sea Future Congress, 6-7.03.2017, Stockholm o Round table “Ecosystem approach in integrated river basin and coastal marine areas management. Role and place of public participation”, Baltic Sea Days International Environmental Forum, 22-23.03.2017, St.Petersburg, Russia, o Regional workshop on cooperation in water protection for Russian and Swedish municipalities organised by the International Centre for Local Democracy and supported by Sida, 4-5.04.2017, Kaliningrad, Russia. o Seminar on Ecological Safety and Sustainable Agriculture, 1st meeting of Western Bug PART, AGROPORT West Lviv 2017 Forum, 27.04.2017, o PARTs activities and planning at CCB’s Annual Conference 2017 took place in Rostock, Germany on 12-14.05.2017, o PARTs meetings in August 2017 in Riga, Latvia (for Daugava basin), and in Vilnius, Lithuania (for Nemunas basin). o Joint River Basin Management Camp “Baltic starts here!” was arranged in Baranovichi Region, Belarus, with the base at Pavlinovo Manor on 20-24.09.2017, o 2nd Basin Meeting of the PART Western Bug was arranged in Sokal, Lviv Region, Ukraine on 13.10.2017, together with experts from Belarus, Poland, Ukraine and Sweden o 2nd Basin Meeting of the PART Nemunas was arranged on 27-28.10.2017 in Kaliningrad Region, Russia with participation from Lithuania, Poland, Belarus and Russia,
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CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
o Joint networking meeting between Save the Rivers Coalition (KRR) and Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB) on Transboundary problems of rivers on Odra example, 13-14.11.2017, Wroclaw, Poland. The Meeting was attended by representatives from KRR, PKE and FER (Poland), BUND, DUH and Alnus Eberswalde (Germany), CCB (Sweden), Koalice Proreky and E-U (Czech Republic), Balcanka (Bulgaria). o International Seminar on Experience and initiatives to reduce environmental impacts and NGO cooperation possibilities that was arranged by PART Daugava/Western Dvina on 22- 23.11.2017, in Daugavpils, Latvia, o Joint Project Conference on Addressing common challenges of the Baltic Sea Basin by working on Integrated River Basin Management, microplastic & litter inputs, 18- 19.12.2017 in Druskininkai, Lithuania, - ERBM within Sida-funded Barents-Baltic Nature and People Programme (BBNP) in Russia. o A media tour for journalists was arranged about the best practices of water management in agriculture within the Luga river basin and the Baltic Sea in order to popularisation of the information about pollution in the Luga river and promoting sustainable solutions o The survey and interviews with local population were done jointly by Kaliningrad Oblast partners in order to assess an engagement of local residents in environmental problems of Neman river basin. The survey covered various social groups and took into account social status, age and gender. o Researchers, wetland nature reserve rangers, CSO community and decision-makers met to discuss the local actions in nature conservation and planned collaborative actions in future in Kurgalsky Nature Reserve. Surveys and discussions with the tourists about the conservation value of the Kurgalsky Nature Reserve have been conducted and information from those was processed. Understanding of typical visitors is important to develop nature-friendly mechanisms of reducing the unorganized wild tourist load. Programme partners participated in all discussions and public hearings about potential construction of Nord Stream 2 through the Kurgalsky Nature Reserve. The tourists were interviewed in Kurgalsky Nature Reserve and were informed about Nature Reserve and its value. Preliminary agreement for cooperation with tourist centre at Kurgalsky Nature Reserve was concluded. o Two-days seminar «Agricultural tourism: start your business» held in Kaliningrad Oblast and united about 50 persons, created interaction with local communities, provided education of participants; drafts of business-plans were prepared. As an outcome of the seminar the “School for junior guides” was created and launched to involve young generation living at the territory of the National Park into sustainable tourism activities. The students of Rybachiy village showed great engagement into nature conservation activities through participation in ecological actions; creation of positive relations to National Park. The seminar “Rural tourism: how to write a successful project” was organized at territory of National Park was performed during two days. Participants were trained by invited experts in approaches and methodological steps to prepare the project applications. Seminar combined not only adult, but also youth from Club Friends of Curonian Spit. Five project applications were drafted and one submitted in the competition of social and cultural projects of LUKOIL in Kaliningrad region. It was an outcome from the seminar “Rural tourism: how to write a successful project”. Opportunities for financing from the Baltic Sea Nature Conservation Foundation were presented to local partners, several project ideas launched. o Publications produced: The overview baseline report on ERBM in Neman river basin, including description of current status of public participation in it and proposals for public monitoring were prepared in Kaliningrad Oblast Stakeholder analysis for Neman basin PART was done and amended, plans for round table and PARTs discussed with partners. Review of previous trans boundary basin management initiatives and agreements - Mapping of major sources of nutrient pollution and developing an approach for voluntary nutrient reduction commitments within Sida-funded BBNP Programme. o Testing the nutrient concentrations at Luga river and 2 main drinking water sources of Luga town and discussion with residents about how to reduce the nutrient impact on water 28
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
sources. More activists received test materials for continuing investigations on the South shore of the Gulf of Finland. o A group of farmers from Leningrad Oblast and NW Russia feel that their successful experience of running the small private farms in a traditional nature-friendly way is on demand for others; project volunteers understand that small private farms are a good way of development of nature-friendly agriculture in the region through the particular examples. Seminar on organic farming was organized together with the organic fair in Kaliningrad Oblast which helped to attract public attention. - CCB’s interactive map of public river monitoring o A web site www.watercontrol.by has been further developed to support and visualize the results of public monitoring of water quality in wells and to detect hot spots of agricultural pollution. The results of the monitoring visualized the problem with drinking water pollution (around 70% of the wells are contaminated with nitrates and over 40 % of water samples exceed the permissible concentration of nitrates by 2-3 times). During the year 2017 more tests are added by the users from different regions of Belarus. The statistics on water status is now collected for more them 3000 wells and pollution sources. The website was adapted within 2017 to host the data from RW activities from the whole Eastern Baltic catchment and populating it with information has already started. See here o VAK cooperated and provided information for www.upes.lv (rivers), where information on public monitoring and other relevant information about rivers in Latvia is collected amending it with nature values, areas sensitive to nutrient pollution. This web page provides information on 4096 rivers, ditches and springs. o In Latvia there is an established interactive mobile map, where you can put information on public observations regarding environmental violations, which is already connected with Regional Environmental boards and they can check submitted information ASAP. The problem which appeared for mobile app is that needs too much space on telephones. - River Watch in Lithuania o Student competition o Two-day RW workshop for teachers, to practice RW methods o RW YouTube video course for waters of bad and good quality (with English subtitles); o Preparations for national conference ‘Research Activities in Environmental Education 2017’ - River Watch in Latvia o consultations and 6 trips with experts (2 - to Oša and Bērzene rivers in Daugava basin). o A new River watch group has been set up by involving local residents in Riga Strazdupīte (Daugava basin). o 3 monitoring activities with analyses of water biota, two river clean-ups and film in Main TV program LTV1 was created. o Proposals have been prepared for the inclusion of river restoration measures in the Riga Development Plan for the next period. o Amendments to RW Manual with regards to litter monitoring: Guidelines to Public monitoring of microplastics (Author J. K. Veres, Belarus) was translated and adapted into Latvian and available online - River Watch and enforcement of water protection in Belarus
o One more public info centre on water-related topics established in Mogilev district which attracted 191 visitors during 2017; o More than 390 wells and 50 pollution sources added by the users to watercontrol.by
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CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
o River Watch activities: 40 teachers representing 30 schools from 8 regions participated in the activities, 900 students involved in the activities, around 20 000 people reached via mass media; o One international River Watch expedition focused on environmental monitoring held in Viliya river, with 24 participants including representatives of project partners; o “Baltic starts here” competition: 1 month in spring 2017 and involved students and teachers from 13 schools representing 10 regions of Belarus with totally more than 300 participants. o A set of energy plants planted at the Experimental area of the state Mogilev University for monitoring the capacity to absorb nutrients and prevent their leakage into the ground waters. A case of using those for the animal complexes is under consideration. o 73 articles published in national and regional newspapers on peatland protection topic, 941 new subscribers of the social networks (Facebook, Vkontakte, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Google+), 14 journalists and 10 translators have participated; o 51 articles published in national and regional newspapers on water bodies protection; http://brest.greenbelarus.info/articles/25-07-2017/opasno-li-pit-vodu-iz-kolodcev- brestchiny-i-kuda-tekut-belarusskie-reki http://news.21.by/society/2017/06/06/1339128.html http://www.ecoidea.by/ru/article/3112 http://germanovichi.sharkovschina.edu.by/main.aspx?guid=13813 http://kurjer.info/2017/08/14/cow-farm-2/ http://greenbelarus.info/articles/01-08-2017/kudy-havaecca-vada-belarus-perazhyvae- treci-peryyad-padzennya-gruntovyh-vod o Various printed materials produced for awareness raising (2 booklets, 5 posters, 2 reports on ecosanitation, 2 brochures). periodical “In harmony with nature” – 1400 copies, brochure “Trulli a small water drop” – 1000 copies, “News from Trulli water drop” – 1000 copies, 5 posters – 80 copies each, 2 reports on ecosanitation and other printed materials. - River Watch and public river monitoring in Russia (Sida-funded BBNP Programme). o Five local schools in Luga district and Centre for Creative development (network of all 18 Kingisepp district schools) are involved in cooperation in Leningrad Oblast. Forming the RW coordination team is continued. o 15 lectures for schoolchildren, teachers and municipal specialists in Ecocentrum were carried out during the year, incl. 8 outdoor lectures, covering more than 500 participants (schoolchildren as well as adults) being involved and informed about the Baltic Sea ecosystem, challenges, and simple measures to reduce the nutrient impact on the Baltic Sea. o One Resource Centre for popularization of environmental education was opened in Rybachiy Settlement in Kaliningrad Oblast, located in a local school. Outlooks on further development of the Resource Centre are defined and co-funding application submitted to maintain the Resource Centre in future. Four educational eco-routes have been designed with the purpose of outdoor environmental education o “Water Centres” in three schools located in towns within the Neman and Pregolya river basins (Zapovednoe, Gvardeisk, Sovetsk) were established - Eco-sanitation and innovative waste water treatment o A design for a constructed wetland to be installed in Ivye district, Belarus for the house for elderly people, was developed in coordination with municipality o Study visit for NGOs and decision-makers to demonstration sites for various sustainable small scale wastewater management installations in Sweden in March 2017 has been arranged for stakeholders from Belarus and Ukraine; o Involvement of small businesses for construction of Eco-sanitation installations (training, education with experts from other countries) has been an issue for Ukraine (Sokal, Kariv municipalities of Lviv Region). It was presented at several events during 2017, including Seminar on Ecological Safety and Sustainable Agriculture (April, Lviv), HutaFest (August, Sokal District) and Public Advisory River Team Western Bug meeting (October, Sokal) o Ecocentrum and the CCB MO Friends of the Baltic have launched a project on Small Scale Solutions for Reducing Nutrient Load into the Baltic Sea, with installation of dry composting toilets for gardening and summer cottage associations around the city of St.Peterburg; o CCB took part in the events related to the opening of the Municipal Waste Water Treatment 30
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
Plant in Kaliningrad, Russia in June 2017 and arranged a Round Table «Regional Aspects of Implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals». CCB’s opinion on WWTP was cited in regional and national media across the BSR (SvenskaDagbladet, Sweden, Hufvudstadbladet, Finland, Helsingin Sanomat, Finland) - Emerging issues – protection and restoration of wetlands o Information on important peatland territories accumulated, list of recommendations for optimizing the use and preservation of peatland ecosystems in cooperation with the leading scientific institutions, project partner included into the Working group on Peatland Use Law by the Ministry of Environment. o The online infocenter on peatlands (www.bahna.info) is constantly collecting gender statistics of site visitors. In 2017 the distribution of visitors was represented by 53% - men and 47% - women. The professional distribution of the info centre team is as follows: there are more women among journalists and translators, more men among experts. Bahna made a stress on involvement of women-experts and to present both men and women equal opportunities and to ruin the stereotype that only the men are experts in scientific field. Thus, for the section "Peatland researches" Bahna found talented women-scientists and the goal to maintain gender balance was fulfilled successfully o Media outreach on peatland protection https://news.tut.by/society/529891.html http://bahna.land/2017/05/23/bolotnye-issledovanija-nina-tanovickaja/ http://bahna.land/2017/05/09/zarabatyvat-na-bolote-ne-razrushaja/ http://bahna.land/2017/04/17/zakon-ob-ohrane-i-ispolzovanii-bolot/ - Emerging issues – riverine inputs of microplastic and stormwater management, cf.A2.2 o CCB “Guidance on concrete ways to reduce microplastic inputs from municipal stormwater and waste water discharges”, including (1) stormwater management implications in climate change conditions and (2) draft methodology for microplastic detection,. It was tested throughout CCB RW network. - Emerging issues – inland navigation o “Stop E40” - Public campaign against construction of the E40 waterway, which threatens the valuable natural areas of Poland, Belarus and Ukraine, was launched with a support from CCB o CCB brought this issue to the attention at HELCOM expert and policy level o Social media outreach devoted to this issue https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1425755267502678 https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1403778019700403 - Emerging issues – climate adaptation o Publications produced: . Analysis of flood protection measures in the Neman river basin . "Climate change. What can regions do?" - Social media coverage o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1524262347651969 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1516647585080112 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1436335399777998 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1333173086760897
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CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
A3.2 Other point sources for nutrients
WFD defines that basin measures within PoMs should i.a. address point source discharges liable to cause pollution with requirements for permitting and monitoring efficiency of pollution control. Likewise, HELCOM agreed to assess nutrient inputs from e.g. forestry, peat mining, industries, fur- and fish- farming, and, if needed, address those with abatement measures. Fertiliser industry chain, both production and transportation, may constitute considerable point sources of nutrient pollution. According to CCB’s estimates potential losses from 22 million tons of fertilisers handled in the Baltic ports annually may account up to several thousand tons of directly bioavailable nitrogen and phosphorus. Given constant growth of this production and transportation CCB seeks for development of adequate policy response at HELCOM level. CCB considers improved control over sheep-, goat-, horse- (over half a million livestock units in 2010) and fur-production as an equal priority in terms of minimizing other sources of nutrients. Non- conventional animal husbandry is not properly regulated at EU or Baltic level, both in terms of nutrient losses management, as well as animal welfare. Meanwhile, on the BSR level potential environmental impacts are significant, as e.g. in Sweden number of horses is higher than dairy cattle, in Finland fur production generates waterborne phosphorus and nitrogen inputs comparable to fish-farming, and mink fur production has impacts that are up to 28 higher than textiles, including climate change, eutrophication and toxic emissions. Making such impacts visible on the BSR scale will contribute to enforcement of necessary pollution reduction measures and improving environmental footprint of such industries. Specific sub-area objectives: Support implementation of WFD, MSFD, BSAP in terms of addressing nutrient sources that are not adequately covered/assessed with a view to reduce/mitigate environmental pressure onto water basins and marine environment of the Baltic Sea.(env); Assess the situation with fertilizer handling in major BSR ports with a view to evaluate their potential environmental impacts and suggest mitigation measures, e.g. development of HELCOM recommendation to minimize cargo losses in BSR harbours, to mitigate nutrient pollution of the Baltic (env) Assess and evaluate the situation with fur- and other than IAF animal farming within the BSR with a view to present information on geographic coverage, production capacities and associated environmental impacts for consideration of HELCOM in order to devise necessary policy response (env);
Activities: 32
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
The above identified needs fit well into the ongoing process of revising WFD RBMPs, as well as implementation of MSFD PoMs with regards to land-based pressures, and will contribute to achievement of nutrient reduction targets of the BSAP. CCB planned its 2017 activities to feed the 2018 HELCOM Ministerial Meeting with specific inputs for measures focusing on these pollution sources to policy level being channelled via expert group’s work as follows: a. Based on undertaken in 2016 inventory/mapping of port facilities for handling fertilizers within BSR, CCB continued with advocacy for a new HELCOM measures to address such facilities. CCB expressed its concerns on the matter to 2017 Helsinki Commission meeting and then submitted Draft report on fertilizer loading in the Baltic Sea ports to both expert level (HELCOM PRESSURE and MARITIME Groups). As the matter falls under responsibility of both HELCOM groups the issue was raised at the Heads of Delegation meeting in June 2017 and led to an agreement to collect and verify more detailed information about port facilities, cargo handled and pollution mitigation measures within 2018 through a questionnaire circulated by the HELCOM Secretariat support. Hence, no HELCOM recommendation was drafted, but it will then feed into the BSAP revision process by 2021. b. Inventory/mapping of fur, horse, goat/sheep and other type of farms, not covered by part II Annex III of the Helsinki Convention with evaluation of their potential impacts on the Baltic Sea catchment and the sea itself. This work was planned to be accomplished in 2017 by CCB Secretariat with inputs from interested MOs. However as revision of respective provisions of the Helsinki Convention was postponed to 2018 and later (see BSAP revision above), pending completion of inputs of various regional activities, it was decided to shift the deliverables under this action of the Biannual Plan to a later stage, giving more time for collection and verification of data.
Results and Evidence - please link results with the corresponding evidence: Inventorizing / mapping of port facilities for handling fertilizers, followed by continued lobbying for a new HELCOM recommendation to address such facilities. o Draft report, including a map, of potential sources of nutrient inputs from ports handling fertilisers in the Baltic Sea was further updated by CCB Secretariat with relevant inputs from MOs and presented as a PowerPoint. The Report was provided for consideration of the Environmental Working Group of the Baltic Ports Organization, which had a meeting in April 2017. o CCB presented the concerns related to the Draft report as a part of its statement to the 38th Meeting of the Helsinki Commission. o The draft report of potential sources of nutrient inputs from ports handling fertilisers in the Baltic Sea was presented to: . 6th Meeting of the Working Group on Reduction of Pressures from the Baltic Sea Catchment Area (HELCOM PRESSURE 6-2017), cf. input - not being able to delineate the responsibilities with MARITIME Group; . 52nd Meeting of the Heads of Delegation (HELCOM HOD 52-2017), cf. input - resulting in a task to HELCOM MARITIME to consider this issue further, include it into the Work Programme and report to HODs; . 17th Meeting of the HELCOM Maritime Working Group (MARITIME 17-2017), both the report and presentation. Based on the discussion, CCB was invited to provide further evaluation of potential loss of nutrients (N and P) and not just commercial product; meeting also tasked HELCOM Secretariat to circulate a questionnaire to the Contracting Parties in order to check, verify and update port-specific information on amounts of fertilisers handled, handling technologies, cargo and stormwater management applied before the next meeting in 2018. o CCB included a call for keeping these potential sources of nutrient pollution on HELCOM’s agenda within the revision of the BSAP for the inputs to 2018 Ministerial Meeting in Brussels Inventory/mapping of fur, horse, goat/sheep and other type of farms, not covered by part II Annex III of the Helsinki Convention with evaluation of their potential impacts on the Baltic Sea catchment and the sea itself. o CCB started compilation of background materials from Eurostat, national agricultural and veterinary agencies, research on animal welfare, as well as associations of equestrian and fur farms and media sources, see below . Materials of non-conventional animal husbandry . Working document on fur farming data in the BSR. 33
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
Area B. Working Downstream / Working at Sea and Coast
The MSFD as a part of the Integrated Marine Policy is the key legislative action and process in the EU to improve the holistic management of our seas. The directive links together the agreed regional BSAP with WFD as well as the CFP and other EU environmental legislation and strategies effecting marine ecosystems or its species such as e.g. the HD, applicable for salmon and porpoise). In a few cases, MSFD is the only/main driving force for a new area such as marine litter. As such MSFD, in the eyes of CCB, is and has always been a legislation to complement and support implementation of agreed HELCOM targets and in part make them legally binding. The holistic ecosystem based approach of the MSFD also requires a holistic view of the valid legislations. In a sense, MSFD connects to all EU environmental legislation impacting the seas, but Area B of the Biannual Strategy focuses on subareas representing pressures and needed measures at sea and not upstream. Almost all CCB working areas are or can be connected to MSFD Descriptors, underscoring the importance of this Directive for CCB. The reason to separate out subsections in Area B in topics rather than following for e.g. MSFD division of GES Descriptors is that a) represent CCB priorities and where we see opportunities or need to reach improvements, b) other directives or policies have a very direct impact on topic at hand, and c) other expert groups or arenas for participation are relevant with new/other stakeholders and target audiences that require a different strategy. Yet the overarching objective, strategy, arenas and channels used covering the entire B section are all linked to fully utilize the MSFD and its crosslinks to other regulations as an instrument to improve our marine environment!
These FPA objectives were perceived by CCB while implementing the work within Area B:
1.1 Ensure coherence in implementation of the ecosystem approach through MSFD and BSAP related to eutrophication, biodiversity, sea-floor integrity and alien species (env/clim). 1.2 Focus on adapting to climate change in relation to CCB priorities, underlining the need to incorporate climate change adaption into policies and management ranging from migratory fish species (e.g. salmon) to eutrophication (env/clim). 1.3 Secure coherent CFP implementation with other environmental acquis i.e. MSFD and BSAP via the implementation of Multi-Annual Plan for Baltic Sea fisheries (env). 1.6 Ensure implementation of the EU and HELCOM conservation goals and measures to save, protect and restore vulnerable and critically endangered species (including wild Baltic salmon, European eel and harbour porpoise) in the BSR (env/clim). 1.7 Support actions to protect threatened species, e.g. harbour porpoises, and habitats and minimize negative anthropogenic impacts on those within existing and proposed new MPAs (env) 1.8 Support coherent and ecosystem-based Maritime Spatial Planning in the Baltic Sea in combination with other policy instruments including coastal zone management, strategic environmental assessment, designation of marine protected areas, and limiting environmentally harmful activities (env) 1.10 Raise awareness with planners/decision-makers on the importance of sea-floor integrity and increase involvement in securing ecological functions of wide-spread bottoms, resulting in a wider application of EIA/SEA with sand/gravel extraction projects (env) 2.4 Continue CCB role as leading NGO on aquaculture in the BSR, coordinating and raising capacity in CCB MOs concerning aquaculture problems and possibilities (env) 2.5 Improve knowledge about and facilitate Baltic citizens’ participation in monitoring and reporting alien and rare species. Support development of new reporting tool that can be spread in all BSR countries (env/clim) 2.6 Support reaching common understanding and adopting guidelines on ecosystem approach, transboundary consultation and co-operation as well as public participation in MSP work (env/clim) 2.7 Continue raising awareness and knowledge on marine litter problem to reach RAP ML and MSFD goals, i.e. advocate improved waste management and understanding of costs and threats to the Baltic marine environment (env). 2.11 Participate and coordinate, together with other European NGOs via ESEC network, support to implementation of MSFD, including in the review and development of the next MSFD cycle (env) 3.1 Ensure that finalization of EU MSFD Programmes of Measures takes into account relevant conservation goals and improve the review process by securing more joint actions and joint indicators for next cycle and best value for money spent (env/clim) 3.2 Support development of BAT and BEP application in aquaculture (env) 3.4 Advocate for EU policies implementation, supported by EU subsidies, that would safeguard that public money will be used for public goods, related to EU environmental policies and goals (CFP, EMFF) (env)
B1. Reaching Good Environmental Status - Implementing MSFD 34
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
The activities in this area have been carried out
Fully Mainly Partially Limited
B1.1, B1.2 NGOs role in implementation of the MSFD Programme of Measures (PoMs)
Specific sub-area objectives: Support and coordinate national NGOs’ participation in MSFD and PoMs implementation (env); Ensure that finalization of MS PoMs creates added value to relevant conservation goals and have an acceptable level of policy and regional coherence (env); Strengthen alliance and coordinate efforts with other NGOs working on MSFD implementation (env); Securing an improvement of the Commission’s decision on criteria and methodological standards on good environmental status of marine waters (2010/477/EU) during ongoing revision process (env).
Activities: See also interlinked work in section B1.7 on marine litter, connected to CCB activities on MSFD, as well as B1.3 Fisheries a) CCB Secretariat will develop the necessary policy briefings and statements that help national CCB members when engaging the national implementation of MSFD e.g.: - Underlining completion of PoM and the new Commissions decision Commissions decision on criteria and methodological standards of GES in sync with e.g. CFP b) CCB together with international NGO partners and CCB members as programs are made in national languages will in 2016 make an assessment of the PoMs and the development process. - Short evaluation of parts of the PoMs: list if consultations have been acceptable, assess quality of measures and if they are new or existing, relevant parts missing and good examples c) CCB will in cooperation with international NGO partners support implementation of MSFD and securing an updated Commissions decision on criteria and methodological standards on GES - Create possibility of joint statement from workshops and give priorities for future work for CCB Activity fully implemented, but note that main elements of activity was done in 2016
Results and Evidence: The new Commissions Decision (2017/848) laying down criteria and methodological standards on good environmental status is now final and to a large extent cover CCBs priorities. The empowerment of regional seas conventions is in place and fisheries is underlined as central. CCB members are today familiar with MSFD, are working with parts of the Descriptors, are well informed of the important linkages between HELCOM BSAP, the MSFD as well as the WFD. CCB secretariat has specifically focused on getting CCBs members to take part in the HELCOM work focused on setting agreed levels for GES and on individual topics such as marine litter. This increased capacity will serve well for the coming restarting of the MSFD cycle and important update of the BSAP in coming years. MSFD (MSCG) CFP links to the MSFD and mutual fulfilment is stated in CFP objectives. CCB has continuously called for alignment, to make the Descriptor 3 fully operational and underline the importance to address fisheries better to be able to reach GES for several descriptors. CCB sent a letter to DG Envi team regarding a document presented to Marine and Water Directors meeting in June 2017. The letter is supportive but underlines a risk of neglecting MSFD holistic approach by prioritising only certain aspects. CCB also made and sent a joint NGO reaction to the outcome of the Marine and Water Directors meeting June 15-16th 2017, meeting report here, pointing to the problem with Regional Seas Conventions and lack of or at best unclear mandate regarding use of fisheries data and data collection issues. Find the NGO comments here CCB participated in the MSCG meeting in May 2017 to present the report on combating micro plastic pollution using wetlands as a low tech end of pipe solution. CCBs presentation to the MSCG here.
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CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
One main purpose of the presentation and report was to feed into the plastic strategy work with tool boxes and good examples. NGO report on MSFD PoMs made primarily by CCB partner Seas at Risk but with CCBs active support
B1.3 Fisheries – Implementing the CFP and EU environmental policies Specific sub-area objectives: Improve accountability and secure a correct implementation of CFP via a transparent and participatory regionalisation process (env); Strengthen and coordinate representation of Baltic NGOs in the BSAC, BALTFISH and HELCOM FISH (env); Reduced conflict and improved consistency between environmental and fishery management objectives when implementing CFP (env); Technical details and safeguards in the new Baltic Sea multiannual management plan are linked to the goals in the MSFD and potentially also address recreational fishing (env). Activities: Covering the three main arenas BALTFISH, BSAC and HELCOM, CCBs activities to secure transparent regionalisation and accountability of the implementation of CFP has been: a) Coordination and participation in BSAC and BALTFISH meetings with explicit activities to: - Help prepare joint statements from the NGO group (other interests group) in BSAC; - Prepare and coordinate input also to BALTFISH and its working groups; - Take lead in trying to re-establish a salmon working group in BSAC and demanding a new chair that is not from the fishing industry. Activity fully implemented b) Participation in all BALTFISH meetings and consultations in 2017. CCB will especially highlight the need to better organise the work and ensure BALTFISH adheres to openness and transparency. - CCB will create and present organisational proposals to improve accountability; - Suggest a permanent secretariat or focal point of BALTFISH and that coordination is best done by placing a focal point/contact person at HELCOM Secretariat. Activity fully implemented
To foster improved and more coherent CFP implementation CCB activities will focus on: 36
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017 c) Make policy briefs on fishery management in Natura 2000/Baltic MPAs and the MSFD requirements in Art. 13.4: - Including legal implications and clarify the existing case law on the matter of Natura 2000 areas and fishery activities in such areas; - Clarifying the requirements and links between the MSFD and CFP especially the Descriptor 3 criteria’s for reaching GES, and inclusion of more species in landing obligation rules. Activity fully implemented (see also section B1.5) d) Impact of recreational fishing and improved management (cf. C1 of relevance for salmon management). During 2016-2017 target recreational fisheries (nets and traps) making an short report with assessing impact of proposals on (1) Different rules for recreational fishing, (2) Effects recreational fisheries has on fish stocks, (3) Proposals for actions to improve management to also include rec. fishing in management plan; and (4) Improved catch reporting and data from recreational fisheries e.g. by examples from Ireland and Germany. Activity fully implemented
Results and Evidence: CCB work related to fisheries is very much linked, not only the implementation of the CFP, but to the overarching goal of reaching GES. CCB has consistently in HELCOM, BSAC, Baltfish etc returned to the need to change focus in management from “fish” to “sea”. We can see how a more ecosystem based thinking is emerging. Across the processes and groups CCB engages in, we can clearly see CCBs impact in work plans and discussions and CCBs impact is increasing. a) BSAC CCB has participated and been the lead responsible actor in both preparations before meetings, coordinating participating NGOs views, as well as drafting text proposals (especially regarding eel as a late EC consultation during summer, CCB was the only NGO of the BSAC OIG group in office at the time) and sending comments after meetings etc. CCB has a leading role among the NGOs in BSAC. BSACs new working group on ecosystem based management that CCB chairs has held 2 meetings during 2017, both initiated by CCB. The EBM group has focused on introducing what ecosystem based management is and opened a discussion about fishing and seal interaction. The second meeting 2017 was dedicated to reacting to the BALTFISH draft proposal of a new salmon management plan. CCB was the lead coordinator of NGO input regarding salmon drafted initial reactions to the Baltfish proposal before the BSAC meeting. In driving the activity to initiate and take charge of the EBM group, and in the same group addressing the salmon issue, in effect CCB has achieved exactly what we set out to do in the application. o BSAC EBM Meeting documents: . Agenda EBM WG meeting 20170328 and the meeting report . Agenda from EBM meeting 2017003, the meeting report. o Noteworthy reports . BSAC reply to BALTFISH regarding salmon management . BSAC response to EC regarding eel management, includes NGO statements o All other BSAC meetings CCB participated in 2017, minutes and documents, cf. here: . ExCom 20170131, Warsaw . BSAC pre-meeting to BALTFISH 20170426, Berlin . The BSAC excom 20170511 where CCB, Nils Höglund, was confirmed as Chair of the new working group on ecosystem based management . BSAC pre-meeting Before BALTFISH 20170831 meeting on e.g. TACs, LO and eel, Copenhagen . ExCom 20171107, Gdynia b) BALTFISH IMPORTANT NOTE: all activities or participant lists linked to BALTFISH lack evidence since there are no official records of meetings, there are no public minutes or reports and no website for Baltfish. CCB here provide our own inputs to Baltfish in written form and can note the meeting dates.
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CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
CCB has participated in all 3 open Baltfish meetings during 2017, two in Germany and one in Denmark. CCB has brought forwards several suggestions regarding Baltfish work plan, transparency, the Baltic multiannual plan, updates of the landing obligation. CCB has continued to underline the lack of cross policy and cross sectoral governance. BALTFISH in particular has been targeted with the need for wider considerations than just looking at TACs and the work in HELCOM needs better links to fisheries. As input to discussion on transparency, CCB has made a “dummy website” for Baltfish, observe that the site is not online at the moment. Screen shots of the website start page and website news section. CCB has also registered the site www.baltfish.eu and www.baltfish.org and has informed the member states that CCB will hand over these sites for free if Baltfish promises to utilise the site to share all information with the public. Baltfish forum joint WS with BSAC on landing obligation, Hamburg 20170309, agenda and presentations Baltfish forum in Berlin 20170426: o CCB input regarding needed changes to current regional landing obligation rules o Agenda and draft proposal for LO update from German Chair Baltfish forum in Copenhagen 20170831 Agenda, Baltfish work program and NGO input to TAC for 2019. The NGO input was presented at the meeting. c) HELCOM Fish, and subgroup Fish Migratory species CCB has during 2017 participated in HELCOM meetings in the fishery related groups, FISH, FISH-M and the Correspondence group on Aquaculture. Main focus has been on aquaculture and migratory species (salmon, eel) CCB has written and presented several papers regarding eel and cod as well as problems with recreational fisheries to HELCOM, for example highlighting the substantial amounts of lost nets and lack of control. CCB updated report on recreational fisheries is to be presented and distributed in several HELCOM group, including to Heads of Delegation: CCB 2017 report on recreational fisheries in the Baltic Sea region o Parts of the report’s findings and proposals have already been sent to HELCOM and presented by CCB. See below link HELCOM FISH-M 2-2016, Minutes and participants d) Recreational fishing report
During 2017 CCB concluded a comprehensive report of what the recreational fishing sector looks like in the Baltic Sea region, in all waters both marine and inland. The report is a much extended and updated version of report made in 2016. Interest in the sector has increased over past years and CCBs report is the most comprehensive compilation of figures of amount of fishermen, catches and rules in place regulating recreational fishing. The report was done in 2017 but it was not presented until after the New Year due to the planned BALTFISH forum meeting about recreational fishing 20180129. The report will be continuously be presented and used during 2018. (See also C 1 Salmon) The report contains a set of recommendations and clear demands, such as immediate closing of recreational fishing for eel. All CCB recommendations for managing the sector are present already in one or more of the Baltic countries. The findings and facts in the report will be very important during discussions on salmon management in 2018 as significant numbers of salmon are taking in the recreational sector. Report Dedicated communication CCBs presentation of the report at BALTFISH Baltfish agenda
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CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
CCB input and proposal to HELCOM FISH 6, May 2017 regarding a project to assess ghost nets from recreational fishing. CCBs proposal was supported and HELCOM FISH will return to the subject with outline on how to assess losses of nets as noted in meeting outcomes point 6.36 Other fishery topics covered Technical Measures Framework (TMF) CCB has spent considerable amount of time and effort to both deliver input to the BSAC on TMF, but also work towards the MS directly and engaged MEPs in European parliament. CCB participated and spoke at MEP G. Mato exchange of views on TMF January 25th, 2017. Invitation here BSAC position on TMF final version 2017 Joint NGO statement on the TMF EP hearing event - landing obligation CCB was invited to EP as a speaker at a hearing on 25th of April 2017 to present NGO views on the implementation of the Landing obligation. Event program and given presentation Examples of actions, CCB website, Facebook and twitter posts related to fisheries: Two Joint NGO statements to EP representatives, to PECH comm. and plenary to uphold the principle of not allowing subsidies for vessel construction when voting on the own initiative report on the “Management of the fishing fleets in the outermost regions” Examples of twits - 9 Feb 2017 Germans and Danes doing their best to break the rules of cod closure in Baltic Sea?@EU_MARE @Europarl_EN @EFCA_EU - 1 Mar 2017 NGO helped highlight the nonsense of trawling during cod closure. Clearly @EU_MARE @EP_Fisheries must keep tabs on MS also in future #TMF - 17 Mar 2017 101 NGOs urge @EP_Fisheries to vote against the reintroduction of harmful fisheries subsidies to defend #SDG14 http://www.ccb.se/?p=7808 - 20 Apr 2017 Fisheries subsidies must be removed not introduced.110 orgs ask MEPs to keep ban & support #sdg14 in vote 27 april. http://www.ccb.se/?p=8082 - 31 May 2017 ICES new TAC advice for Baltic stocks 2018. Cod TAC: West -58% and East -32% http://bit.ly/2qzOamp #anddiscardingcontinues #SDG14 ? - 2 Jun 2017 Solutions to halt unsustainable fishing: 1. follow scientific advice 2. dont use gears that catch wrong fish. #notsodifficult #GES #sdg14 - 10 Oct 2017 Another late night #agrifish another TAC way to high for cod and lets not even talk about #eel Sincere thx 2 those that argued for #CFP #MSY - 6 Oct 2017 Lasse Gustafsson at #OurOcean: how come known and blacklisted IUU criminals can get insurance? global guidelines for insurers needed! - 5 Oct 2017 Indonesian Minister of Fisheries at #OurOcean: we decided and enforced sinking any fishing boat detected in IUU. Bold, but needed step! - 14 Aug 2017 CCB welcome @EllemannKaren as new fisheries minister. We hope for equal opportunities for fishermen and ecosystem. - 19 Dec 2017 What does a collapsed cod stock look like? Baltic cod seems to match: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574768/ … The environmental boundaries are not optional or negotiable, but we can decide how we fish. #CFPreality #GES #everysecondbreath #Iamthebaltic #aretheystillfishingthis? Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1316252541786285 - https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1340290879382451 - https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1488070544604483
B1.4 Aquaculture - Implementing the CFP and EU environmental policies During the programme period 2016-2017 CCBs focus has been: Specific sub-area objectives: Coordinate and increase knowledge and capacity in CCB MOs concerning aquaculture (env);
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CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
Secure relevant use of public money to improve sustainability of aquaculture (env); Securing environmental objectives in development of the aquaculture sector by supporting Best Available Technology (BAT) and Best Environmental Practice in national strategic plans (env); Ensure national aquaculture plans and strategies match agreed goals of regional and EU policy principles such as reaching Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) for all fish stocks (env);
Activities: CCB work has been focused on spreading knowledge about aquaculture and via the joint activity to scrutinize national aquaculture strategies and developing joint statements on what we consider BAT is and should be, creating more substance on good examples of functioning and profitable operations that NGOs support. Activities listed are followed by results and evidence with same listing letter below. a) Create a short aquaculture fact sheet with CCB views on pro/cons, e.g. on type of fish and farming. - Materials are to be translated to at least 4 languages (in 2016) to have better reach nationally; - Project includes updates of existing CCB material but also including new details on BAT for fish farm operations and feed options. Activity fully implemented (2016) b) Initiate a review how public EMFF money is spent after 2 years of use of the new EMFF with focus on MS strategy and rules for using funds - Check what is supported and on what grounds this qualifies as sustainable; - Specifically look at support to innovations and land based systems; - Present the report to EC, EP and MS. Activity mainly implemented c) Coordinate and support joint work with the other NGOs networks and regions on aquaculture in the ESEC cooperation. Share information, write joint statements and organize events inviting all interested NGOs on EU level. Especially joint input to new aquaculture advisory council (Aquaculture Advisory Councils, AACs, are not fully established yet) is relevant coming years. Activity fully implemented
Results and Evidence: CCBs engagement in aquaculture is evident in the network as well as in the fora CCB participates in. Aquaculture is now a known topic and thanks to the work on scrutinizing national aquaculture strategies the expertise has increased in several of CCBs member organisations. Current developments in some
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CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
Baltic countries clearly points to a need for CCB to continue this work and support our members, engage on regional level and push for BAT. a) CCB has jointly made and translated a short statement on Best Available Technology (BAT) supporting CCB members on preferred type of aquaculture. CCB has prepared a short statement on aquaculture BAT with pros and cons and it is available here in English and German (more translations here) CCB materials and statements on aquaculture have been used by CCB members nationally and several processes (permits, consultations) nationally have taken place where NGOs proposals have been presented. The intensified MSP discussions in the region will further stress the need for well-informed NGOs and joint positions, and CCB is well equipped to handle the aquaculture in such discussions. The Weser court case has shed further light on how the WFD rules should be interpreted with regards to also aquaculture and CCB has started to make a legal briefing on aquaculture and the Weser court case. CCB has in line with the furthering of BAT pushed the matter in HELCOM part in the work during 2017, in the Aquaculture Correspondence Group (ACG) and in HELCOM FISH: HELCOM FISH 6, May 2017. CCB input about BAT and aquaculture related to an important court case settled in Sweden, building strongly on the ECJ Weser case to HELCOM FISH 6, cf. Minutes. HELCOM ACG meeting, September 2017: CCB sent input regarding the basis for developing BAT concepts within the framework of the Helsinki Convention. CCB contribution and proposals at the meeting is clearly shown in the annex 2 to the outcome of the meeting. CCB proposed a matrix to prioritise and assessment criteria to consider when continuing the BAT discussion and this was accepted by the meeting. CCB was asked also to Chair the group but declined for the moment, pending internal discussion at CCB secretariat. b)The review of EU Members states aquaculture strategies and use of public money was initiated in 2016 but main work was done during 2017. Draft Project layout can be found here. This activity is only mainly concluded as evaluation of how money actually has been spent has proven difficult because several Member States have been only recently started distributing money. CCB will have to continue work on this evaluation during 2018. The 2017 Initial assessment of the national strategies is done and available here, and annex to report containing national details. CCB considers this a draft report as it needs actual spending examples and cases to be complete. However, the initial assessment of national aquaculture strategies shows significant gaps and CCB considers such gaps already represent a breach of the rules of for example EMFF. CCB has not yet disseminated any results but we have in meetings with MEPs offices mentioned initial results and underlined continued importance for the EP to follow spending and implementation of CFP/EMFF ambitions for aquaculture. Findings and recommendations will be presented during 2018 to identified channels, including the EC, EP and HELCOM countries. c) CCB has decided not to take direct part in the new Advisory Council on Aquaculture based in Brussels for capacity reasons and has instead supported our member organisation Finnish Association for Nature Conservation participation in the Council. CCB has also during 2016-2017 assisted NGOs participating in the AAC preparation work and especially during formation of the AC:s rules and procedures. CCB has during 2017 had continuous discussions with the main partner organisation outside CCB, Seas At Risk. Cooperation has been concentrated around similar work to review development of sustainable aquaculture nationally. Examples of twitter posts related to aquaculture - 1 Mar 2017 Retweeted CCB dk member protesting against unsustainable fish farming. Our vision for best available tech here http://bit.ly/2mKdnnQ . #GES #dkpol Danmarks Natur @DanmarksNatur Natur og befolkning betaler for regeringens plan om mere forureningen til havs. Stop det! #dkpol #dkgreen #gyllegate http://www.dn.dk/nyheder/nye-havbrug-vil-oge-forurening/ … - 31 Mar 2017 Land based fish farms are already smartest, now also gaining econ. traction. RAS only possible path in #balticsea - 16 Aug 2017 Retweeted Very interesting and positive results of making salmon grow on alternative diet. #yeswecan #ras Freshwater Institute @FreshwaterInsti Curious what happens when Atlantic #salmon are fed #zerofishmeal diet? We were too. Our latest research- https://goo.gl/9CTUrg #openaccess
B1.5 Harbour Porpoise and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) 41
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
The Baltic population of harbour porpoise, a small toothed whale, is critically endangered (IUCN Red List, HELCOM Red List) and inaction is risking a complete loss, something that is not acceptable under the 7th EAP. Results from the SAMBAH project on the status and distribution of porpoises confirms that we only have approximately 500 porpoises left in the Baltic Proper as well as a distinct separation of porpoises in the Baltic during reproduction period giving strong evidence of a separate Baltic Proper population. The main threats to the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise is considered to be bycatch in gillnet fisheries, environmental contaminants and underwater noise. Climate change (CC) impact on porpoise is not clear. Harbour porpoise as an HD species should be addressed also as part of the MSFD implementation, and because of major bycatch problems also in the frame of the CFP as mentioned in B1.3. Fisheries management measures in MPAs have been discussed for years but are still largely lacking.
Specific sub-area objectives: Promote and support designation of new MPAs in 2016-2017 for harbour porpoises and secure that management measures in the new and existing MPAs are adapted to porpoise protection (env); Secure regionally agreed measures safeguarding porpoises outside protected areas e.g. noise reduction and seasonal fishing gear limitations (env); Raise awareness about the Baltic whale, harbour porpoise and strengthen public engagement in sighting and reporting harbour porpoise (env);
Activities: CCB has focused on MPAs dedicated for harbour porpoises, working to make sure management plans are established with particular focus on harbour porpoise. CCB has continued to put pressure on MS and specifically Sweden, to act on the new knowledge available, pushing for taking measures. After the designation in December 2016 of the most important breeding area for the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise, the most important focus of CCB has been to work for a relevant management plan for this area, and to highlight both new and existing measures in the light of seasonal distribution of porpoises. To do this, CCB has addressed BALTFISH (cf B1.3 on fisheries) to bring fisheries measures in MPAs forward, specifically issues such as fisheries measures, regional and seasonal variations and fisheries’ closures outside MPAs. CCB has also had direct communication with active fishermen through a series of meetings which will continue after the reporting period, with the ambition to reach a common understanding on fisheries measures and/or regulations needed. Furthermore, CCB has held the position of chair in the ASACOBANS Jastarnia Group for many years, and will keep this position in the foreseeable future. The main activities have been to: a) Develop proposals pinpointing areas and measures for porpoise under HD, MSFD and CFP implementation, with creation of MPAs/Natura 2000 sites as main result. Under this activity, CCB was involved in pushing for designation of MPAs, which led to the Swedish designation of a large Natura 2000 area for harbour porpoises and seabirds in the Baltic Proper in December 2016. Since then, focus has been on dialogue with authorities and stakeholders to ensure a relevant management of this area. b) Development of CCB-proposals for seasonal limitations of fishing gear in high density porpoise areas outside MPAs as a faster way to get measures operational. Given that the most important area for the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise was designated as a Natura 2000 area in 2016, focus has been on pushing for management of this area, and less on measures outside MPAs. However, this dialogue, especially on the use of porpoise deterrent devices, is ongoing in international forums such as the ASCOBANS Jastarnia group. c) Support development of a project to spread and facilitate public monitoring of porpoise in the Baltic Sea. A project called Cetobase was initiated by the German Oceanographic Museum on Stralsund and was supported by CCB. A CCB representative also participated in a workshop on the subject in conjunction to the Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society in Middelfart, Denmark on 29 April 2017. Unfortunately, the project was not granted funding in 2017, but CCB continues 42
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
to follow and support the development on this issue and similar initiatives. The issue is also discussed under the HELCOM SEAL expert group and the ASCOBANS Jastarnia group. d) Continue to raise public awareness of existence of the Baltic tooth whale, harbour porpoise. CCB considers Baltic porpoise to be a very good example to use to increase “ocean literacy” and public interest in marine protection. During 2017 CCB has increased its dissemination on the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise, especially focusing on the Swedish general public since the most important area for harbour porpoises are situated in Swedish waters, but also aimed at an international audience. A leaflet on harbour porpoise bycatch mitigation measures has been created in Swedish, in collaboration with WWF. Additionally, in the autumn of 2017 CCB commissioned a Polish artist to create a sculpture of a harbour porpoise from ghost nets recovered during the MARELITT Baltic project. Given that bycatch in fishing gear, including ghost nets, is one of the main threats to porpoises, the material has a certain symbolic value. The sculpture is quite large (~2 m high) and will serve as a center piece for events in the future.
Results and Evidence: - During 2017, at the 13th meeting of the ASCOBANS Jastarnia Group, the CCB Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Working Area leader Ida Carlén was elected chair of the group, replacing Rüdiger Strempel after many years of well-conducted work. - Ida Carlén also represented CCB at the 23rd Meeting of the ASCOBANS Advisory Committee, and reported from the recent Jastarnia Group meeting. At this AC meeting it was decided by parties to employ a harbour porpoise conservation plan coordinator for all three harbour porpoise conservation plans (the Jastarnia Plan, the Western Baltic, Belt Sea and Kattegat plan and the North Sea plan). This has been called for many years, and is expected to increase work carried out under the three plans, including the Jastarnia plan. - Ida Carlén also represented CCB at the 11th HELCOM SEAL expert group meeting, where harbour porpoises are also discussed, as well as HELCOM STATE & CONSERVATION 6 and 7. As the chair of the ASCOBANS Jastarnia group this participation, together with an exchange of letters between the two bodies on core indicator development, initiated a much needed closer collaboration between HELCOM and the Jastarnia Group. - In January 2017, a project funded by the Baltic Sea Conservation Foundation on development on management actions for the then proposed Natura 2000 area for harbour porpoises on the Baltic Proper Offshore banks was initiated. This project is based mainly on stakeholder involvement, a public information campaign and lobbying relevant authorities in Sweden. Within the scope of this project, CCB has been talking to fishermen fishing in the new MPA, including them in the stakeholder dialogue which is conducted in collaboration with the responsible County Administrative Boards in Sweden. This project is based upon the designation of a large Natura 2000 area for the Baltic Sea porpoise on and around the offshore banks south of Gotland in the Baltic Proper in December 2016. - Within the project funded by BaltCF, a Facebook page dedicated to the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise has been opened. This page is in Swedish, focusing on making the Swedish general public aware of the plight of the Baltic harbour porpoise, the special responsibility coming with having the most important breeding area in Swedish waters, the protected area and to encourage support for applying efficient management actions in this area. There is also a web page in Swedish on the CCB website. 43
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- CCB Member Organisations have been informed about the harbour porpoise situation in the Baltic Sea through a presentation at the CCB Annual Conference held in Rostock, Germany in May 2017, and through the CCB summer course Our Common Baltic held in Hel, Poland in July 2017. - CCB has collated information on websites that can be used to report harbour porpoise sightings in different countries around the Baltic Sea. This information is still valid and is available in the CCB informational brochure on the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise. The brochure is available in English, Swedish, Danish, Polish, German and Estonian, and is continuously used in dissemination activities. - The issue of spreading and facilitating the public monitoring and reporting of harbour porpoise sightings and strandings, as well as streamlining this on a Baltic Regional level, was included in the project Cetobase initiated by the German Oceanographic Museum (GOM) in 2017. CCB also participated in a workshop on the subject at the European Cetacean Sociaty annual conference in Middelfart, Denmark. The Cetobase project was not granted funding in 2017, but the issue is discussed for example in the ASCOBANS Jastarnia group (see AP20). - The harbour porpoise sculpture made from ghost nets will be used as a center piece in CCB and other events during 2018 and onwards - Documents and information material: o Harbour porpoise information web site in Swedish: o Harbour porpoise bycatch mitigation measures, leaflet in Swedish together with WWF - ASCOBANS: o Participation in the 13th meeting of the ASCOBANS Jastarnia Group, see meeting report o Participation in the 23rd ASCOBANS Advisory Committee, cf. meeting action points - HELCOM: o Participation in the 11th HELCOM ad hoc Seal Expert Group Meeting, cf. outcomes - Social media: o All posts on https://www.facebook.com/Raddatumlaren/ o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1377888488956023 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1370434879701384 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1371321319612740 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1329712797106926 o https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/912959344328806400
B1.6 Sea-floor Integrity: marine sand and gravel extraction Mineral extraction in the Baltic Sea is an emerging problem, where existing legal possibilities are rarely used, and policy ambitions not reached. Most BSR countries are extracting sand or gravel from the seabed for commercial use and beach nourishment. These activities are of special concern because they may affect habitats assessed as being threatened and/or declining in the Baltic Sea and have been categorized as one of significant pressures on the Baltic ecosystem. EU EIA Directive addresses interventions in natural surroundings/landscape including extraction of mineral resources/extraction of minerals by marine dredging. However, Many Baltic extraction projects for sand/gravel are performed without EIA, not obligatory in many countries (because such projects are no longer in EIA Annex), in shallow coastal areas, and also adjacent to or inside Natura 2000 sites, and often without transboundary consultations. Important sea-bottom feeding areas for birds, have been very problematic to protect with reference to BD. HELCOM has repeatedly called at Ministerial level for coherent use of MSP in combination with other policy instruments including coastal zone management, strategic environmental assessment, designation of marine protected areas to protect biodiversity/bottom ecosystem. In the course of implementing the Biannual Strategic Plan it became evident that NGOs monitoring of the permit processes of the Fehmarn belt fixed link between Denmark and Germany has been successful and no additional efforts needed. However, within the same period a new large infrastructure project has emerged with an environmental impact of a Baltic-wide scale – both at the bottom integrity and coastal areas. It is a proposal to construct 1200-km long Nord Stream II gas pipeline across the whole Baltic with a landfalls in Germany and Russia. Taking into account the urgency of the NGO’s engagement into the issue, CCB has decided to divert respective actions towards the Nord Stream II case.
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Specific sub-area objectives: Advocate for descriptor 6 of MSFD goals, where sea-floor integrity must be achieved for widespread/predominant habitats and ecological functions (sea-floor substrate and biota), in the review process for the next MSFD-cycle (see also sections B1.1, B1.2) (env); Raise awareness of planners and decision-makers on importance of sea-floor integrity and increased involvement in securing ecological functions of wide-spread sea-bottoms (env); Enhanced application of EIA and SEA on sand/gravel extraction projects in BSR (env); Ensure that an environmental permit for the Fehmarn belt fixed link DenmarkGermany demands the most resource-efficient solution and minimized environmental impact on the Baltic Sea marine ecosystem. Ensure wide stakeholder participation in the permitting procedure (env). This objective has been replaced with “Ensure wide public participation in the EIA process in relation to the planned Nord Stream II gas pipeline project to secure that environmental impacts on Baltic marine and coastal ecosystem are minimised” (env/clim)
Activities: a. Actively contribute to the Refinement process for MSFD Descriptor 6 criteria via participation in official MSCG-process and GES working group meetings, written correspondence, consultation with experts etc.(See also B1.1, B1.2) – the work has continued in 2017 with following the correspondence at EU and HELCOM level; i.a. it included providing comments to the first version of the State of the Baltic Sea Report that stresses the importance of Descriptor 6 and that the situation in the Baltic Sea is far from reaching GES with regards to its criteria. b. Publish a leaflet (in English, Danish, German, Polish) on beach nourishment using marine sand and gravel that will outline the potential problematic consequences of this practice to make planners and deciders more aware of relevant EU legislation, potential problems and compensation needs; A compilation of available national information and awareness raising materials has continued (taking into account publications by BUND-Friends of the Earth Germany and the activities of the Baltic Green Belt project). c. Engage in information of relevant regional and local authorities involved in marine mineral extraction issues. Contacts and distribution of produced leaflets to authorities; this activity within 2017 addressed the issue of protection coastal strip with a special focus on Latvia, where a campaign “Saving the Latvian Dunes” was re-launched in 2016 and continued in 2017. Latvian Green Movement, Coalition Clean Baltic and Friedrich Ebert Foundation have jointly arranged the International conference on “Sustainable Development Goals: To Raise Public Awareness in Building 45
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Sustainable Communities around the Baltic Sea” which took place on 26-27 September 2017 at the Baltic Beach Hotel in Jūrmala, Latvia. At the conference participants have addressed the region’s sustainable development solutions in coastal areas to provide both nature protection and accessibility by building and renovating tourism infrastructure in the coastal dune areas. d. Engage and monitor the planning permit process for the Fehmarn Belt link, lobby for minimizing impacts as demanded by MSFD and HD, command reduced sand extraction activities and propose alternative solutions. Monitor that the legal procedures will be followed. This activity is carefully followed by German and Danish CCB members on a constant basis. This activity has been completed in 2016 with successful and efficient engagement of NGOs in monitoring of permitting process. In 2017 it was decided that the focus should rather turn into ensuring wide public participation of civil society organizations in Environmental Impact Assessment of the Nord Stream II project. Main focus of the campaign was on protection of unique Nature Protected Area – Kurgalsky Peninsula that is located at the border with Estonia, is included in the network of HELCOM Baltic Sea Marine Protected Areas and RAMSAR Convention list of protected wetlands of international importance. There is no site of equal importance and value in terms of nature conservation and protection of biodiversity in the Russian part of the Gulf of Finland. Within the campaign other environmental impacts of the proposed project were also addressed throughout the whole Baltic Sea, e.g. underwater noise in relation to harbour porpoise, impacts on fisheries and sea bottom, impacts in the German landfall. Campaign consisted of advocacy at policy and expert level to HELCOM and EU, international organizations, national governments, investors, wide public.
Results and Evidence: The work was carried out under coordination of the CCB Working Area on Sustainable Development in Coastal and Marine Areas Within HELCOM CCB participated in the discussions at o the 6th Meeting of the Working Group on Reduction of Pressures from the Baltic Sea Catchment Area (PRESSURE 6-2017) on marine sediment extraction and presented its position about the decision of the Polish Government to construct a channel across Vistula Spit, as well as on the Nord Stream II EIA o 6th Meeting of the Working Group on the State of the Environment and Nature Conservation (STATE & CONSERVATION 6-2017), where CCB’s position about the decision of the Polish Government to construct a channel across Vistula Spit, and the concerns on the Nord Stream II EIA consultations were presented o 7th Meeting of the Working Group on Reduction of Pressures from the Baltic Sea Catchment Area (PRESSURE 7-2017), where marine sediment extraction in the Baltic Sea was also addressed o CCB provided comments to the regional consultation on HELCOM’s State of the Baltic Sea Since 2007, Save Latvian Dunes campaign was led by CCB’s MO, Latvian Green Movement (LaGM), and they have arranged campaigns every summer with different focuses. In 2017 the focus was on information and public awareness activities, as well as on the issue of accessibility to natural amenities, with following activities: o Patrolling coastal areas, public events, dissemination of those awareness raising materials. Altogether 3 Patrol Teams (PTs) were formed with 3 leaders - Andis Uzulnieks, Arturs Undrests and Janis Matulis, who made patrolling all along the Latvian Coast line in 500 km length. LaGM PTs have made 17 drives during the summer season and distributed 10 000 copies of Save Latvian Dunes brochures, 120 posters and 5 000 stickers. Brochures were left in campsites, local parking sites and private hotels/camps. Part of distributed brochures were used to warn tourists about the Latvia's laws of dunes protection and consequences if the law was violated. Thus LaGM used the method of putting the leaflets under the wipers to those drivers whose cars were parked in dune zone or too near the protected dune area. 7 LaGM members were involved in the campaign who took active part in drives to the Dune zone areas during our activities. Statistically the brochures reached out to more than 8 000 tourists directly on the sites and left about 2 000 brochures in private cafes and camps. A promotional video was also produced and uploaded to CCB’s YouTube channel o arrangement of the regional Conference “Sustainable Development Goals: To Raise Public Awareness in Building Sustainable Communities around the Baltic Sea” which took place on 26-27 September 2017 (cf. report of the conference). The aim of the conference was to bring 46
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together a group of well-placed international and Latvian practitioners, local municipality and state institution representatives, policy makers, journalists and NGOs operating in the field of Baltic Sea Region and working with Sustainability, Tourism, Economy and Regional Identity issues. Co-operation partners in this Conference were local coastal governments, the Ministry of Environment and Regional Development and Swedish Embassy in Riga. Active support to the Conference was received from Jūrmala City Council and Roja municipality. It gathered more then 100 participants from 7 Baltic Regional Countries and representatives from Belarus and Ukraine. Participation from Ukraine and Belarus was covered by DEAR project. This International Conference was a learning conference with a study visit to two sites of coastal areas – Kolka and Roja Municipality. In Kolka all the study visit participants walked through the Pine Trail and visited Kolka Cape to evaluate the accessibility of the nature sites. In Roja community we all visited one of the first nature accessibility pilot project – Roja public Beach infrastructure. o CCB submitted a joint letter to the Latvian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with a copy to DG ENV calling to refrain from allowing logging in coastal forest strip (cf. in Latvian) and the this activity was halted! CCB dedicated a lot of its efforts in 2017 and will continue in 2018 to ensure wide public participation in the EIA process of the planned Nord Stream II gas pipeline project to secure that environmental impacts on Baltic marine and coastal ecosystem are minimised: o Creation of the dedicated webpages in English and Russian o International petition launched on the website o Policy and expert advocacy at various levels . national (letters to the national governments), . HELCOM (submission of inputs and information to expert groups PRESSURE 6-2017 and STATE & CONSERVATION 6-2017 and policy level - HOD 52-2017), . EU (submission of a joint letter to the EC with WWF and Oceana, cf. also response from the EC) . global (submission of inputs to IUCN, Ramsar Convention, as well as to investors of the Nord Stream II Project, IFIs and the UN Global Compact sustainable business initiative – responses received from all the above) o Support to participation in public hearings in Russia (numerous evidences on the Russian webpage and Germany) o Support to development of the Public EIA on the Russian part of the Nord Stream II landfall (cf. Conclusions of Public Environmental Assessment and its Summary) o Media coverage . BiznesAlert.pl, Poland . Foreign Policy, USA . Süddeutsche Zeitung, Germany . Klimaretter.info, Germany . Numerous Russian media sources, cf. here o Social media outreach https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1462061670538704 https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1459644584113746 https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1432197953525076 https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1411163345628537 https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1373141362764069 https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1371321319612740 https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1368447849900087 https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1368005073277698 https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1360695337342005 https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1330077817070424 https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1253142094763997:0
B1.7 Marine Litter
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As State of Europe’s seas report (EEA, 2015) shows, marine litter (ML), largely consisting of plastic, is accumulating in the marine environment and about 80% comes from land-based activities. A recent study shows that 40 tons of microplastics originating from personal care products end up in the Baltic Sea each year. The problem is sources in unsustainable consumption and production patterns, poor waste management and the lack of public awareness. In its 2016-2017 biannual strategy, CCB continued supporting EU policies by increasing knowledge base on ML and possible risks to marine biota and human health, MSFD GES Descriptor 10, and the implementation of HELCOM RAP ML, to reach a GES of the Baltic Sea by 2020/2021 through actions aimed at preventing and reducing ML. CCB recognises a strong need for further knowledge and experience, based on regional conditions to understand environmental and socio-economic threats of ML in the Baltic Sea catchment. Also, CCB fully supports a calling on EU-wide ban of microplastics added to consumer products in order to prevent pollution of the marine environment. Specific sub-area objectives: Widen the evidence base for EU policy and support implementation of HELCOM RAP ML by bridging knowledge and data gaps in the BSR (env); Increase public awareness of the negative environmental and socio-economic effects of marine litter in the marine environment (env); Support and facilitate NGO campaigns to get consumers and producers to boycott microplastics in personal care products (env); Reach agreement in BSR to, under MSFD article 15 as a community measure, address the EC to ban the use of microplastics in consumer products (env); Advocate the need for public and industry to reshape according to the circular economy (env).
Activities: In 2016-2017 CCB addressed ML through actions to increase awareness about existence and problems of micro plastics in consumer products and other sources and the amounts, concentrations and effects these particles have in the environment, support and facilitate informed consumers choices to reduce pollution of microplastics, as well as through addressing NGO views and findings to relevant stakeholders and companies producing consumer products and request commitments from them to address the problems. In 2017 CCB raised sufficient dedicated funding continue focused activities based on already achieved baseline. The work was coordinated by CCB Working Area on Hazardous Substances and Marine Litter with interested MOs and addressed the following actions on: a. Marine litter monitoring In 2015-2016, CCB acted as a regional node and facilitator of a monitoring network in the BSR using the methodology of the EEA Marine LitterWatch (MLW) that follows the MSFD protocol for beach litter monitoring. In 2017 planned and implemented activities included: - Spreading the knowledge about ML problem for general public and various stakeholders, including online education. - Compiling information and communicating relevant CCB’s inputs on ML in the BSR to target audience (e.g. HELCOM PRESSURE and HOD meetings and national level). - Adapting MLW approach to monitoring macro-litter at river banks In general the monitoring component was shifted towards riverine inputs of litter (cf. A2.2). b. Microplastics 48
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CCB’s 2015-2016 joint NGO awareness campaign was focused on microplastics originating from personal care products accumulating in the Baltic Sea and the goal is to build regional capacity within NGOs, consumers and policy makers to increase knowledge of the sources, threats and prevention measures. In 2017 CCB has continued supporting and coordinating activities that both include follow-up work necessary to reach long-term goals on microplastics in cosmetics, but also, continued work on raising awareness and advocating policy measures to better manage other important sources of microplastics in the BSR. This included addressing textiles, paints, storm water run-off (cf. A2.2), as well as seeking and promoting cost-effective eco design solutions e.g. for washing machine waste water and WWTP treatment techniques. Planned and implemented activities include: - Continue keeping the contact with cosmetics producers (mostly at national level, by the MOs), follow-up potential voluntary phase out of microplastics and continue pressuring the industry to stop using microplastics in their products; - Constant updating national lists of PCCPs containing micropalstics (by the MOs); - Developing materials on microplastic contents in paints and textile as a start for more extensive campaign on those products - Continue raising consumer awareness and showcasing successes from previous campaign; - Testing simple methodology for qualitative public monitoring of microplastic in rivers - Presenting joint NGO statement calling BSR MS to ban microplastics in consumer products; - Produce information material/leaflet in several BSR languages on better waste management and environmental and socio-economical costs of ML and microplastics, i.e. what the public and industry can do to minimise the flow of ML/microplastics into the sea; - Translating an existing awareness video on ML and microplastics (Our Plastic, Our Problem) into national languages to be used by MOs as education material targeting younger adults. - Developing online course for CCB MOs based on UNEP´s Online Course on Marine Litter.
Results and Evidence - please link results with the corresponding evidence: Policy- and expert-level inputs and outreach o CCB’s work on marine litter (including microplastic monitoring and stormwater management) was presented to HELCOM PRESSURE 6-2017 (Outcome, input), PRESSURE 7-2017 (Outcome), HELCOM RAP ML Workshop 2-2017 (Outcome, input, presentation) o CCB Executive Secretary acted as a moderator of the Baltic Water Excellence Forum and disseminated materials on sustainable stormwater management at municipal level at the Forum of the Project on Interactive Water Management (IWAMA), organised by the Union of Baltic Cities o “Guidance on concrete ways to reduce microplastic inputs from municipal stormwater and waste water discharges” was also disseminated at UN Our Ocean 2017 Conference on Malta o CCB called for a Baltic-wide ban of microplastic in Personal Care Consumer Products at the annual meeting of Helsinki Commission (cf. HELCOM 38-2017) Microplastics in Personal Care Cosmetic Products (PCCP): o CCB and Apotea.se also wrote an op-ed piece together calling on Swedish but also all Baltic governments to take lead and develop a full ban on plastic in all kinds of cosmetic products. The article was published in 2017 here. o A part result of the actions was that Sweden together with Finland announced in 2017 (at EUSBSR annual forum and in HELCOM) that micro plastics in all personal care products will be banned o CCB MO, Polish Ecological Club in Gdansk launched a campaign promoting PCCP producers and retailers that are not producing / selling microplastic. The campaign was backed on Facebook and Twitter. o A technical report of microplastic pollution originating from textiles and paints/coatings, addressing both environmental implications and available solutions has been published on CCB’s website and will be used in public awareness and information work, as well as potentially – to address the industry. Microplastic contamination of storm- and river waters was addressed in a separate action (cf. A2.2). Within this action CCB provided the following expert and policy inputs o Water Revival Systems AB, an independent environmental consultants, produced for CCB “Guidance on concrete ways to reduce microplastic inputs from municipal stormwater and
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waste water discharges”, including (1) stormwater management implications in climate change conditions and (2) draft methodology for microplastic detection, has been finalized and published on CCB’s website. It was presented for testing and dissemination at the meeting of partners for 2017 microplastic campaign, as well as presented at the EU MSFD CG meeting as a contribution to development of the Programmes of Measures for MSFD Decsriptor 10 (marine litter). o Simple methodology for detection of microplastic in rivers, streams and other freshwater bodies has been adapted from the original Swedish version and tested by CCB’s member organizations and partners in several locations in Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia (both St.Petersburg and Kaliningrad regions) in several river basins, including Vistula and Nogat rivers (Poland), Neris/Vilya river (Belarus, and Lithuania), Neva river (St.Petersburg, Russia). In some countries (e.g. Belarus), these public monitoring brings the very first monitoring data about microplastics on national level. After testing the methodology will be included into CCB’s River Watch public monitoring manual (also in national languages) and continued on a regular basis. The screening was undertaken in several rounds throughout the whole year and its final results will be published in April 2018. Detailed information on the outcomes of the screening was presented at the Final Project’s Conference in Druskininkai, Lithuania in December 2017 Awareness raising and education on ML and microplastic o CCB webpage of Plastic Free Baltic campaign was updated with new information o CCB’s MOs and partners webpages were also updated with Plastic Free Baltic materials, e.g. Environmental Protection Club of Latvia, Polish Ecological Club / Ekoagora, Lithuanian Fund for Nature, Center for Environmental Solutions, (Belarus), Ecocentrum / Friends of the Baltic (Russia), BUND Friends of the Earth Germany o An open online training course on marine litter and microplastic pollution has been arranged from September till November 2017. The online course was viewed 2381 times, unique viewers – 628, total number of participants – 98 from more than 12 countries. The course consisted of 7 lectures (1). General information on ML and MP; sources; types, chemicals. Impact ML and MP on the environment, biodiversity, food chain (2). ML management, regulations, national and international policies (3). Possibilities of MP removal from sewage and waters (4). Health impact of plastics (5). Substitute materials to plastics in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals (6). Ways to stop ML and MP in seas and oceans, actions, consumption patterns (7). Waste source separation, with textual and video-materials and tasks. Certificates were provided after completion. Currently the course materials are available without registration. The materials were translated into German, English, Polish, Lithuanian, Latvian, Russian and Polish. o CCB contributed to the Out-to-Sea Travelling Exhibition in the Technical Museum (Tekniska Museet) of Stockholm. See further information on the outcomes of the project here. o Indicative list of videos that could be used for translation in 2017 marine litter work. Polish subtitles were added to the following videos on ML/microplastic 1. The Story of Microfibers: 2. Ocean Confetti! 3. How Much Plastic is in the Ocean? 4. The Story of Microbeads, 5. From threat into thread, 6. Preventing Our Oceans from Becoming Dumps o Numerous publications, including public outreach materials, including those in national languages, have been produced, cf. examples o On a global scale CCB actively participated in the Beat the Microbead Campaign and Break Free From Plastic Movement o As a part of CCB’s awareness raising, the harbour porpoise sculpture made from ghost nets collected from the Baltic Sea by Marelitt Baltic project has been produced and will be used as a center piece in CCB and other events during 2018 and onwards Social media Facebook o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1515298415215029 o https://www.facebook.com/events/329960367444021/ o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1453675391377332 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1324056564339216 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1322059584538914 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1300685876676285 50
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o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1294347493976790 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1271785902899616:0 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1270145889730284 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1351450511599821 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1278957528849120 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1450973888314149 Twitter o https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/923178860291563521 o https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/915893661266784257 o https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/915889347181805568 o https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/915879296027078656 o https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/915875196204126208 o https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/915851432280150016 o https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/850278983958765568 o https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/849583344853635072 o https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/849563615258697729 o https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/836551340734152705 o https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/836533895327809536 Examples of twits: 5 Oct 2017 Virginie Helias, P&G Sustainability VP at #OurOcean: we aim to use 100% recyclable pkg e.g. made of ocean plastic. How about microbeads? 5 Oct 2017 Afroz Shah: each of us owns and bears the responsibility for littering and we should clean #OurOcean same way as our own houses! 5 Oct 2017 Adrian Grenier at #OurOcean: #stopsucking and make a straw-step towards ocean cleanup by avoiding use of plastic straw, forever! 5 Oct 2017 HRH Prince of Wales at #OurOcean: Plastic is indeed now on the menu. @CCBnetwork works to keep it on Baltic political menu as a "hot" dish! 7 Apr 2017 Is #microplastic a problem? Yes... Can a simple wetland solve that #plasticpollution problem? Yes, looks like it: http://www.ccb.se/?p=8022 5 Apr 2017 How remove micro plastic before reaching the sea? = a wetland will remove almost 100% http://www.ccb.se/?p=8022 #SDGs #microplastic 5 Apr 2017 Can wetlands reduce micro plastic content in water? We suspected it did and here are the results: http://www.ccb.se/?p=8022 #SaveOurOcean 28 Feb 2017 Just ban plastic from our consumer products. Start in @HELCOMInfo and go global #CleanSeas https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/# … http://bit.ly/2mGmfL7 B2. Introducing Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) Competition for maritime space requires efficient management to avoid conflicts and create synergies. EU legislation for MSP adopted in 2014 has launched national and regional work to develop such plans. The MSPD should be transposed by 2016 and implemented by 2021, meaning that national and transboundary processes should pick up speed in 2017. Local, regional and national planning in shared seas should be made more compatible through a set of minimum common requirements. In the BSR such a process has been launched with adoption of ecosystem approach principles for MSP and establishment by HELCOM and the Vision and Strategies around the Baltic Sea (VASAB) of a joint Working Group on MSP. Following this, the HELCOM Regional Baltic Maritime Spatial Planning Roadmap (2013-2020) for drawing up and applying MSP throughout the BSR by 2020 was developed. Several large-scale MSP projects have already been implemented in the BSR, including BaltSeaPlan, PlanBothnia and PartiSeaPate, while few other are just starting or in the pipeline, e.g. Baltic SCOPE and BaltSpace. In coming years, CCB will engage in MSP focusing on public participation. According to the UNESCO initiative on MSP it is: "a public process of analyzing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives that usually have been specified through a political process. Characteristics of marine spatial planning include ecosystem-based, area-based, integrated, adaptive, strategic and participatory".
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The EU MSPD requires that MS, in accordance with relevant EU legislation, shall inform all interested parties and consult the relevant stakeholders and authorities, and the public concerned, at an early stage of MSPs’ development, as well as to ensure access to the plans once they are finalised. The HELCOM Regional Baltic MSP Roadmap takes into account both regional priorities, and for Baltic EU MS, the European context, including the EU MSPD and the EUSBSR. To address public participation, HELCOM and VASAB are jointly developing Guidelines on transboundary consultations and cooperation, and public participation, to be finalised during 2015. Specific sub-area objectives: Support reaching common understanding and adopting guidelines on ecosystem approach, transboundary consultation and cooperation, as well as public participation in the MSP framework (env); Establish preferential right of interpretation from NGO perspective and link to other policies of relevance for CCB and Baltic environment (env); Focus on coordination, awareness raising and capacity building internally among NGOs regarding the MSPD to facilitate public participation (env).
The activities in this area have been carried out
Fully Mainly Partially Limited
B2.1 Public participation in MSP Activities: More specifically the work will comprise of the following activities: a. Facilitating education and professional development of MSP planners and interested public, e.g. concerning the implementation of the ecosystem approach, by involving actively in discussion and planning processes (CCB Secretariat with interested MOs). b. Support for Baltic NGOs to participate in the national consultation process and influence for sustainable national and transboundary MSP initiatives. - Organise seminars to build capacity, knowledge etc.; - Play active role in application of HELCOM/VASAB Guidelines on transboundary consultations, cooperation and public participation through development of NGO-oriented trainings on how to participate and influence MSP-related decisions etc (CCB Secretariat). - Take active part and engage participation of MOs in transboundary MSP test case for Vistula (Poland/Russia) and Curonian (Lithuania/Russia) Lagoons through a joint project with WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme Activities in third countries – pending financing from SIDA is secured. Results and Evidence: CCB Working Area Leader on Sustainable Development in Coastal and Marine Areas took part in 15th Meeting of the joint HELCOM-VASAB Maritime Spatial Planning Working Group. Several MSP/ICZM related activities were carried out by within Sida-funded BBNP Programme in Leningrad and Kaliningrad Oblasts of Russia. Cf. additional information o Programme partners were trained on MSP and public participation by CCB. Network-based school projects are initiated by the schools of Kaliningrad and Belarus using outcomes of a joint expedition. The summer expedition around Curonian Lagoon took place. Two public actions – volunteer clean up on the eco-route were initiated in Kaliningrad Oblast. Young people from the Neman river basin got onsite introduction to a “hot spot” of the Baltic Region – the Curonian Lagoon – during school expedition. o The Baltic Fund for Nature received an experience preparing materials about EBM for wider audience by preparing the Wadden Sea case at the round table during the Baltic Sea days o Earlier published materials about Kurgalskiy were collected and reviewed, discussion of the concept of the Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) plan for the area started and approaches were made to sustainable development in Leninigrad Oblast. A core team of volunteers for pilot MSP project was formed during the 3-day seminar in Vyborg. Volunteers received knowledge and experience of involvement of public in nature conservation activities; they also obtained new knowledge about green farming and role of ecosystem-based management approaches to nature conservation of the Baltic Sea coastline in Leninigrad Oblast 52
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o Public Environmental Council of the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland was created in Leningrad Oblast. Potential joint projects with stakeholders were formed (Kant's BFU, Kaliningrad Regional Union of Fishing Cooperatives, MBOU School of the Future School (B. Isakovo Village), PSRC Natural Heritage, Resource Centre for Environmental Education in Rybachy Village). o The concept of the Environmental Information Centre in the village Mysovka was created. The library and media library of the Environmental Information Centre has been established for the further work with local community on water quality assessment; engagement of youth into nature conservation campaigns and contribution to wells monitoring in municipality. o Volunteers were selected and trained to collect environmental samples of water to study the monitoring parameters released during the blue-green algal blooms (Morskoe, Rybachy, Lesnoye, Zelenogradsk). A model for monitoring by-catch of birds has been documented; guidance and questionnaires for volunteers are in the process of development in Kaliningrad Oblast. Booklets for the public with information on the negative effects of cyanobacteria, an analytical review on the environmental situation (toxic) and summary information for fishermen and the public have been created. o The analysis of the ecological situation was carried out and the points of monitoring sampling were selected for determining the toxicity of water and the content of nutrients, as a part of capacity building activities for local volunteers participating in pilot MSP projects. o Two seminars, three trainings and two meetings with stakeholders were held in Kaliningrad Oblast on by-catch and blue-green algal blooming o A list of 5 key recommendations on the use of the less-impacting fishing gear in terms of by- catch was developed, one by-catch-monitoring workbook for fishermen developed, contacts with 10 fishermen established. Pilot by-catch study conducted, contacts with fishermen that are ready to contribute the study established in Leningrad Oblast. o Good relations and cooperation with the fisheries cooperative “Fisherman of the Baltic” was established for the opening of the Environmental Information Centre and implementation of the by-catch monitoring activities in Kaliningrad Oblast. o The concept of multi-functional piers at rivers and channels in Krasnoe village (Polessk municipality, Kaliningrad Oblast) was designed, manufactured and supplied, as part of sustainable coastal infrastructure project. o Publications produced . Review report “The process of marine spatial planning (MSP) in the world, the Baltic sea region and Russia”. (in Russian) . Maritime spatial planning (MSP) in the Baltic Sea (in Russian) . “Development of baseline information for stakeholders on marine spatial planning for the Russian part of the Curonian Lagoon and the it estuarine areas” (part 1, in Russian) . “ERBM in MSP processes in nature concervation of the Curonian Lagoon” (part 2, in Russian)
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Area C. Cross-cutting issues, Land-Sea Interaction
Several areas of CCB work focus on subjects representing combination of land-based and sea-based measures, as only addressing those issues in a holistic ecosystem way may improve their current status. Such issues/topics naturally cover migratory species, as salmon and eel, both affected by fisheries pressure at sea and impacted by deteriorating habitats in river systems, playing important role in life/cycle of those species. Additionally, invasive alien / non-indigenous species are spreading in the sea itself, as well as in its catchment, also playing a role in their transfer to the Baltic and hence cross-cutting measures are needed to address this problem both land- and sea-wide. Lastly, climate change forms another area that requires attention and joint mitigation and adaptation measures to address its impacts on terrestrial and marine ecosystems within the BSR. All these cross-cutting areas are addressed below.
These FPA objectives were perceived by CCB while implementing the work within Area C:
1.1 Ensure coherence in implementation of the ecosystem approach through MSFD and BSAP related to biodiversity and alien species (env/clim). 1.2 Focus on adapting to climate change in relation to CCB priorities, underlining the need to incorporate climate change adaption into policies and management ranging from migratory fish species (e.g. salmon) to eutrophication (env/clim). 1.6 Ensure implementation of the EU and HELCOM conservation goals and measures to save, protect and restore vulnerable and critically endangered species (including wild Baltic salmon and European eel) in the BSR (env/clim). 2.5 Improve knowledge about and facilitate Baltic citizens’ participation in monitoring and reporting alien and rare species. Support development of new reporting tool that can be spread in all BSR countries (env/clim)
C1 Baltic Salmon Specific sub-area objectives: Secure NGO coordination and streamline the BSAP and HD implementation with the CFP rules in the finalization of the new Baltic salmon management plan (env); Ensure that all wild Baltic salmon rivers have a Salmon river management plan with targets for returning spawners and CC mitigation (env/clim); Support restoration of salmon rivers, including habitats and climate change mitigation measures to strengthen the stocks of wild salmon (env/clim);
The activities in this area have been carried out
Fully Mainly Partially Limited
Activities: As salmon issues are divided between fisheries management and nature conservation, CCB has found a role to play as mediator between agencies and ministries that rarely work jointly and act as expert to support other NGOs due to CCBs long involvement in salmon management. The results and evidence on each activity is listed below using same lettering a, b and so on. CCB strategy for the programme period has been divided into four main areas: - CCB Secretariat will lead and coordinate CCB MOs’ and other NGOs’ work on the new salmon management plan; - CCB will create the basis for joint proposals for new management based on the existing EC’s proposal and relevant legislation, mediating between nature and fisheries goals; - CCB will develop the relevant information materials needed to communicate with EP and MS about the salmon stocks situation; - CCB will support specific activities in weak salmon rivers in Latvia and Belarus (Activities in third countries will be implemented if matching financing from SIDA is secured);
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a) Plan and coordinate for NGOs engagement in finalization of salmon management plan - Identify and communicate the relevant actors; - Develop strategy how to bring NGO views for BALTFISH and the EP; - Help connecting national NGOs with their MEPs in the EP; - Support NGOs to make national consultations; - Coordinate with other NGO networks or NGOs outside CCB. Activity mainly implemented
b) Salmon management plan finalization. Jointly develop, based on basic review made 2015, a CCB policy brief with comments and proposals for changes in the EC draft Baltic salmon plan in 2016. Main purpose is to highlight salmon as not a matter of just fishery management: - Clarify alignment needs with the new CFP. - Support the need of individual salmon river management plans, stressed by science/HELCOM; - Underline importance of protecting the genetic integrity of salmon stocks Activity mainly implemented c) Update existing CCB wild salmon river maps (from 2011) of Baltic Sea Catchment to use as communication tool for Parliaments and national contacts to highlight weakest rivers and priority measures. - including current status and latest trends of rivers with naturally reproducing salmon stocks; - highlighting potential rivers or potential spawning areas upstream dams etc.; Activity mainly implemented d) Priority activities to strengthen 1-2 weak salmon populations in Latvia - Support sampling and DNA analysis of samples for genetic value done by national scientists; - Develop proposals for priority actions in specific Latvian weak salmon rivers; Activity partially implemented e) Priority activities to strengthen salmon and sea trout populations in transboundary Neris/Vilia basin (Lithuania/Belarus - pending matching funds for activities in third countries); - Hold a local but transnational-focused workshop (Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Russia) on knowledge and science transfer and sharing best practice together; - One specific topic is improved monitoring of both spawners and parr/smolt; Activity fully implemented
Results and Evidence: The four main strategic approaches listed in the application has been approach and they have been implemented as intended. However due to the fact that salmon management has not been discussed until late 2017, CCB been not able to fully implement the activities listed above, namely a) and b). CCB has however moved forward as far as possible, has discussed the salmon management with a Finnish MEP and asked whether he and his group are considering to take on the plan as rapporteur in EP (meeting in Brussels 20170424, no agenda), and has kept engaged NGOS informed of scientific advice, proposed joint positions on TAC, developed basis for reaction to the new draft proposals for a management plan etc.
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Salmon management plan activities a) and b) In last half of 2017, finally the salmon management plan was raised on the regional level. Finland presented a new draft of a plan collecting the views of Baltfish members. The draft was presented to BSAC and CCB as Chair of the EBM working group led the work to comment on the draft. See the BSAC outcome and response to Baltfish here CCB has in light of the draft proposal from Baltfish revised a new briefing for NGOs as background material for national work, questions etc. The document contains recommendations needed elements in a new plan to be in line with the CFP and additions needed since salmon is different from other species, and has a very different data and scientific advice. The CCB briefing is available here An earlier version or non-paper was shared with government representatives and agencies during 2016 and early 2017. CCBs position on needs on the LTMP for salmon concluded in a non-paper on the salmon management plan and current rules of CFP, HELCOM goals etc CCB has the leading regarding salmon among the NGOs involved on salmon issues and fisheries issues in general. CCB has had meetings and coordination with Oceana, WWF, Fisheries Secretariat. This work will intensify during 2018. Latest meeting among NGOs was held in Stockholm 20171026, agenda and participants See also B1.3a) above for BSAC work on salmon
HELCOM CCB has in HELCOM FISH-Migratory species sub group proposed, based on scientific recommendations, that secondary targets corresponding to both MSY and favourable conservations status is developed in the form of setting targets for ascending salmons for each river. This is relevant to HELCOMs set goals as well as the EU management plan. o The result of CCBs proposal for developing a two level targets for each river can be seen in the outcome of FISH-M meeting in November 2016:
ICES Salmon benchmark 2017 CCB participated in the ICES benchmark exercise in Jan-Feb 2017 to better understand the data situation, the models used and uncertainties in the scientific advice. It became evident that scientists lack several groups of data concerning discards (seal damage), post release mortality figures (trap nets and angling), and recreational catches at sea. All crucial for reliable advice but also when considering management and improvements of data collection. CCB has highlighted the lack of data on recreational catches several years but also lack of control. This is also part of CCBs report on recreational fisheries ICES WKBALT salmon meeting website: ICES sharepoint c) CCB salmon map update CCB has finalized preparations for an updated a map as information material, but because ICES held a benchmark exercise in 2017 and due to incomplete model updates etc, the ICES river models and data are not yet compiled and fully functional. CCB has nevertheless compiled all relevant and existing data in a comprehensive data file and planned for printing 2 new maps: one with wild salmon rivers and their status, spawners in safe numbers or not and one map showing potential rivers with possibilities to be rehabilitated etc. . We consider the activity mainly implemented. CCB has opted not to print maps because of risk of not utilising correct scientific data, especially crucial now as the management plan discussions has started again. It is clear from the initial drafts from Baltfish that understanding definitions of wild salmon rivers is apparently a problem for some countries even though the science is very clear. The full datafile with categorisation and colour coding for two map reprint is available here. The material and maps will be used as basis for presentations and discussions with member states, politicians and agencies during 2018 as was intended. d) Priority activities in Latvia CCB considers this activity only partially achieved. The main reason is that extra funding to be able to take and analyse water samples for eDNA has not been secured in time, so it will be postponed to 2018- 2019.
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In November 2017 CCB MO Environmental Protection Club of Latvia (VAK) has arranged a study trip to Strīķupīte river, a tributary of Gauja, with participants from Nature Protection Administration Education Center, to witness salmon migration to the spawning grounds and discuss related conservation measures, including habitat restoration and protection against poaching. Cf. VAK’s outreach and here. A publication in the local newspaper “Druva” was made. Cf. full report here. VAK has also engaged in cooperation with the Latvian anglers association Mēs zivīm (“We Fish”) through the project on integrated river basin management and will involve them into CCB’s activities on salmon and other migratory fish protection starting from 2018. e) Transboundary efforts Lithuania-Belarus The proposed cooperation activity to locate salmonids in the river systems of Nemunas using new eDNA analysis was planned for 2017 given that additional funding will be raised. However, CCB had to revise submitted application to the Baltic Sea Conservation Foundation to make it more practical and applicable for local conditions. For this reason the work related to eDNA studies of salmonids in Nemunas/Neman river basin (Lithuania, Belarus) had to be postponed to 2018-2020, with preliminary positive reply from the aforementioned donor. The new application to be submitted will address both eDNA monitoring, as well as solutions to for removal of obsolete or abandoned migration barriers and reinstating salmonid stock upstream CCB has a complementing project in Belarus with funding from Swedish International Cooperation Development Agency. Part of this work, related to conservation of common population of salmonid species in a transboundary Nemunas river basin is co-funded with LIFE funding, as contributing to achievement of GES under the WFD. Cooperation between Lithuanian and Belarusian partners within this activity has been ongoing since early 2000s and has continued during 2017. Cf. the report here. o The active steps taken by the Programme participants in mobilizing the local population during the patrolling period, regular monitoring of the salmonid population in cooperation with the scientists of the Academy of Sciences and Lithuanian institute has also helped to change the attitude of the local authorities towards a more supportive one. Currently, the national and local authorities and decision makes have a clear understanding of the main problems related to salmonids protection and support project activities during the patrolling period, specifically the Deputy Head of Ostrovets Administration, the Head of Ostrovets Inspection for of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. However, it does not still imply substantial financial support from the local authorities. An issue under discussion now is the fish pass design and construction to be initiated on the river Stratcha in Olkhovka village. The biggest challenge here is not the formal approval by authorities (which is already secured), but the absence of the adequately qualified and experienced national technical experts on fish passes and hence the necessity to attract the foreign expertise. The highlighted are as follows: . River surveys to identify the existing and potential salmon habitats held in Vilia River Basin in the Grodno Oblast of Belarus. The collected data together with the corresponding GPS coordinates shared with the Head of the fish research group in the Academy of Sciences. . Population of Sea Trout in the river basin has stabilized and starts growing. . Patrolling camps arranged for caretakers of Vilija river and tributaries during the spawning season October-December 2017: 4 Salmon spawning rivers, 20 volunteers, including retired people; . Regular field public survey of beaver dams continued in cooperation with beaver specialist of the Academy of Sciences. o In the area of nature conservation, the project supports monitoring and improving accessibility to spawning grounds for migratory salmonid fish that comes to the Vilija river and its tributaries from Baltic Sea. This activity is also important to demonstrate the linkage of Belarus to the Baltic Sea, as well as the role of local population in conservation of Red- listed species, which are also important for the Baltic Sea. Also, the project supports work on protection of salmonid fish in nature-protected territory Stronga (Brest region) by development of a management plan that is to be completed in 2018. . During 2017 river surveys to identify the existing and potential salmon habitats were held in Vilia River Basin in the Grodno Oblast of Belarus. The surveyed rivers were Tartak, Senkanka, Dudka, Gazovka and Vilia. The aims of the survey covered: 57
CCB Annual Activities Report 2017
identifying potential salmon habitats, including shallows, rapids and gravel beds; identifying beaver dams; identifying existing pollution sources from the local animal farms near Senkanka and Gazovka rivers; checking the water level in the rivers. . An important outcome is that the population of Sea Trout in the river basin has stabilized and is starting to grow (30 spawning nests of Sea Trout in 2016 compared to 57 in 2017). This data is very encouraging as it indicates that the river patrols and the measures to remove barriers to fish passage to the spawning sites are effective. Actually, the spawning area in Tartak was enlarged and now includes the upper catchment. . In 2017 the Salmon Environmental Education Centre in Varnyany village was opened. It is the only interactive exhibition specifically focusing on salmonids in Europe that attracts school children and interested citizens and provides the knowledge on salmonids (over 250 people have visited the centre since its opening in September 2017, mostly school children of Grodno oblast, as well 23 people from Russia). To complement and enhance this experience they have planned to organize an environmental education trail in the Tartak river catchment. Social media outreach: o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1525202017558002 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1524262347651969 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1520173058060898 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1516647585080112 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1516399775104893 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1476388619106009 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/posts/1475556915855846 o https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/videos/1282165685194971/
C2 European Eel
The European eel is a threatened fish species, listed as Critically Endangered yet active fishing on adult eel is still ongoing even though scientists have called for a complete stop of all fishing activities for over a decade. CCB has both 2016 and 2017 spent considerable staff resources on eel. Specific sub-area objectives: Ensure implementation of conservation goals to save critically endangered European eel population within BSR (long-term env); Achieve substantial reduction of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishery, e.g. during spawning and migration (env); Strengthen information efforts towards the public regarding the highly threatened European eel and recommend consumers to avoid eating eel until stock has recovered substantially (env);
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The activities in this area have been carried out:
Fully Mainly Partially Limited
Activities: In 2017, CCB has dedicated a lot of time to eel and more that fully achieved what was intended however in a slightly different way due to the Commissions very positive actions and proposals to ban eel fishing. This unforeseen development and activities linked to it is noted under d) below. CCB intended approach as listed in the application was to: - Continue focusing on the substantial IUU fishery on eel, not least in recreational fishery as this may have a very direct impact and effect on the out migrating adult eels in e.g. the Danish Straits; - Educate NGOs to be able to raise awareness among consumers, restaurants and fishmongers. The awareness is still very low concerning the eel situation in many countries. CCB will push out information materials to the media and spread on social media; a) Renew a CCB statement demanding more actions on IUU on eel, on national and regional level based on work done in 2015 but include new proposals to strengthen the legal protection of eel: - Address Denmark and Sweden on the ongoing and substantial illegal fishery in Swedish and Danish waters (article for media in Sweden and Denmark); - Request actions, with links to requirements in EU environmental legislation, to limit IUU fishery and advocate for more resources for fisheries control and/or - Statement will also be sent to the EC and EP and be presented to HELCOM And also - Propose measures called for under the CMS for species listed in annex II; - Investigate also to include a proposal for inclusion of eel in CMS annex I, possibly by approaching a Baltic MS or Monaco that initially proposed adding eel to annex II; Activity fully implemented b) As continuation of awareness raising work, in 2016 CCB will produce a small pocket size folder for purchasers and customers of eel, with request to stop selling/providing and buying eel: - translation of folder to Baltic languages, and - create small common NGO campaign in CCB network with materials for social and mass-media outreach in 2016-2017. Activity mainly implemented c) Investigate together with other NGOs if active eel fisheries or inaction on IUU can be considered a breach of UN law and the EU Treaty - Make a statement concluding what the listing in Bonn Convention (CMS) Annex II entails for the Contracting Parties. Also, that both UN regulations (art.5,6) and the EU Treaty (art. 191) basis is the precautionary approach and in the adherence to scientific advice as well as the basic principle in CFP of restoring stocks to MSY is clearly stated; Activity implemented, but not utilized due to actions from the Commission, see below
Results and Evidence: The results regarding eel is overall positive from CCBs point of view. Eel is kept on the agenda in the regional fora HELCOM; MS have reacted on IUU reports etc from CCB and for example Sweden has now launched new efforts using drones for surveillance and Swedish coast guard has increased controls again during 2017. The most positive development during 2017 was the Commission’s launch of a consultation on eel sent to BSAC requesting views on further measures for eel, but above all the proposal included in the TAC and quota regulation proposal. This means that eel now is also at Baltfish table where it should have been since long. a) IUU and eel fishery. CCB has focused efforts on getting a renewed attention to eel and the fact that CFP calls for drastic measures including stopping a fishery when a stock is in critical state. As follow up to raising attention to IUU fishing in mainly Denmark and Sweden in 2016, CCB has continued this and now adding recreational fishing catches.
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A positive result is that CCB can clearly see increased activity regarding efforts to counter IUU in Sweden and Denmark. Sweden has increased controls and developed national information materials underlining the importance of controlling the origin of eels bought from fish mongers. Eel IUU has also been addressed a lot more in media past year. Examples: here SVT and here. Danish controls found, at one location during a two week effort in Rinkoping Fjord (enclosed area on west Jutland), 93 illegal gears absolutely packed with eels.
HELCOM CCB has proposed new actions and focus regarding eel for the HELCOM FISH and FISH-M group work plan starting in 2016 that has been accepted by HELCOM contracting parties. The activities laid out in the work plan has started to be implemented in 2017 HELCOM FISH work plan contains eel thanks to CCBs proposals The work in HELCOM FISH-M has continued during 2017 and a dedicated meeting was held in Stockholm November 2017, CCB took active part in the meeting and established new contacts with eel experts from Latvia and Lithuania HELCOM 7th Meeting of the Group on Ecosystem-based Sustainable Fisheries (nov 2017, Copenhagen) also discussed eel and the work plan ahead.
CMS CCB has been in contact with the government of Monaco during October, 2017 and met them to discuss their continued interest in eel. CCB has proposed that Monaco could, if things do not improve, consider proposing a move of eel to Annex 1 of the CMS resulting in a strict no take policy. Monaco has declared interested in continuing support to international efforts to improve eel protection, including the spawning grounds in Sargasso Sea. b)Awareness raising work - CCB new pocket folder on eel As positive result of CCBs efforts to protect eel 2016-2017 is that CCBs members have better knowledge of eel and understand the impact of fishing adult eels has for the out-migrating eels. One example is CCBs German member BUND that had a special action during autumn 2017 in support of Commissions proposal to ban eel fishing, built on the support from CCB secretariat: CCB has on demand from CCB members made a small pocket folder aimed at general public, restaurants and fish mongers on the critical situation of eel. The folder is available in all Baltic Languages and has been distributed to all CCB member organisations. Web version of folder here (Commissioner Vella has received on personally from CCB) CCB has not managed to make a joint campaign on eel using the folder as intended during 2017. The reason is simply that engaging with national ministries and ministers etc in light of the Commission proposal to close marine eel fishing was prioritized. However, the folder will instead be used during a small campaign period in 2018, together with CCBs other material on eels, incl. webpage. As further awareness raising material, CCB has written a short report called “The Unhealthy eel” underlining that eel is often highly contaminated, in fact noting that that one in every fifth, to one of every second eel contain for example PCB above the allowed limits according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Publication: The Endangered eel pocket folder (in English, as well as in Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, German, Danish, Swedish and Russian - can be found here
Examples of CCB member’s information materials on eel: http://vak.lv/index.php/publikacijas/43-apdreirz http://glis.lt/?pid=1&news_id=587 http://www.dn.dk/nyheder/eu-foreslar-total-stop-for-alefiskeri-i-ostersoen/
CCB letters to MEPs Observe: CCB has a considerable amount of communication recorded between MEP offices but cannot publish those or share without making them anonymous first. However we are willing to share such communication upon request. CCB has during 2017 written several letters to individual MEPs to inform them about eel and present support and arguments for banning eel fishery, facts and science advice etc.
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CCB wrote a statement that was used by one MEP in the PECH committee 25th September as comment and support to the Commission proposal to ban eel.
Examples of the sent facts and briefings and reactions to questions put to CCB regarding eel: CCB eel briefing 2017 Compilation of ICES eel advice past 20 years Compilation of data on incoming juvenile - glass eel index – to EU waters Speaking note suggesting to MEPs c) Investigating eel fishing as a breach of UN and EU legislation CCB has together with experts at the NGO Client Earth discussed potential legal actions resulting from the inaction on eel IUU and especially the lack of adherence to scientific advice and the precautionary approach. The discussions concluded with noting that yes, eel is a good example and possible case to move further on, noting in particular the precautionary approach and how/if the current eel recovery plan actually meets the demands of the CFP. However, the discussions were put on hold after the Commission’s proposal to ban eel fishing in August 2017 and no joint statement was finalised. CCB will consider to bring up the example again during 2018 depending on how the Member States act based on the joint Declaration that was signed at the December fisheries council. d) Additional activities related to Commissions proposal to ban eel fishing CCB has made large efforts to support the Commissions proposal by: -Contacting and engaging more NGOs outside CCB such as Fishlove, Our fish, WWF, Angler organisations, OCEANA, Seas at Risk, making fact sheets and suggestions for actions. Several publications, press releases etc was produced with CCBs support and comments, examples: http://our.fish/en/2017/12/10/celebrities-pose-naked-with-fish-for-fishlove-campaign-to-end- overfishing/ http://our.fish/en/2017/08/31/ngos-call-on-baltic-governments-to-stop-driving-overfishing/ http://www.seas-at-risk.org/16-fisheries/815-joint-ngos-call-for-the-fisheries-council-to-agree- on-fishing-limits-that-will-end-overfishing.html http://www.wwf.se/press/pressrum/pressmeddelanden/1714985-wwf-valkomnar-eu-forslag- om-alfiskestopp http://catch-southbaltic.eu/eu-commission-presented-a-proposal-to-ban-all-fishing-for-eel-in- the-baltic-sea/
-Working within CCB network to support national NGOs to contact national Ministries regarding support to the eel fishing ban. Social media examples, press statements etc. CCB eel briefing 2017 Social media suggestions to use in English and translated to national languages Proposal/example of press statement to use and adapt to national use
-Contacting and sending information to Brussels based media Politico, Swedish and Danish news outlet “Altinget” and actors like Euractive. (Evidence is hard to present since e.g. Politico has a paywall) Examples of articles: https://www.altinget.se/miljo/artikel/kommissionens-aalfiskeforbud-faar-det-att-storma-paa- ostersjon http://www.sverigesnatur.org/aktuellt/inget-totalstopp-alfiske-eu/ http://www.linneaengstrom.se/bloggen/2017/9/27/lens-framtid-eu-kommissionen-frslr-noll-kvot-i- stersjn
-Making and sending a joint NGO letter November 2017 prior to Council meeting in December, sent both on paper and as email, to all EU fisheries ministers asking about and calling for additional measures, beyond the Commission´s proposal in inland waters etc. See the letter here. Only a few Ministers (6 in total) has bothered to reply to the letter and CCB will resend it during 2018, demanding to know how the Minister is addressing the Declaration that was agreed upon in December 2017. The letter was supported by 20 NGOs working on eel.
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CCB website: CCB updated information site on eel: CCB reaction to Commissions eel ban proposal CCB reaction to the fisheries Council in December
Facebook posts on eel: Reaction to fisheries council on Facebook Reaction to Commissions eel fishing ban: The Commission has acted to #savetheeel and proposed a stop for eel fishery in the Baltic Sea as a start. We simply cannot keep fishing for a critically endangered species! Send your support to Commissioner Vella on twitter: https://twitter.com/KarmenuVella https://twitter.com/EU_MARE or via facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommissionerVella/# https://www.facebook.com/EUmaritimefish/# Send a simple message (you may use the eel picture here) : "thank you for standing up for the #eel" CCBs German member BUND https://www.facebook.com/BUNDSchleswigHolstein act to #savetheeel Since there is only one eel stock, regardless of where, we all share the same responsibility. Sign and send a email to responsible persons in Germany that we all care. https://www.bund-sh.de/mitmachen/rettet-den-aal/
Tweets about eel: https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/732585021249363968 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/940957793363873792 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/940862229427245058 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/940850332409761792 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/940147997094154241 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/933971726769238016 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/933724174610321409 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/923817072194392065 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/917353429164535809 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/917334714670813184 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/912257049328746497 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/911169816349888515 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/940957793363873792 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/907614802704584704 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/905686220042379265 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/903619801171550208 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/902882273762185216 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/903619801171550208 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/902785617343512576 https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/902488719919378432 https://goo.gl/PmBT6K https://goo.gl/RSxsLU
Examples of Social media outreach 13 Dec 2017 CCBs comment to todays decision on eels: http://bit.ly/2iWJ0L4 We are far from done and it is now up to the Member States to prove themselves, if they will honor the Declaration of Commitment signed this morning #agrifish. #savetheel #CFPreality is not for eels? 13 Dec 2017 #Agrifish discussed #eel for 2 days, reached weak proposal to stop fishing for 3 months. May sound good, but MS free to chose months in period sept-jan. Baltic eel fishing is over in November, what months will be closed? Nov-Jan of course when no fishing takes place. 13 Dec 2017 Today, EU fisheries Ministers sacrificed #eel , again. They seriously proclaim a right to fish for a critically endangered species. Thanks to @KarmenuVella for defending a defenseless and fantastic fish #IamTheBaltic #savetheel
C3 Alien Species 62
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The Baltic Sea is considered to be especially susceptible to establishment of alien species as its biota consists to a considerable part of newly established alien species (NIS/IAS). Since adoption of BSAP most of the work was addressing introduction of NIS/IAS through facilitating entry into force and implementation of the IMO Ballast Water Convention (2004). In connection with intensified transport and travelling, constructions of channel systems and growing importance of aquaculture, the introduction of alien species to the region has also accelerated and is considered one of the major threats to the overall Baltic biodiversity. CC, as one of the principle drivers for biological invasions, will make the problem even more urgent. CCB believes that to be able to fulfil the EU 2020 biodiversity strategy, the NIS/IAS in the environment need to be handled with extra consideration. In the context of aquatic alien species, CCB wants to include genetic depletion caused by introduction of alien populations e.g. stocking of fish and populations used in aquaculture, supporting implementation of the EU Regulation on the use of NIS in aquaculture to ensure adequate protection of the aquatic environment from the risks associated with NIS/IAS. The perception and awareness of problems and threats linked to the establishment and threat of IAS should be mainstreamed in the whole CCB network, including MOs in non-EU countries such as in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. Activities related to management of alien species on national levels by these organisations are of high importance, also in a European perspective, since important donor areas (e.g. the Ponto-Caspian region) are partly located, within BSR. Specific sub-area objectives: Support the work towards reaching GES in the Baltic Sea through coherent implementation of the EU MSFD and BSAP with regards to NIS/IAS (env); Support implementation of the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species (env); Raise awareness and facilitate public participation in addressing IAS across the BSR (env) Develop perception and understanding of problems associated with IAS in all MOs (env); Support and develop a new public monitoring for reporting alien and rare species (env); Explore issue on invasive species in BSR aquaculture to ensure that risks of genetic depletion and establishing alien fish populations are considered, in accordance with EU law (env)
The activities in this area have been carried out
Fully Mainly Partially Limited
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Activities: a) Support of implementation of the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species - MOs were invited to collect and submit national information as a contribution to updating of the HELCOM List of NIS in the Baltic Sea and to developing inputs to the terrestrial List of IAS of regional concern for the BSR. - lobbying for the initiative of national governments to perform risk assessments of particular species for inclusion of the most harmful, from the environmental point of view, IAS on the 'Union List', was carried out at the level of the EU Working Group IAS. CCB follows the work of the WG IAS by a dedicated expert. - CCB actively advocated at HELCOM and EU level against the proposed project of E40 inland navigation route, connecting Baltic and the Black Seas through Vistula-Dniepr river systems, as a potential gateway for biological invasions. b) Public awareness rising campaign dedicated to the IAS problem in the BSR - CCB held an International Conference “Science in the service of nature – Focus on the Conservation Genetics and Combating Invasive Alien Species” in September 2017, in Szczecin, Poland for MOs and interested stakeholders introducing the problem of NIS/IAS in the BSR, covering both marine and terrestrial invasive species and addressing both legal obligations, as well as mitigation actions; - An issue of IAS in the BSR was presented at CCB Annual Conference “Linking Biodiversity and Nature Conservation at Sea and Across the Basin” in Rostock, Germany in May 2017. c) Invasive species in BSR aquaculture - this activity was coordinated with activities on raising general awareness on pros and cons of aquaculture within the BSR (cf. B1.4), as well as with the process of developing BAT/BEP on aquaculture within HELCOM, namely 1st meeting of HELCOM Correspondence Group CG Aquaculture (September 2017, Helsinki, Finland) - CCB addressed specific cases of uncontrolled biological invasions from BSR aquaculture through the network of experts of the Priority Working Area on Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Results and Evidence: Support of implementation of the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species o CCB followed the developments within EU Working Group IAS on regular basis o Public campaign against construction of the E40 waterway, which threatens the valuable natural areas of Poland, Belarus and Ukraine, was launched with a support from CCB https://stope40.org/. CCB brought this issue to the attention at HELCOM expert (STATE & CONSERVATION) and policy (HOD) level Public awareness rising campaign dedicated to the IAS problem in the BSR o an International Conference “Science in the service of nature – Focus on the Conservation Genetics and Combating Invasive Alien Species” was organized by CCB on 25-26 September 2017 in the Natural Sciences Education and Research Centre of the University of Szczecin, Poland. o EU legislation on invasive alien species in the context of counteracting anthropogenic-driven biological invasions was presented by Jakub Skorupski, Institute for Research in Biodiversity/University of Szczecin and CCB Chairman at CCB Annual Conference “Linking Biodiversity and Nature Conservation at Sea and Across the Basin” in Rostock, Germany 12- 14 May 2017 Invasive species in BSR aquaculture o Deliberate and uncontrolled introduction of IAS, coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), from a fish farm in western Baltic Sea, outside Horsens on eastern Jutland (Jylland) was communicated within CCB network, calling for action.
C4 Climate Change
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An EU Strategy on adaptation to CC outlines that adaptation measures need to be taken at all levels, including mainstreaming adaptation in all policies/legislation and sectors. The EU MSFD reflects that pressures and impacts on marine ecosystems may vary as an impact of CC, and that the determination of GES may have to be adapted over time. The Blueprint to “Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources” encourages MS to better integrate CC risk management aspects in future RBMPs and when developing cross sectoral and multi hazard risk management plans. HELCOM BSAP indicated that CC will have a significant impact on the Baltic Sea ecosystem requiring even more stringent actions in the future. HELCOM called for enhanced action across the relevant sectors to respond, prepare and better adapt to the current and future impacts of CC on the Baltic Sea environment, especially with regards to eutrophication. In 2015 CCB produced a popular report, compiling the most recent knowledge on climate change within the BSR and suggesting recommendations for policy level and wider public. This area of CCB’s Biannual Strategy will aim to link climate adaptation to other main areas of work. Specific sub-area objectives: Focus on adapting to climate change in relation to CCB priorities, underlining the need to incorporate climate change adaption into policies and management ranging from migratory fish species (e.g. salmon) to eutrophication (clim/env); Addressing climate mitigation and adaptation measures within all main working areas of CCB work, e.g. in reducing nutrient runoff from agriculture, wise nutrient management, preserving wild salmon populations, addressing coastal erosion will from another new dimension of CCB’s work (clim/env).
The activities in this area have been carried out
Fully Mainly Partially Limited
Activities: Specific actions under this area will be performed in coordination with several other areas across the Biannual Strategy and address (see specific sections for further detailed information on strategy), namely Nutrient management and runoff (A1.1), Pharmaceuticals (A.2.1), Stormwater management(A2.2), River Watch and Wastewater management A3.1), Aquaculture (B1.4), Harbour porpoise and MPAs (B1.5), Baltic salmon (C1)
Results and Evidence: Finalised CCB “Guidance on concrete ways to reduce microplastic inputs from municipal stormwater and waste water discharges”, includes section on stormwater management implications in climate change conditions. Inputs to evaluation of CC implications on joint river management were produced based on expert inputs from the partners focusing on floods prevention, in 2017 included e.g. o VAK participated in monitoring and EIA of various flood risk prevention projects e.g. Riga City Council's Rainwater Management Project (GAP); developed and presented “Environmentally friendly drainage guidelines” to national Environment Advisory Board. o Within Sida-funded Water Programme in Belarus a draft section on organic agriculture for the “National strategy of agriculture adaptation to the CC”; o Within Sida-funded BBNP Programme in Russia the following publications made . Analysis of flood protection measures in the Neman river basin . "Climate change. What can regions do?" . CCB Seminar on Neman river delta: challenges and opportunities of water management within BBNPP was arranged o CCB’s Climate Report was cited in ETC magazine, Sweden
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IV. ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING (Contribution of the operating grant to the organisational development of the NGO)
Regarding organisational development - how is the situation at the end of the grant year as compared with the situation at the beginning of the grant year?
Improved No significant change Worse
CCB activities to raise public awareness of factors affecting environmental status of the Baltic Sea largely depend on financial means that can be raised to ensure that knowledge base can be continuously updated, expertise and competence maintained and public campaigns carried out. CCB’s impact to support and persuade policy-makers to take environmentally necessary decisions depends largely upon their understanding and acceptance. CCB’s dependence on the NGO operating grant mainly reflects a long-term political will to reach out to the general public in order to strengthen fundament for the EU environmental policy. The NGO operating grant has given a fundament to keep CCB’s important and far-reaching environmental work running and additional funding is raised of various amounts that mainly supports the topical projects, while the NGO operating grant is largely ensuring the long-term core funding, including basic project activities. In order to ensure that the work of CCB on implementation of this Biannual Strategic Plan within 2016- 2017 is carried out in the most efficient way, responding to challenges in implementing EU and regional environmental policies, as well as reflecting the needs of MOs and strengthening the network itself, CCB’s work was based on a SWOT analysis done in 2015. ______These FPA objectives were perceived by CCB while implementing the work within Organizational Development and Capacity Building:
2.1 Widen the CCB network to reach out to more people. Engage public in activities promoting a healthy Baltic Sea and actively promote public participation in decision making (env/clim) 2.2 Continuously enhance competence and skills in the CCB network. Develop even better expertise among volunteers and other actors in the grassroot member organisations (MOs) to facilitate more targeted and higher quality work. Improve of the competences by broadening the group of experts that are prepared to support the network (env/clim). 2.3 Improve internal and external communication of CCB’s actions to reach target audience. Strengthen outreach at national, regional and international level to increase impact on environmental policy and awareness in the BSR. Enhance CCB’s internal information flows and cooperation (env/clim). 2.11 Participate and coordinate, together with other European NGOs via ESEC network, support to implementation of MSFD, including in the review and development of the next MSFD cycle (env) 3.5 Efficiently use CCB accumulated human resources, with a combination of permanent/assisting staff, CCB network and subcontracting to contain the competence and experience necessary to address the tasks described in CCB Biannual Strategic Plan, to secure best value for money (env)
Activities: Based on the weaknesses and threats identified in the 2015 SWOT analysis, and in relation to the internal fundraising strategy that aims for diversification and sustainability, CCB has started to improve its work through the following Strategy on organizational development and capacity building, being structured regarding the following main components: Strategic approach To guide and prioritise its work in 2016-2017, CCB has set the following: Main objectives Strategic directions - Improve a consistent and holistic implementation of EU - Coordinate and strengthen NGO input and awareness raising and regional policies work to be a relevant actor/partner - Secure NGO and civil society participation and - Participate and demand transparent processes in implementing inclusiveness and creating new policies - Secure best use of public resources, both money and - Actively support policy development and implementation work holding decision makers accountable corresponding to the long-term aim of CCB to promote the protection and improvement of the Baltic Sea environment and natural resources through public awareness, participation and engagement. To reach the above objectives the organization has started to develop and strengthen its capacities enabling 66
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- better internal communication; - intensified fundraising and sustainability of activities; - enlargement of CCB network with more members and partners;
Better policy impact and higher involvement in policy development Following-up EU policies implementation, providing bottom-up feedback on enforcement and efficiency (including cost-effectiveness) of existing ones, as well as helping in shaping new policies e.g. addressing “grey areas” in EU law, including reflecting regional specifics has always been a priority and significant added value for CCB’s network. For the coming years, the following areas of organizational development and capacity building were identified as requiring special focus to support network organizations’ participation in policy-related processes/meetings at EU and Baltic/regional level. - strengthened communication, visibility and outreach; - network capacity building; - staffing and technical competence including external experts; - partnership / relations with other stakeholders.
Strengthened internal and external communication, visibility and outreach The communication objective of CCB is to achieve overall organisational goals by strategic focus on three areas for improvement: (i) to strengthen internal communication capacity and tools within the network, (ii) to better demonstrate and deliver key messages of CCB´s numerous actions dedicated to improving the Baltic Sea environment through available communication channels, and, (iii) to improve effective engagement with stakeholders and target audience including policy makers at national, regional (HELCOM and EUSBSR) and EU level (EC, EP), as well as civil society, scientific community and other environmental networks and NGOs. The accompanying activities includes: - Regular communication between the CCB Secretariat (communication officer) and MO representatives (working area leaders and/or board members) to receive updates on ongoing and/or implemented CCB activities at national level. Such feedback to be communicated within the network and to external audiences through CCB´s communication channels; - Online workspace created by the CCB Secretariat to increase efficient internal communication, project management and collaboration; - An evaluation survey conducted using Survey monkey to ensure that the CCB Secretariat is meeting the needs of the network/MOs, to assess the MOs satisfaction with internal processes such as how communication, support and information flow can be improved. Further, the survey would enable the respondents to fill a current knowledge gap about CCB’s national media outreach e.g. by monitoring Google hits; - List of available “green mobile apps” relevant for protection of the Baltic Sea such as consumer guides, citizen science and monitoring tools CCB Secretariat compiled by the CCB Secretariat; - Contact lists for official actors (ministries, agencies science institutions) within different areas of expertise at both international and national levels compiled by the CCB Secretariat in cooperation with MOs; - Continued website development and improvements including an increased photo bank, strengthening database and resources available for each working area and new sections for joint campaigns.
Results and Evidence: - During 2017, CCB has implemented the use of a new email list tool, MailChimp and towards the same goal, the use of the CCB Facebook page for spreading information about for example events has substantially increased. CCB website list of events has been expanded to include not only internal CCB events but also other events relevant to CCB MOs. See all events on the website here including presentations, photos etc. Also, a full compilation of events either participated in or organised by CCB is available here. - The communication and coordination between Working Area (WA) leaders and Board Members has increased with the development of reporting forms for working areas and MOs. Also, reports from MOs as well as WA leaders are included at all CCB Board Meetings. This has led to more active communication also outside these forums. News from this communication has been posted to the CCB Facebook page and sometimes also on Twitter.
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- During 2017, several WA meetings were organised. A strategic one, for WA leaders, was arranged in Uppsala in March in connection to the Baltic Sea Future Congress in Stockholm, covering all the WAs (cf. meeting notes here). The second meeting was held in Copenhagen on June 5th, dedicated to Biodiversity. Six working group members were present, and issues such as protected areas, migratory fish, marine mammals and coastal protection were discussed. The meeting notes are available here. All of the WAs also met during the 2017 CCB Annual Conference and discussed their work plans and priorities. - Examples of more external communication is well shown in CCBs social media outreach on various environmental matters. A few examples are presented below but you find a full list of all Facebook and twitter activities is available here - According to Twitter and Facebook statistic tools, CCBs social media outreach has improved with: o 23% gain of Twitter followers creating from 89 tweets 44898 impressions o and 25% increase of Facebook followers; with a reach by followers of 16 680 and 31928 impressions. - CCBs website has also increased its reach during 2017 with 7100 users +15%; 12000 sessions +38,5%. Unique page views 21 327, total 29 707 (using Google analytics) - A contact list for official actors (ministries, agencies and science institutions) has been updated by the Secretariat in cooperation with CCB MOs. An updated version of all EU Ministers has also been compiled - CCB Secretariat has continued compilation of the List of Green Apps, that could be used by MOs including the list of available Mobile Applications designed to help fighting Marine Litter, as one of the CCB priorities in 2016-2017band in a longer term. - External communication, visibility and outreach of CCB has improved significantly with participation at numerous HELCOM, EUSBSR, regional, European and global events, see the list of all events here including deliverables noted for each event or meeting
Network capacity building In response to the 2015 SWOT analysis the following activities will constitute the strategy a. Education and capacity building regarding NGOs right to access to environmental justice, information and participation under the Aarhus Convention b. Capacity building for CCB Board members in order to strengthen Board’s professionalism, expertise and competence in decision-making, long-term planning and sustainability of the network c. Make the environmental EU policies more tangible and better known among members and non- members of the network and thus boost their successful implementation;
Results and Evidence: - CCB Round Table Discussion on Aarhus Convention – Tendency and Challenges was arranged in November 2017 in Riga, Latvia, in conjunction with the International Seminar on Experience and initiatives to reduce environmental impacts and NGO cooperation possibilities on Daugava/Western Dvina river basin. - CCB’s Annual Conference always includes capacity building elements, both for staff, board and CCB member organisations. The 2017 meeting was held in Rostock, Germany, and a main component was discussing ecosystem-based MSP and public participation. See full program and event details here. Results of the Gender perception survey across CCB network were also presented and discussed at the Annual Conference. The Annual meeting highlighted the links between policies, directives and regional BSAP and that land or sea focus is less relevant than seeing the connections regarding biodiversity and nature conservation. - The CCB Summer Course “Our Common Baltic” was arranged in Hel Marine Station, Poland, on 3-8th of July 2017. 15 engaged volunteers participated and many of them have afterwards participated in workshops, getting involved in national work. This is a good result and shows the relevance of OCB as far as engaging new people. - In addition, one temporary staff member from the CCB Secretariat participated in a workshop arranged by the Baltic Sea Fund and Baltic Sea Challenge called Get to know your neighbour goes Open Space How do we change the story about the Baltic Sea? on storytelling and social media, in Mariehamn, Åland, on 14-15 November 2017.
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Network enlargement CCB needs more members to get a broader base for reaching out to the general public, but also to get more membership fees, contributing to the objectives of the fundraising and sustainability strategy. Due to being the most densely populated, cultivated and urbanized part of the Baltic Sea catchment, the Polish share of environmental impacts on the Baltic Sea is highest among all BSR countries and requires a much stronger participation and cooperation from more NGOs in Baltic Sea issues. CCB is probably the only readily available platform for that. CCB therefore strives to significantly enlarge its membership basis in Poland and thereby improve awareness for Baltic Sea protection issues. This is also valid for the Czech Republic, contributing to the pollution of the Baltic Sea through its drainage area that needs active NGOs to be represented in the CCB network. By completing this task CCB will cover the whole geographical boundaries of the Baltic Sea catchment and will enable fully holistic and comprehensive public participation of all countries in reaching its Good Environmental Status.
Results and Evidence: - The 2016 CCB’s General Meeting approved full membership of 2 long-standing Observer organizations: IPO Ecopartnership from Minsk, Belarus and Latvian Green Movement. In Rostock, 2017, at the Extraordinary General Meeting, Green Planet from Kaliningrad, Russia, and Estonian Water Association became new CCB Observers. Due to national rules and recent developments in Russia, the long standing CCB member Green World, St. Petersburg has been forced to re-organise, resulting in a withdrawal of their CCB membership rights (cf. Minutes). - Newly established Polish NGO, Coalition Save the Rivers (KRR) is considering engaging cooperation with CCB, initially on a project basis. - CCB has during 2017 had several contacts and a meeting with Czech environmental NGOs considering cooperation and a potential observership in CCB. Czech representatives from Koalice Proreky and E-U took part in Joint networking meeting between Save the Rivers Coalition (KRR) and Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB) on Transboundary problems of rivers on Odra example, 13-14.11.2017, Wroclaw, Poland and Joint Project Conference on Addressing common challenges of the Baltic Sea Basin by working on Integrated River Basin Management, microplastic & litter inputs, 18-19.12.2017 in Druskininkai, Lithuania. The latter event was also attended by NGO representatives from Ireland, USA and Bulgaria.
Staffing and technical competence including external experts a. The Biannual Strategic Plan for 2016-2017 is comprehensive and would require extension of core and assisting staff of the Secretariat with thematic experts both within and outside CCB network, in some cases done through outsourcing/subcontracting of specific tasks. The professional management of CCB will be enhanced by additional specialized expertise, giving stronger influence and more dominant expert input; b. To ensure necessary own expertise and capacities for future activities and longer-term planning the following actions will be performed to raise the competence and improve skills - The capacity of the staff will be raised by training on e.g. results based management, anticorruption, environmental enforcement instruments ; - CCB pool of experts, that NGOs can ask questions to, will be updated and quality checked; experts will be better engaged in providing opinions/statements for press-releases etc.; - Transition of experiences and competences of administrative management to prepare for generation shift will be gradually launched.
Results and Evidence: - The CCB staff situation changed in 2017 and responsibilities were reorganised. Staff was increased to 6 and consisted of (1) Executive Secretary, (2) Controller/CEE Coordinator, (3) Internal Coordination and financial administrative Officer, (4) Fisheries/Marine Policy Officer, (5) Assistant Programme Manager for Eastern European cooperation, (6) Biodiversity Policy Officer/communication officer. A long time staff member retired during 2017 (controller) and to make a smooth transition was working side by side with a new Internal coordinator/Adm. officer and the Assistant program officer. Towards the end of the year, permanent staff was back to 5 with the intent to hire a dedicated Communication Officer at start of 2018.
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- To gain full capacity linked to the variety of tasks under the Strategic Action Plan 2016-2017; a number of external experts covering various fields has also increased both through Working Area Leaders as well as dedicated experts on specific subjects of work. - The Programme Manager for Eastern European cooperation has undergone trainings related to gender, result-based project management, and organization capacity assessment tools; the latter was introduced to CCB Board during Fall 2017 as potential instruments to improve network’s internal evaluation routines and to strengthen NGOs with self-assessment tools with aim to identify and work on weaknesses as well as strengths. - The staff has held two strategic planning/review sessions – in March and December 2017 - Annual feedback sessions were held by the Executive Secretary with each of staff members in order to review and discuss job situation, challenges and plans for the future.
Partnership / relations with other stakeholders. a. In order to improve attractiveness of the network to new MOs CCB - Provided expertise to help partners to take favourable decisions to protect the Baltic Sea; - Strengthened the work through cooperation with other NGOs/stakeholders; - Developed and submitted joint applications for funding with other NGOs; b. Cooperation with Client Earth addressed public access to information and justice c. Cooperation with WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme (WWF BEP) has extended CCB and WWF Sweden are actively cooperating on transboundary river basin management and MSP, focusing in Russia. It is funded by Sida and contributes to sub-areas A3.1 and B2.1 of the Biannual Strategic Plan by sharing EU knowledge and experiences to third countries. d. Cooperation with the European Seas Environmental Cooperation (ESEC) has increased ESEC is a cooperation of regional NGO networks, including Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB), Seas At Risk (SAR), the Black Sea NGO Network (BSNN) and the Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSD). For CCB it is of great importance to both increase presence on EC/EU level, but also improve on bringing the EU level down to the BSR. CCB and the ESEC group strengthened the networks by sharing of information, exchanges of opinions and good practice, avoiding duplication of work and developing joint position papers on EU level issues. Main aim is to improve engagement of civil society from an EU level down to the national level in all EU regional seas. The following objectives for CCB’s cooperation with ESEC were important in 2017: - Improved cooperation, exchange of information and consistency in positions and communication between the marine regional NGO networks as a basis for high quality input to sea related EU policies; - Coordinated involvement of marine NGO networks in developments relating to MSFD implementation, in particular the PoMs resulting in the following activities - Liaison and information with ESEC partners to keep better informed of developments at EU level (CCB Secretariat); - Coordinated input to and participation in the meetings of the MSCG group and other relevant WG such as WG GES where the ESEC partners are observers (CCB Secretariat and ESEC partners)
Results and Evidence: - CCB Secretariat supported MOs with relevant knowledge and expertise, e.g. taking part in their events and providing necessary inputs as e.g. presentations at various national, regional, European and global fora, including e.g. Our Oceans 2017, Baltic Sea Future Congress, EUSBSR Annual Forum, etc. cf. full list here. - CCB’s work in 2017 laid a good ground for development of number of applications to regional donors that were (and some – still will be) accomplished in early 2018, including the Nordic Council of Ministers (to continue work on transboundary river basin management), Swedish Institute (on microplastics and river basin management), Baltic Sea Conservation Foundation (on removal of obsolete or abandoned barriers for fish migration), Swedish EPA and Swedish Water and Marine Management Agency, etc. as a co-financing to the EU LIFE Operational Grant. The discussions have also started on the follow-up financing of programmes for non-EU countries: Belarus, Russia and Ukraine.
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- Cooperation with ClientEarth regarding the Aarhus convention and eel (See section C2) took place during 2017 and with clear intention to continue in 2018 especially regarding eel. This cooperation covered other issues, e.g. the Nord Stream II EIA (cf. B1.6, B2.1) - Cooperation with WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme has continued through 3,5-year long Sida- funded Barents-Baltic Nature and People Programme in Russia. The program is well underway and has delivered a considerable possibility to connect people and policies with actors outside the EU and contributed substantially to the deliverables of CCB’s Strategic Biannual Plan of Actions 2016- 2017. - Cooperation with ESEC has been resulting in a joint review of MSFD PoMs for EU MS across the whole EU, as well as the review and input to the review of EC decision on Criteria and methodological standards for GES. However, ESEC cooperation was during 2017 less active than anticipated due to lack of funding for two of the partners. CCB and Seas At Risk has continuously cooperated on fisheries, aquaculture, MSFD and has coordinated and discussed matters linked to Advisory Council work including holding a joint NGO meeting on that topic.
Administrative and Financial Management The following aspects were addressed to improve CCB’s administrative and financial management - Main activities, whether initiated by the MOs or by the Secretariat are decided upon at the annual meeting/board meetings or through email correspondence in the Board; - The budget is adopted by the Board and subsequently updated at the continuous board meetings; - The accounting is subcontracted but the CCB staff needs to be complemented with an internal accounting assistant in order to ease the administrative burden at the office; - Management skills are transferred within the staff in order to broaden the administrative base and prepare for generation shift.
Results and Evidence - The CCB’s Biennial Plan of Actions for 2016-2018 is based on current EU LIFE Strategic Action Plan for 2016-2017, was recommended by CCB Board for approval by 2016 General Meeting and subsequently approved without any alterations. CCB’s Biennial Plan of Action for 2018-2019 will be also based on EU LIFE Strategic Action Plan for 2018-2019 and proposed for adoption at the upcoming General Meeting in April 2018. - Budget updates are regularly presented to CCB Board meetings and the Annual Financial Report for 2017 was approved by the Board in early March 2018. - As a result of changing staff and reorganising responsibilities, CCBs financial administration has been updated. This work will continue during 2018 and will result in an even more robust framework with aim to lower cost for external assistance and improving possibilities for simpler regular budget updates for projects etc. - Rendering since September 2016 additional on-spot accounting assistance from the current bookkeeping company has resulted in 1/3 reduction of accounting costs per month. - Each permanent staff members handles her/his work-related expenses in accordance with instructions by the Controller in order to simplify and streamline the process of monthly accounting; each of the staff members is capable to do relevant communication work, e.g. post on social media and update CCB website with information about events, etc; joint online work calendar enables sharing of work load, e.g. for preparation of events
Description of the financial status of the organisation, fundraising strategy for the upcoming year(s) and financial sustainability of the organisation:
To ensure continuity and follow-up of CCB’s operations, the network has worked intensively within 2016 on diversification of its funding sources based on the following 5-steps fundraising and sustainability strategy: 1. For 2016-2017 Biannual Strategy the CCB will mobilize resources to provide 40% own funding, also through engagement of more matching funds; - Necessary resources were mobilised 2. The CCB Secretariat will keep track of funding possibilities and will develop, with support of the Board Members, applications that are in line with the priorities agreed by the Annual Meetings; - CCB Secretariat worked throughout the year on seeking for potential funding opportunities 71
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3. Funding opportunities for MOs will be explored, respective advice and technical support will be provided by the Secretariat when asked for (annually); - In every application, CCB considers network members as the priority partners when seeking external financing 4. Applications for funding will be submitted on a regular/annual basis to SIDA (support to activities in third countries), Forum Syd (support to Swedish NGOs’ international cooperation), NCM (project support to sustain matching funds), Oak Foundation (MSFD related work, work on marine litter monitoring network, public awareness and capacity building), Swedish Institute (seed money and Technical Assistance to the work related to the EUSBSR), Ålandsbanken (targeted project grant, e.g. in relation to public awareness raising with regards to pharmaceutical pollution), the International Baltic Sea Foundation for Nature Conservation (funding related to Baltic Sea protection and envir. damage compensation); - CCB’s work in 2017 provided a basis for applications to the Nordic Council of Ministers Baltic NGOs call (to continue work on transboundary river basin management), Swedish Institute Baltic and Third Country Calls (on microplastics and river basin management), Baltic Sea Conservation Foundation (on removal of obsolete or abandoned barriers for fish migration), Swedish EPA and Swedish Water and Marine Management Agency, etc. The discussions have started on the follow-up funding of programmes for Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. CCB plans to submit applications to Velux and Baltic Sea 2020 foundations, as well as to the EEA and Norwegian Grants Regional Cooperation call. - Cooperation with Swedish Postcode Foundation on Plastic Free Baltic project provided timely support in a field where urgent public action and policy response is needed. 5. CCB will explore possibilities for improvement of its fund-raising capacities in the future through targeted training of relevant staff members (2016-2017). Additionally this will be part of preparatory measures for a future staff generation shift. - In 2017 CCB Secretariat was strengthened with new Administrative Officer having experience in fund-raising and project application development. - Current financial situation of the organization is stable with confirmed funding at the level of 2016. However, EU LIFE Operational Grant still remains an important financial source for keeping active and further developing the CCB network for protection the Baltic Sea environment.
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FINANCIAL OUTCOMES
Simplified budget items SEK EUR Share 1 INCOMES 13 936 538 1 415 567 100,0% 1.1 Membership fees 174 901 17 765 1,3% 1.2 Swedish EPA (core funding) 384 296 39 034 2,8% 1.3 Nordic Council of Ministers 634 846 64 483 4,6% 1.4 Swedish Marine and Water Agency 588 796 59 805 4,2% 1.5 The Swedish Postcode Foundation 1 342 286 136 339 9,6% 1.6 Baltic Sea Conservation Foundation 490 025 49 773 3,5% 1.7 Forum Syd 542 188 55 071 3,9% 1.8 Sida Belarus 3 519 717 357 506 25,3% 1.9 Sida WWF Russia 2 663 911 270 580 19,1% 1.10 EU Life Operating Grant 3 587 493 364 390 25,7% 1.11 Other allowances 8 079 821 0,1% 2 EXPENDITURES 13 936 237 1 415 536 100,0% 2.1 Personnel costs 3 804 212 386 403 27,3% 2.2 Travel and subsistence 1 095 436 111 266 7,9% 2.3 Services (office, equipment, publications, training) 2 217 976 225 285 15,9% 2.4 Projects 6 686 613 679 175 48,0% 2.5 Set aside to reserve fund 132 000 13 408 0,9%
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Appendix I. CCB Calendar of internal and external events
This document compiles the List of completed internal and external meetings and events in which CCB took part or contributed to in 2017 (CCB’s events marked grey). The list is kept as a live document, to be utilised for planning of activities of the Working Areas in relation to general Strategic Working Programme, as weel as afterwards for the reporting purposes.
Date and place Name of the meeting CCB input / Evidence CCB Working Area 18-19 Dic 2017, Addressing common challenges of Brief summary, presentations and RIVER, Druskininkai, LT the Baltic Sea Basin by working on agenda HAZARD Integrated River Basin Management, microplastic & litter inputs 12-13 Dic 2017, 53rd Meeting of the Heads of 3-18 Comments to the outcomes of All Helsinki, FI Delegation working groups’ meetings 5-6 Call for thorough Strategic Environmental Assessment of the E40 inland waterway project Outcome 29 Nov-01 Dic 2017, Regional Workshop on Eel and the Outcome FISH, BIO Stockholm, SE Baltic Sea 28-29 Nov 2017, HELCOM-EUSBSR Workshop on Memo AGRI, RIVER Gothenburg, SE internal nutrient reserves 24 Nov 2017, Berlin, Ecological Modernization Working Lobbying against Nord Stream 2 gas DANGER DE Group pipeline 22-23/11/2017, Experience and initiatives to Brief summary, presentations and photos RIVER, Daugavpils, LT reduce environmental impacts HAZARD and NGO cooperation possibilities on Daugava/Western Dvina river basin 21/11/2017, Riga, LV Round Table Discussion on Aarhus Brief summary and agenda All Convention – Tendency and Challenges
20/11/2017, Visby – Stakeholder dialogue meeting FISH, BIO Gotland, SE with fishermen in Harbour porpoise Natura 2000 project 16-17 Nov 2017, 2 day seminar on future of Baltic Program of the event FISH Simrishamn, SE fisheries, with international BIO outlook 14-15 Nov 2017, 7th Meeting of the Group on Outcome FISH, BIO Copenhagen, DK Ecosystem-based Sustainable Fisheries 13-14 Nov 2017, Transboundary problems of rivers Brief summary and presentations RIVER Wroclaw, PL on Odra example 09-10 Nov 2017, Seminar Neman river delta: Brief summary and relevant documents RIVER Slavsk, RU challenges and opportunities of water management within BBNPP 09-10 Nov 2017, 5th Meeting of the Group on Outcome AGRI Helsinki, FI Sustainable Agricultural Practices 07/11/2017, Gdansk, ExCom Outcome and meeting details FISH PL 07/11/2017, Flen, SE Conference for County CCB presented relevant information on FISH Administrative Boards fisheries harbour porpoises and the Harbour BIO experts porpoise Natura 2000 project
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07-08 Nov 2017, 15th Meeting of the joint Outcome COAST, BIO, Warsaw, PL HELCOM-VASAB Maritime Spatial DANGER Planning Working Group
27/10/2017, 2nd Basin Meeting – Public Brief summary, presentations and photos RIVER Kaliningrad, RU Advisory River Team Nemunas HAZARD 25-27 Oct 2017, Eastern Partnership (EaP) Civil CCB took part in EaP CSF Working Group RIVER Tallinn, EE Society Conference and 9th EaP “Environment, climate change and HAZARD CSF Annual Assembly energy security” 24-26 Oct 2017, 7th Meeting of the Working Group 7-9 Final Draft_CCB Report on RIVER, Vilnius, LT on Reduction of Pressures from Pharmaceutical Pollution in the Baltic Sea HAZARD the Baltic Sea Catchment Area Region Outcome 23/10/2017, Vilnius, LT Workshop on implementation of Brief summary, presentations and HAZARD the RAP ML agenda RIVER Document 6 CCB’s contribution to implementation of the RAP ML Document 9 CCB’s contribution to implementation of the RAP ML (updated) Presentation Outcome 23-27 Oct 2017, Sopot, 7the Meeting of the Working Outcome BIO PL Group on the State of the Environment and Nature Conservation 23-24 Oct 2017, Växjö, Forum of the Project on CCB Executive Secretary acted as a RIVER SE Interactive Water Management moderator of the Baltic Water Excellence HAZARD (IWAMA), organised by the Union Forum and disseminated materials on of Baltic Cities sustainable stormwater management at municipal level 20-22 Oct 2017, The 3rd Coalition Clean Baltic Invitation page All Jūrmala, LV Board Meeting 2017 in Jūrmala, Latvia 14/10/2017, Lviv, UA Organic and Natural Products Fair Brief summary and photos AGRI
13/10/2017, Sokal, UA 2nd Basin Meeting – Public Brief summary, presentations and photos RIVER Advisory River Team Western Bug 12-14 Oct 2017, High-Level Conference Lobbying on eel protection at EU level FISH BIO Monaco, FR ”Connecting and Protecting Our Seas: Initiatives in the Baltic and the Mediterranean” 10-12 Oct 2017, St. 17th Meeting of the Maritime 6-1 CCB Draft Report on potential sources DANGER Petersburg, RU Working Group of nutrient inputs - Baltic Sea ports handling fertilizers Presentation Outcome 05-06 Oct 2017, Malta UN Our Ocean Conference Dissemination of CCB materials and All participation in discussions 04-06 Oct 2017, 11th Meeting of the HELCOM ad Outcome BIO Gothenburg, SE hoc Seal Expert Group 29/09/2017, Online Intersessional meeting for drafting Outcome FISH meeting a document of HELCOM data interests to assess incidental by- catches and fisheries impact on benthic biotopes 26-27 Sept 2017, International conference on Brief summary, presentations and photos COAST Jūrmala, LV “Sustainable Development Goals: To Raise Public Awareness in Building Sustainable Communities Around the Baltic Sea”
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26/09/2017, Helsinki, 1st meeting of HELCOM 4-1 Developing a BAT for Baltic FISH FI Correspondence Group CG Aquaculture Aquaculture Outcome
25-26 Sept 2017, International Conference “Science Brief summary and agenda BIO Szczecin, PL in the service of nature – Focus on the Conservation Genetics and Combating Invasive Alien Species” 20-24 Sept 2017, “Baltic starts here!” Brief summary RIVER, Pavlinovo Manor, BY River Basin Management Camp HAZARD AGRI 15/09/2017, Online Meeting with agencies and NGOs BIO on harbour porpoise N2000 area FISH project 14/09/2017, Online Second Meeting of HELCOM Notes HAZARD meeting Correspondence Group on Pharmaceuticals 14/09/2017, Online 6th Meeting of the Task Group on Outcome BIO meeting HELCOM Marine Protected Areas 05-07 Sept 2017, Le 23rd Meeting of the ASCOBANS Action points BIO Conquet, FR Advisory Committee 04-05 Sept 2017, Annual NGO meeting of FISH Brussels, B participants in Advisory Council in EU 03/09/2017, BSAC EBM WG focus on salmon Results of the BSAC discussions in final FISH, BIO Copenhagen, DK management submission to Baltfish on their salmon management draft paper 03/09/2017, Kingisepp, Public hearings on EIA for the CCB, WWF Russia and Greenpeace Russia DANGER BIO RU Russian landfall of the Nord filed a complaint to the Secretariat of the Stream 2 gas pipeline project Ramsar Convention with regards to the proposed route of the Nord Stream II gas pipeline across Kurgalskiy Nature Reserve and Ramsar site
01-02 Sept 2017, “CAP 2020. Towards sustainable Presentation “Is CAP contributing to the AGRI Tallinn, EE agriculture" Conference clean Baltic Sea” Open letter from the conference to informal meeting of EU Agricultural Ministers meeting 31/08/2017, 1st meeting Danish chair, focus No official outcomes FISH Copenhagen, DK TACs, eel 20/08/2017, Meeting with fisheries experts BIO FISH Karlskrona, SE from County Administrative Boards, informing about the harbour porpoise Natura 2000 project
25/08/2017, Vilnius, LT Project Meeting – Public Advisory Brief summary and presentations RIVER River Team Nemunas HAZARD 23/08/2017, Reporting Meeting of BBNP Presentations RIVER COAST Kaliningrad, RU partners in Kaliningrad region
22/08/2017, Mārupe Project Meeting – Public Advisory Brief summary RIVER (Riga), LV River Team Daugava HAZARD 20-21 Aug 2017, Public hearings on Espoo EIA of CCB took part in the hearings and DANGER Stralsund, DE the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in submitted concerns to the German Germany permitting authority 03-08 July 2017, Hel, Our Common Baltic Summer Invitation page All PL Course 2017, Hel Marine Station, Poland 30/06/2017, Kingisepp, Public hearings on Espoo EIA of CCB took active part in the hearings DANGER RU the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in CCB, WWF Russia and Greenpeace Russia Russia presented concerns on the proposed 76
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Nord Stream II Project to the potential funders of the project and the International Financial Corporation. CCB, WWF and Oceana call the EC to take into account environmental requirements in negotiations with Russia on the Nord Stream II project 27/06/2017, Online 1st Meeting of the HELCOM Notes HAZARD meeting (CET) Correspondence Group on Pharmaceuticals (CG PHARMA) 20-22 June 2017, 13th meeting of the ASCOBANS Report BIO Wilhelmshaven, DE Jastarnia Group 20-21 June 2017, 52nd Meeting of the Heads of 3-3 Draft Report on potential sources of All Brussels, B Delegation nutrient inputs - Baltic Sea ports handling fertilizers 3-5 Information for the International Consultations on EIA of the Nord Stream II Project Outcome 13/06/2017, Berlin, DE 8th Annual Forum of the EU CCB participated in HELCOM panel All Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region “Latest status of the sea revealed – what can we do about it together?” 07/06/2017, Round Table «Regional Aspects of Brief summary, presentations and All Kaliningrad, RU Implementing the UN Sustainable agenda Development Goals» 07/06/2017, Öland, SE Stakeholder dialogue meeting BIO FISH with fishermen in Harbour porpoise Natura 2000 project 25-26 May 2017, First annual meeting dedicated Brief summary, presentations and RIVER COAST Murmansk, RU exchange experience on River agenda Basin Management within BBNP Programme in Russia 22-24 May 2017, 6th Meeting of the Group on 5-2 Court decision in Sweden with FISH Helsinki, FI Ecosystem-based Sustainable relevance for BAT in aquaculture Fisheries 6-4 CCB proposal to estimate amount of recreational fishing nets and traps Outcome 15-16 May 2017, 1st workshop for planning the Outcome BIO Uppsala, SE updating HELCOM Red list assessments 15-19 May 2017, 6th Meeting of the Working Group 4N-4 Concerns in relation to the decision BIO Uppsala, SE on the State of the Environment by the Polish Government to construct and Nature Conservation navigation canal across Vistula Spit 4N-5-Rev.1 Information from CCB on project to protect the Baltic harbour porpoise 4N-6 Information from CCB re International Consultations on EIA of the Nord Stream II Project Outcome 12-14 May 2017, Coalition Clean Baltic Annual Report page All Rostock, DE Conference 2017 and Extraordinary General Meeting 2017 in Rostock, Germany 11/05/2017, ExCom and General Assembly CCB officially elected as chair of new FISH Stockholm, SE working group. Meeting documentation can be found here
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11-12 May 2017, The 2nd Coalition Clean Baltic Invitation page All Rostock, DE Board Meeting 2017 in Rostock, Germany 05/05/2017, Öster- Seminar arranged by the Swedish CCB presented relevant information on BIO FISH Malma, SE Hunters’ Association on Coastal harbour porpoises and the Harbour Hunting porpoise Natura 2000 project 28/04/2017, Brussels, 20th meeting of the Marine CCB presented our report on wetlands RIVER, B Strategy Coordination Group ability to filter microplastics. Presentation HAZARD (MSCG) here 27/04/2017, Lviv, UA Seminar: Ecological Safety and Summary and presentations AGRI Sustainable Agriculture 25-27 Apr 2017, St. 6th Meeting of the Working Group 3-3 Wise stormwater management to RIVER, Petersburg, RU on Reduction of Pressures from minimize inputs of microplastic HAZARD the Baltic Sea Catchment Area 6-4 Draft CCB Report on pharmaceutical DANGER BIO pollution in the Baltic Sea Region 7-12 Draft Report on potential sources of nutrient inputs_Baltic Sea ports handling fertilizers 9-2 Information for the International Consultations on EIA of the Nord Stream II Project 9-3 Concerns in relation to the decision by the Polish Government to construct navigation canal across Vistula Spit Outcome 26/04/2017, Berlin, DE In addition a BSAC pre-meeting at BSAC agenda for pre-meeting, FISH same premises unfortunately BALTFISH keeps no records of any meetings but CCB has the agenda here 24/04/2017, Brussels, Hearing in EP Fisheries committee CCB speaker at the meeting, presenting FISH B the failure so far of meeting the LO requirements. Minutes of the meeting CCB presentation 19/04/2017, Lunch seminar regarding fishing FISH Stockholm, SE and quotas, for sale or not. 04-05 Apr 2017, Regional Workshop of the ICLD Brief summary and presentations RIVER Kaliningrad, RU Cooperation Programme between Russian and Swedish Municipalities 03-04 Apr 2017, 4th Meeting of the Group on Outcome AGRI Brussels, B Sustainable Agricultural Practices 29/03/2017, Stakeholder dialogue meeting BIO FISH Karlskrona, SE with fishermen in Harbour porpoise Natura 2000 project 28/03/2017, 1st meeting of the new working Chaired by NH, CCB. FISH, BIO Copenhagen, DK group on Ecosystem Based Management 27-28 Mar 2017, HELCOM Workshop on nutrient Outcome AGRI Berlin, DE recycling in the Baltic Sea Countries 24-26 Mar 2017, The 1st Coalition Clean Baltic Invitation page All Szczecin, PL Board Meeting 2017 in Szczecin, Poland 22-23 Mar 2017, St. Round table «Ecosystem approach Brief summary, presentations, agenda RIVER Petersburg, RU in integrated river basin and and photos coastal marine areas management. Role and place of public participation»
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06/03/2017, Baltic Sea Future Congress Brief summary All Stockholm, SE 05/03/2017, Kick-off meeting of the Plastic Brief summary and relevant documents HAZARD Stockholm, SE Free Baltic Project RIVER 9/3/2017, Hamburg, 2nd meeting under the German FISH DE chair, special focus on landing obligation 28 Feb-01 Mar 2017, 38th Meeting of the Helsinki 2-4 Statements by BFFE, CCB and WWF at All Helsinki, FI Commission HELCOM 38-2017 high-level session Outcome 8/02/2017, Stockholm, Initial meeting with agencies and BIO FISH SE experts on N2000 area project 01-03 Feb 2017, Benchmark exercise at ICES BIO Copenhagen, DK regarding salmon 31/01/2017, Warsaw, 1st Excom of BSAC in 2017 CCB proposal of new working group FISH PL finalized and agreed. 18/01/2017, Minsk, BY International Workshop on Brief summary and presentations RIVER transboundary river basin HAZARD management in the eastern part of the Baltic Sea catchment area 17/01/2017, Final Expert Workshop of the Brief summary RIVER Kolodischi, BY Project “Creation of a Sustainable, NGO-led River Monitoring Network on the Neman and Pregola Rivers”
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Appendix II. List of CCB publications (report, documents, statements, presentations) released in 2017
Area A. Working on Land Agriculture Report on ‘Efficient nutrient resource management within Baltic agriculture’ Brochure “Phosphates cause of eutrophication” Brief folder “Improve farm productivity by preventing the elimination of nitrogen and phosphorus from soil to water” Brief practical guidelines “Nutrient-balanced fertilization calculations – an important tool to save nutrient resources at source and to build beneficial farming” Statement at HELCOM 38-2017 Position on sustainable agriculture within BSR at HELCOM Workshop on nutrient recycling. Presentation “Is CAP contributing to the clean Baltic Sea” at the “CAP 2020. Towards sustainable agriculture" Conference which resulted in a joint Open letter to informal meeting of EU Agricultural Ministers Inputs to the EU Public Consultation/Survey on the Future of CAP Booklet “What is organic agriculture” (in Russian) Report of a limited study for two selected small river basins at north Poland Pharmaceuticals Final Report on pharmaceutical pollution in the BSR Awareness raising campaign about pharmaceutical pollution: leaflet, stickers, and a folder Article “Healing” Water: How Residual Drugs End up in Your Glass” Open letter to the EC regarding the delayed release of a strategic approach to address the pharmaceutical pollution of water, co-signed a Declaration and a joint response Feedback to the roadmap for the EU Strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment Microplastic and stormwater management “Guidance on concrete ways to reduce microplastic inputs from municipal stormwater and waste water discharges” Presented to HELCOM PRESSURE 6-2017 (input), HELCOM RAP ML Workshop 2-2017 (input, presentation River Basin Management Presentation at International Seminar on Experience and initiatives to reduce environmental impacts and NGO cooperation possibilities (Daugavpils, Latvia) ERBM within Sida-funded Barents-Baltic Nature and People Programme (BBNP) in Russia: o Baseline report on ERBM in Neman river basin proposals for public monitoring, o Stakeholder analysis o Review of previous trans boundary basin management initiatives and agreements CCB’s interactive map of public river monitoring River Watch activities in Lithuania River Watch activities in Latvia River Watch and public river monitoring in Russia River Watch in Belarus o Examples of articles published in national and regional newspapers http://brest.greenbelarus.info/articles/25-07-2017/opasno-li-pit-vodu-iz-kolodcev- brestchiny-i-kuda-tekut-belarusskie-reki http://news.21.by/society/2017/06/06/1339128.html http://www.ecoidea.by/ru/article/3112 http://germanovichi.sharkovschina.edu.by/main.aspx?guid=13813 http://kurjer.info/2017/08/14/cow-farm-2/ http://greenbelarus.info/articles/01-08-2017/kudy-havaecca-vada-belarus-perazhyvae- treci-peryyad-padzennya-gruntovyh-vod o Periodical “In harmony with nature” and “News from Trulli water drop” (in Russian) 80
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Presentation in June 2017 at Round Table «Regional Aspects of Implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals» Climate change Analysis of flood protection measures in the Neman river basin (in Russian) "Climate change. What can regions do?" (in Russian) Other sources of nutrients Draft report, including a map, of potential sources of nutrient inputs from ports handling fertilisers in the Baltic. Presented as a PowerPoint. Materials of non-conventional animal husbandry Fur Farming Data in the BSR, working document
Area B. Working at Sea and Coast MSFD - Letter to DG Envi regarding a document presented to Marine and Water Directors in June 2017 - Joint NGO reaction June 15-16th 2017. Find the NGO comments here - CCBs presentation to the MSCG in May 2017 - NGO report on MSFD PoMs Fisheries - CCB input regarding needed changes to current regional landing obligation - NGO input to TAC for 2019 - CCB report on recreational fisheries in the Baltic Sea region - CCBs presentation of the report at BALTFISH - CCB input and proposal to HELCOM FISH 6 - Joint NGO statement on the TMF - Presentation at the EP hearing event - landing obligation on 25 April 2017 - Two Joint NGO statements to EP representatives, to PECH comm. and plenary Aquaculture - Short statement on aquaculture BAT: https://goo.gl/TBxrFp and https://goo.gl/gdHct6 - Input about BAT and aquaculture related to an important court case - Input regarding the basis for developing BAT concepts within HELCOM framework - Initial assessment of the national strategies is done and available here, and annex to report Harbour porpoise - Presentation at the CCB Annual Conference held in Rostock, Germany in May 2017 - Information brochure on the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise Sustainable development in coastal and marine areas - Position about the decision of the Polish Government to construct a channel across Vistula Spit, as well as the Nord Stream II EIA - Comments to the regional consultation on HELCOM’s State of the Baltic Sea - Regional Conference “Sustainable Development Goals: To Raise Public Awareness in Building Sustainable Communities around the Baltic Sea” : Report of the conference - Joint letter to the Latvian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with a copy to DG ENV calling to refrain from allowing logging in coastal forest strip (cf. in Latvian) EIA process of the planned Nord Stream II gas pipeline project - Position on the Nord Stream II EIA - Letters to the national governments with regards to EIA - Inputs and information to HELCOM PRESSURE, STATE & CONSERVATION and Heads of Delegation - Joint letter to the EC with WWF and Oceana - Inputs to IUCN, Ramsar Convention, as well as to investors of the Nord Stream II Project, IFIs and the UN Global Compact sustainable business initiative Marine litter - Input to HELCOM PRESSURE 6-2017, HELCOM RAP ML Workshop 2-2017 (input, presentation) - CCB and Apotea.se an op-ed piece. 81
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- Technical report of microplastic pollution originating from textiles and paints/coatings, addressing both environmental implications and available solutions - Numerous publications, including public outreach materials, including those in national languages, have been produced, cf. examples https://goo.gl/NYJtkX Maritime Spatial Planning - Review report “The process of marine spatial planning (MSP) in the world, the Baltic sea region and Russia”. (in Russian) - Maritime spatial planning (MSP) in the Baltic Sea (in Russian) - “Development of baseline information for stakeholders on marine spatial planning for the Russian part of the Curonian Lagoon and the it estuarine areas” (part 1, in Russian) - “ERBM in MSP processes in nature concervation of the Curonian Lagoon” (part 2, in Russian)
Area C. Land-Sea Interaction Salmon - The CCB briefing on elements for new salmon management plan - CCB salmon map update - Full datafile with categorisation and colour coding for two map reprint - Outreach materials by VAK at https://goo.gl/DEiGVE and https://goo.gl/LQ8r3d. A publication in the local newspaper “Druva” was made - Report about conservation of common population of salmonid species in a transboundary Nemunas river basin (in Belarus) Eel - CCB new pocket folder - Short report called “The Unhealthy eel” - Examples of the sent facts and briefings and reactions to questions put to CCB regarding eel: CCB eel briefing 2017 Compilation of ICES eel advice past 20 years Compilation of data on incoming juvenile - glass eel index – to EU waters Speaking note suggesting to MEPs Social media suggestions to use in English and translated to national languages Proposal/example of press statement to use and adapt to national use - Joint NGO letter all EU fisheries ministers asking about and calling for additional measures Alien species - Presentation EU legislation on invasive alien species in the context of counteracting anthropogenic-driven biological invasions
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Appendix III. CCB Social Media Outreach
PUBLISHED AREA POST TYPE REACH CLICKS REACTIONS likes, comments
12/24/2017 All Very Merry Christmas, dear friends! We are the Baltic! #IamTheBaltic Photo 531 16 45 8:13 pm
12/13/2017 FISH BIO Ministers again fail to stand up for eel The critically endangered eel was sidelined yet again at the Fisheries Council. Photo 160 25 6 3:42 pm The Ministers only managed to agree to a short fishery closure period of their own choice. The decision is a remarkable disregard of CFP rules and Ministers fought to keep fishing open on an endangered species in an unprecedented way. The small sliver of hope is in the signed commitment to do more for eel and CCB will now turn attention to the Minsters demanding them to be true to their word. CCB must acknowledge the work of the Commission and Commissioner Vella and we owe thanks to them for standing up for the rules and the protection of eels. See the letter CCB together with other NGOs sent to all Ministers asking what more they are willing to do here and now to support the eel recovery: http://www.ccb.se/2017/11/20-ngos-call-upon-eu-ministers-to-explain-what-they-will-do-to- protect-the-eel/
11/17/2017 HAZARD A group of twenty organisations, including CCB – lead by Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Europe – today sent a Status 194 26 14 6:34 pm Declaration to European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, expressing their deep concern about the threat posed by pharmaceuticals in the environment to European citizens, their communities, and the environment. The Declaration comes during World Antibiotic Awareness Week and on the eve of European Antibiotic Awareness Day. We call on the European Commission to consider our position on this issue and take immediate action to protect human and environmental health! Read more Declaration on Pharmaceuticals in the Environment http://www.ccb.se/?p=9436 Pharmaceutical Pollution in the Baltic Sea Region http://www.ccb.se/Evidence2017/CCB_FinalDraft_Pharmaceuticals_in_BSR.pdf
11/15/2017 All Happy 10 years birthday, Helsinki Commission's Baltic Sea Action Plan! It's time to get back on track now - before it Photo 756 31 30 12:01 pm gets too late! www.ccb.se/Evidence2017/BSAP10yrs.pdf
11/06/2017 All Nerush, long-standing CCB's partners in Belarus, local nature conservation and environmental protection NGO from 148 2 8 1:26 pm RIVER Baranovichi is celebrating today 20 years since its founding. Well done, friends, and all the best in your competent, OD&CB skillful and important work on public awareness and building local green capacities! All the best in your future
endeavors and best wishes from the whole Baltic Sea Region! Happy 20th birthday!
11/04/2017 FISH Yet again, Baltic salmon and sea trout news - updates from Lithuania. Taking gonads for artificial reproduction at Photo 312 34 9
10:12 am BIO Žeimena Hatchery. Amazing fishes - strong and beautiful in their spawning 'dresses'! RIVER
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11/03/2017 FISH Continuing series of posts related to salmonid species protection around the Baltic: here comes another great example Photo 280 19 11 9:43 am BIO - this time from Latvia. And Latvian Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries meanwhile claims that almost all salmon
RIVER rivers in the country are gone!? What a nonsense! #IAmTheBaltic #SaveBalticSalmon
10/29/2017 FISH Magic happens in front of you! Save Baltic Sea Salmon! #IAmTheBaltic Shared 134 7 7 7:16 pm BIO Video RIVER
10/25/2017 FISH And more salmon protection news from Lithuania: shared problem = shared solutions. Lithuanian anti-poaching squad Photo 203 19 9 10:05 pm BIO has started patrolling the salmon rivers. According to the new law, the fine for poaching is 1000 EUR - quite smth!
RIVER Good luck guys and all the best in your very important volunteering work!
10/25/2017 FISH CCB-supported activities in upper catchment of Nemunas are starting to pay off with a fantastic work done by local Photo 203 11 9 4:13 pm BIO salmon protection group in Belarus! Look at this great image of salmon entering small creek to find a safe place for its RIVER offspring! Even more efforts are needed to protect this beautiful fish all across the Baltic Sea catchment!
#IamTheBaltic
10/24/2017 HAZARD Surprising enough, HELCOM invites for new measures to tackle microplastic pollution, but fails to move forward with Link 284 23 7 11:34 am RIVER revision of stormwater and wastewater recommendations - one of the major sources of microplastics due to lack of "scientific evidence" :( Likewise significant loopholes in plastic waste management practices within BSR, as highlighted by illegal dumpsite fire in Jurmala in June 2017, were simply ignored - again, due to lacking "official" information. Well, let's keep on failing further. Isn't HOLAS II enough evidence of collapsing environmental governance? Check CCB submissions on both issues at https://portal.helcom.fi/meetings/WS%20RAP%20ML%202-2017-482/default.aspx (when it becomes disclosed)
10/12/2017 ALL Ten-year-old children want to save the Baltic Sea with a donation of more than €10,000 to protection work Link 163 0 1 4:25 pm OD&CB https://www.johnnurmisensaatio.fi/en/ten-year-old-children-want-save-baltic-sea-donation-e10000-protection- work/ #IamTheBaltic #SaveTheBaltic
10/09/2017 ALL Я - Балтийское море! А как насчет тебя? Если и ты тоже - не упусти возможности быть услышанным! Video 1.3K 91 47 9:00 am OD&CB Поделись своей историей и чувствами, сделай свой вклад в сохранение своего дома - Балтики. Вместе наш голос становится сильнее! Присоединяйся к кампании Коалиции Чистой Балтики (ССВ) #IamTheBaltic, узнай о том, как это сделать тут: www.ccb.se/iamthebaltic. Не забудь поделиться этим постом!
10/05/2017 ALL Follow #OurOcean 2017 Conference online https://ourocean2017.org/ Link 512 12 21 9:55 am OD&CB
10/05/2017 ALL Sad facts Shared 466 24 8 6:16 am Video
10/04/2017 ALL Haven't we already heard about environmental superheroes? Isn't it enough words, Commissioner Vella? We need Photo 497 3 1
12:50 pm OD&CB actions, not just commitments! #OurOceans #SaveTheBaltic #IamTheBaltic
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10/02/2017 ALL Friends, what do you think about the Baltic Sea? Your voice is very important to save the Baltic! Like and share this Shared 284 32 5 9:36 am OD&CB post Друзья, что вы думаете о Балтийском море? Ваш голос очень важен для спасения Балтики! Ставьте Video
лайки и делитесь этим постом #IamTheBaltic
10/02/2017 ALL I am the Baltic! What about you? If you are - you should be heard! Share your stories and feelings, make your own Video 1.5K 90 63 9:29 am OD&CB contribution to the protection of your home. Together our voice is stronger! Join CCB's #IamTheBaltic campaign, find out how to get involved at http://www.ccb.se/iamthebaltic. Don’t forget to share this post!
09/22/2017 FISH The Commission has acted to #savetheeel and proposed a stop for eel fishery in the Baltic Sea as a start. We simply Photo 322 24 10 12:27 pm BIO cannot keep fishing for a critically endangered species! Send your support to Commissioner Vella on twitter: https://twitter.com/KarmenuVella https://twitter.com/EU_MARE or via facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommissionerVella/# https://www.facebook.com/EUmaritimefish/# Send a simple message (you may use the eel picture here) : "thank you for standing up for the #eel"
09/22/2017 FISH CCBs German member BUND https://www.facebook.com/BUNDSchleswigHolstein act to #savetheeel Since there is Link 100 3 3 12:22 pm BIO only one eel stock, regardless of where, we all share the same responsibility. Sign and send a email to responsible persons in Germany that we all care. https://www.bund-sh.de/mitmachen/rettet-den-aal/
09/12/2017 RIVER Ecosanitation is promoted around the Baltic - yet another facility has been launched near St.Petersburg by Ecocentrum Photo 116 10 4 4:26 pm with methodological support and facilitation by long-standing CCB's members, Friends of the Baltic. Thanks for the co- funding of this project from the #baltcf (Baltic Sea Conservation Foundation) and #bbnp (Barents Baltic Nature &
People Programme)!
09/10/2017 ALL Don't miss the opportunity, friends! Link 359 26 5 11:08 am OD&CB
09/08/2017 FISH More news about salmon protection in Belarus - establishing new contacts with downstream neighbors and discussing Photo 147 10 5
12:21 pm BIO dams vs. fishways, etc. Well done, friends! RIVER
09/07/2017 DANGER "Ключевые мифы «Северного потока 2» о маршруте через Нарвскую губу Финского залива" Link 190 11 8 4:39 pm COAST BIO
09/07/2017 FISH The first salmon information center has been officially launched in Belarus! Link 136 9 4 10:57 am BIO RIVER
09/02/2017 HAZARD The EU capital has banned single-use plastic bags as of 1 September 2017, though as usual with couple of exemptions Link 225 5 5
8:41 am RIVER :)
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08/31/2017 HAZARD First inspiring results of #PlasticFreeBaltic Project Video 2.2K 66 30 2:19 pm RIVER
08/29/2017 FISH Hooray! Let's celebrate the timely move by the EC proposing to stop eel fisheries in the Baltic Sea (both commercial Shared 340 25 11 2:17 pm BIO and recreational)! Inland fisheries and other pressures across the whole Baltic catchment still to be addressed by Video national actions. Further details in CCB's press-release http://www.ccb.se/?p=8524. Spread the word - repost and share to gain the support to the proposal! And enjoy a short video by Sustainable Eel Group :)
08/22/2017 DANGER Friends, please support our action against Nord Stream 2 violent plans to destroy unique nature values at Kurgalskiy Link 237 22 10 8:29 pm COAST Peninsula Nature Reserve of international importance. Sign the petition at Avaaz https://goo.gl/4fUHPf and letter to BIO RU Minister of Environment at Greenpeace https://goo.gl/vWyQJU. More info at http://www.ccb.se/savekurgalskiy/ #savekurgalskiy #stopnordstream2
08/20/2017 RIVER CCB Member, the Western Centre of the Ukrainian Branch of the World Laboratory from Lviv, took part in the Ecofest Photo 199 9 4 8:13 pm (HutaFest), where they have presented and gained a lot of interest from general public on various sustainable sanitation solutions for private houses, small and scattered settlements. This activity is coordinated by CCB with
financial support from Forum Syd. Thanks a lot, to Petro Hrytsyshyn, Vlad Sych and other Ukainian friends!
08/20/2017 DANGER Please help us saving Kurgalskiy Nature Reserve from Nord Stream 2 AG - sign the petition! More on the topic at Link 322 34 17 12:25 am COAST http://www.ccb.se/savekurgalskiy/ BIO
08/17/2017 HAZARD Linköping's Nykvarn Waste Water Treatment Plant became the first Swedish stationary full-scale sewage treatment Link 353 21 15 10:46 am RIVER facility to prevent medical residues from being discharged to environment! It is expected that the WWTP will trap ca. 90% of all pharmaceutical contamination from the incoming waters. To be officially launched on 4 September 2017.
Bravo, Tekniska verken and Linköpings kommun!
08/13/2017 HAZARD Take your chance and enroll to the #PlasticFreeBaltic online course on Marine Litter and Microplastic Pollution - first Link 444 20 28 1:36 pm RIVER course of its kind in the #BalticSeaRegion! * 7 thematic modules, certificate after successful completion! * From 1 September till 15 November 2017 * Free of charge * Materials in English and in national languages! #postkodstiftelsen
#ekoagora #coalitioncleanbaltic
08/10/2017 HAZARD Something to think about: only 4 aquaria and maritime museums from the Baltic Sea Region have so far joined the Link 302 27 18 1:14 pm World Aquariums Campaign Against Marine Litter (@sjofartsmuseetakvariet, Den Blå Planet, Akwarium Gdyńskie and Lietuvos jūrų muziejus). How about the rest, e.g. Музей Мирового океана / Museum of the World Ocean, Sea Life
Helsinki, Ozeaneum Stralsund, Kolmården, Fokarium, St.Petersburg Oceanarium? Join the challenge!
08/10/2017 HAZARD Hey, CCB friends! Join the challenge - save the ocean! Get inspired by #PlasticFreeBaltic! Photo 136 9 2 9:41 am http://www.ccb.se/plasticfreebaltic/
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08/05/2017 RIVER Very relevant visualization of the climate change - as a response to Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Shared 360 13 7 6:06 pm BIO Read more about CCB's work with climate issues here¨http://www.ccb.se/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/CCB-Climate- Video Change-report1.pdf
07/29/2017 RIVER Why on Earth it is so difficult to stop thinking about work even while having holidays at beautiful Baltic coastline? ;) Link 116 4 0 2:20 pm Passing by Värnamo, noticed a show-room of familiar brand: Separett - one of the leading producers of dry toilets. CCB consistently works with eco-sanitation for many years, all around the Baltic catchment. See further information here: http://www1.ccb.se/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/gebers_bk.ppt Timely enough for considering preventative measures at your land plot or summer cottage, isn't it? Check up their website for further details.
07/25/2017 RIVER CCB partners from Brest Region of Belarus and Lviv Region of Ukraine are seeking broader public participation in Photo 135 5 2 4:07 pm transboundary management of Western Bug River basin. Polish partners from Polski Klub Ekologiczny Zarząd Główny will also join this platform. These activities are carried out within ongoing CCB projects supported by The Nordic
Council of Ministers and The Nordic Council, Sida - Styrelsen för Internationellt Utvecklingssamarbete and Forum Syd
07/21/2017 CCB - Coalition Clean Baltic shared your post. Photo 139 8 2 6:32 pm
07/21/2017 DANGER CCB requires that EIA on Nord Stream 2 Project addresses holistic and cumulative impacts on the Baltic Sea ecosystem Link 118 3 1
11:53 am COAST | Coalition Clean Baltic BIO
07/20/2017 RIVER #STOP_E40! Let's stop the development of inland waterway E40, that threatens to destroy unique ecosystem of Link 120 8 3 6:43 pm BIO Polesie! Baltic-wise it may open up a gateway for numerous biological invasions from Black to the Baltic Sea. Support
and share!
07/19/2017 ALL Enjoy the report about CCB's Our Common Baltic summer course at Hel Marine Station, Poland! Link 180 11 6 9:47 am
07/15/2017 HAZARD CCB - Coalition Clean Baltic shared Plastic Free July's video. Shared 177 8 2 4:36 pm Video
07/15/2017 ALL Good start for Estonian EU Presidency! Link 119 2 0 9:34 am FISH
07/14/2017 CCB - Coalition Clean Baltic shared your post. Link 139 12 0 11:01 pm
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07/14/2017 DANGER STOP E40 Project destroying unique river ecosystem of Vistula, Bug and Pripyat'! See original article by WWF Poland Link 88 3 3 10:58 pm COAST here http://www.wwf.pl/?21260/Ostra-krytyka-planow-kanalizowania-polskich-rzek# BIO
07/12/2017 ALL News from the Baltic-wide field. First version of the new generation of the State of the Environment / Ecosystem Link 186 15 5 12:25 pm Health of the Baltic Sea Report released. Very informative and worth exploring, though results might be quite
discouraging :(!
07/05/2017 ALL Our Common Baltic 2017 team leaves to the sea expedition! Bon Voyage, #IamTheBaltic cruise! Video 699 78 33 8:52 am OD&CB
06/30/2017 CCB - Coalition Clean Baltic shared your post. Status 115 11 1 10:40 am
06/30/2017 DANGER CCB today participates at the public hearings on the EIA in transboundary context of the proposed Nord Stream 2 Shared 236 43 10 9:24 am COAST Project in Kingisepp, Leningrad Oblast of Russia. Our position remains unchanged: the route along the Northern coast Video BIO of the Gulf of Finland, in parallel to the existing Nord Stream 1 pipeline, is the only suitable solution in terms of acceptable environmental impacts. Check further details about the project and our concerns and actions at http://www.ccb.se/savekurgalskiy/
06/23/2017 RIVER Save Belarusian Amazonia in the center of Europe! Protect unique Bug-Pripyat river system! Stop E40 waterway Shared 168 2 2
3:04 pm project! #водныйпутьЕ40 #stopE40 #припятьживи Video
06/22/2017 HAZARD Hmm, reason for local readers to get worried: several thousand tons of Swedish-labelled waste ended up at illegal Link 185 12 5
12:34 pm dumpsite in Jurmala. Thanks, Aija Caune, for the hint.
06/21/2017 AGRI Hooray!!! Poland has just confirmed at the meeting of HELCOM Heads of Delegation that, hopefully, from 1 January Link 299 17 16 12:30 pm 2018 the whole Polish territory will be designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zone, with stricter measures applied to animal farms, manure storage (6 month min.) and manure fertilizer application. See more detailed info here: www.ccb.se/Evidence2017/NitratesDirective_Poland.pdf
06/20/2017 HAZARD Spread the word, friends, for #PlasticFreeBaltic! Shared 150 4 3 8:42 am Video
06/15/2017 ALL Today is the birthday of CCB! On this day 27 years ago, Coalition Clean Baltic was registered as a legal entity Photo 907 44 56 10:10 am OD&CB
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06/08/2017 ALL Happy World Ocean Day 2017! https://youtu.be/2p3nNOWMy9A Link 87 6 4 8:00 am OD&CB
06/05/2017 CCB - Coalition Clean Baltic shared your post. Link 192 13 2 11:50 am
06/05/2017 ALL Today, #LifeBelowWater will be discussed at the UN Ocean Conference in New York. #SaveOurOcean - Link 181 2 12
8:00 am OD&CB #SaveOurFuture!
06/04/2017 ALL Happy Sunday to all of you! Listen to this great SDG song by Alan AtKisson and get prepared to act! Only together we Link 151 3 5
11:07 am OD&CB can "make this Planet great again"!
06/01/2017 No comments... only shame about shameless behavior... Photo 155 19 1 2:23 pm
05/30/2017 ALL Sun , fun , young ! We are looking for young activists with sunny personalities to share their funny experiences at Link 133 16 6 8:56 pm OD&CB the best Baltic environmental capacity building course - Our Common Baltic! Come and join - only few free lodging and
travel tickets left! #ourcommonbaltic2017 #ocb2017
05/29/2017 BIO Do you have pictures or videos of harbour porpoises that we can use to spread information about these amazing Photo 120 4 3
4:08 pm animals? Please get in touch with us! All contributions will be rewarded with a small gift :)
05/29/2017 COAST Follow Save the Latvian Dunes 2017 campaign by Zaļie.lv with a short intro trailer. #savelatviandunes Video 788 66 31 2:18 pm #saglabasimlatvijaskapas Further information: https://youtu.be/3zXLyN7Cebc
05/26/2017 DANGER CCB - Coalition Clean Baltic shared Greenpeace Russia/ Гринпис России's video. Shared 116 7 4 9:20 am COAST Video BIO
05/25/2017 ALL Friends, we want to thank you all for helping us to reach 500 page likes (not yet the followers though ;))! Well done! Link 161 9 13
8:11 pm OD&CB Together we'll rock this world :)
05/24/2017 DANGER Friends, now the petition to Save Kurgalskiy from Nord Stream 2 is also available in English. Each voice counts - please Link 111 4 5
6:35 pm COAST spread the word and support! #savekurgalskiy #moveawaynordstream2 BIO
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05/23/2017 BIO Please support our Belarus friends in their fight against traps - cruel hunting practice that should be completely Link 142 5 4
11:38 am eliminated!
05/22/2017 BIO The United Nations has proclaimed today, May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity. At CCB we work on Link 140 7 4 3:14 pm COAST several fronts to protect biodiversity in the Baltic Sea. The most urgent topics at the moment are the plans for the Nord DANGER Stream 2 pipeline through both the Kurgalski Nature reserve and the newly designated Natura 2000 area for harbour porpoises in the Baltic Proper, as well as the Polish plans to construct a navigation channel through the Vistula Spit Natura 2000 site. Read more about CCBs efforts to save the Kurgalski and sign the petition here: http://www.ccb.se/2017/05/save-kurgalskiy-from-nord-stream-ii-sign-the-petition/
05/21/2017 BIO Today is the International Day of the Baltic Harbour Porpoise. Help us spread the message to #SaveThePorpoise! Link 62 5 5 3:53 pm
05/19/2017 DANGER Follow the news at a dedicated webpage on our joint work with other environmental NGOs to push the Nord Stream II Link 303 10 20
12:10 pm COAST gas pipeline away from the Kurgalskiy Peninsula and Nature Reserve #savekurgalskiy #moveawaynordstream2 BIO
05/18/2017 DANGER Do not believe Nord Stream's greenwash! None of the NGOs representatives at the meeting mentioned in the linked Link 661 64 34 10:34 pm COAST press-release have said a single word in support of the proposed route across Kurgalskiy Peninsula and Nature BIO Reserve! On contrary each of us expressed our disagreement with this proposal and strongly objected company's
arguments! All recorded and documented! #savekurgalskiy #movenordtream2away
05/16/2017 AGRI By following CCB page you'll receive regular updates on urgent and important environmental issues. See fresh report Link 157 9 6 1:29 pm by the @EuropeanEnvironmentalBureau revealing which countries are really supportive to Circular Economy targets.
Shame on the BSR governments under almost each category! #circulareconomy #bsr #eusbsr #baltic
05/16/2017 ALL Friends, help us reach at least 500 likes and followers of CCB Facebook page - share it to your friends! Only together Link 733 57 45
12:33 pm OD&CB we can save the Baltic Sea!
05/16/2017 BIO For our Swedish speaking fans we now have a page specifically for the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise. Like this page to Link 184 15 7
12:32 pm learn more about porpoises!
05/16/2017 COAST Opening an Environmental Information Center at the secondary school in Rybachyj, one of the settlements at Curonian Link 195 12 7
10:18 am BIO Spit, by the Nature Heritage, CCB partners in Barents Baltic Nature and People Programme in Kaliningrad. #bbnp
05/15/2017 BIO Crayfish Story, by Green Federation GAJA (Poland), Winner of 2017 CCB Video Contest. See full contest's playlist here Video 288 11 6 6:32 pm https://goo.gl/L2wzfC
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05/11/2017 DANGER It's time to show that large infrastructure projects should follow environmental provisions and comply with Link 115 3 2 8:18 am COAST international law and not just Business-as-Usual by maximizing their profits and geopolitical priorities! Same applies to BIO all similar projects irrespective of their origin! Read more about CCB's position on such projects here https://goo.gl/bzQYbj and here https://goo.gl/hn86XD #nordstream2 #protectkurgalskiy
05/10/2017 ALL Friends, not much yet to advertise, but a fresh YouTube channel for CCB, where we will try collecting video relevant for Link 397 25 24
10:29 am OD&CB our common work and actions. Enjoy and subscribe!
05/01/2017 HAZARD New open online course on marine litter - check it up, if you wish to become a professional in this field! Link 204 8 10 10:04 pm
04/28/2017 ALL CCB - Coalition Clean Baltic added a button to help you learn more about them. Link 57 2 2 12:05 pm OD&CB
04/27/2017 DANGER Stop negligent handling of fertilizers in Baltic Sea ports leading to eutrophication! Spread the knowledge about these Video 408 14 17 7:35 am bad practices and help us collecting more evidence. Read more in CCB Report https://goo.gl/cdnJF7 and presentation https://goo.gl/yLeBJv to HELCOM .
04/25/2017 COAST HELCOM PRESSURE Group will address today dredging and deep sea mining in the Baltic Sea. See an inspirational Link 132 7 4 8:14 am reminder of the precious nature values we all share and care about at the Baltic bottoms. Ecosystem approach? Then
nature priorities first!
04/20/2017 FISH European Parliament is about to vote to uphold an existing ban on fisheries subsidies. CCB joins over a 100 Link 98 2 1 11:31 am organisations across the EU to ask all members of parliament to continue support this ban and to live up to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 to eliminate harmful subsidies. See the joint letter here: http://www.ccb.se/?p=8082
04/19/2017 BIO Got to learn recently from Natalia Uryniuk Illustration about new multimedia portal on the Baltic Sea and its creatures Link 398 21 12 11:16 am that is mainly targeted to kids. After couple of minutes caught myself playing online-game :) on the website (available in Polish, English, Swedish and Russian!). Please note that the author and project developer is seeking for partners for
cooperation, e.g. within CSR frame. Quite sure some of you might be interested in such partnership! ;)
04/13/2017 RIVER Think about complexity of the Baltic catchment: beautiful seasonal flood at Nemunas/Niemen/Neman upstream will Link 119 2 3 7:15 pm BIO inevitably influence the sea that is 900 km downstream. Joint smart management actions by all four countries in the
river's catchment are needed! Thanks for hints, Багна!
04/12/2017 HAZARD Cool inventions will phase out plastic containers. Let's make our future safe and green! Shared 301 12 5 10:27 am Video
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04/11/2017 AGRI Innovative tools to catch the polluters "red-handed": drones help identifying illegal discharges of pig manure/slurry in Link 151 8 2
12:07 pm Kaliningrad. Reason good enough to call back the environmental permit from the company... Thanks, Олег Иванов!
04/10/2017 DANGER Dear friends, please note that the Nord Stream 2 AG has launched an international consultation process on EIA Link 83 3 1 10:48 pm COAST procedure (choose your preferred language here https://goo.gl/I0n2jk). In order to present a consolidated view of BIO Baltic environmental grassroot organizations' community, please take a look at your national reports and provide your feedback/response in the form attached.
04/10/2017 DANGER Friends, help spreading a word about "alternative facts" by Nord Stream 2 Project. Not a single other route is Link 160 6 4 7:54 pm COAST presented in EIA, but the one across Ramsar and HELCOM site, Kurgalskiy Nature Reserve! The actual EIA report is full
BIO of inconsistencies! Make your governments aware of this greenwash. More to follow.
04/10/2017 BIO This is what it can look like when you spot a porpoise, or probably two, just off the shore in the dusk on a spring Link 247 12 8 3:25 pm evening :) These guys were sighted yesterday just outside Kalmar on the Swedish east coast, and are very likely from
the critically endangered Baltic Proper population.
04/05/2017 HAZARD Did you know that a constructed wetland reduce micro plastic particles? Water flowing out from waste water Link 413 24 14 11:40 am RIVER treatment plants as well as stormwater contain plastic particles. A new study CCB shows that constructed wetlands have huge removal effect on both waster water from treatment plants and stormwater, and since we already know that wetlands reduce outflow of nutrients as well as of pharmaceuticals its a clear win-win solution available here and now. Read the full report: http://www.ccb.se/publications/constructed-wetlands-a-concrete-way-to-remove-micro- plastics/
04/03/2017 HAZARD Think before you consume various microplastic-containing products - it may end up on your plate! Shared 757 38 14 12:06 pm Video
03/28/2017 FISH Historical event at the Baltic Sea Advisory Council in Copenhagen - kick-off of a sub-group on ecosystem-based Photo 278 14 11
10:33 am BIO management for the Baltic Sea fisheries. And great to see CCB's Nils Höglund as a leader of this event!
03/20/2017 DANGER Very timely, thanks to Anna Loseva! Precautionary principle is one of the basics for the international environmental Link 120 11 2
3:54 pm COAST law and hence large infrastructure projects should not be implemented if this principle is breached! BIO
03/11/2017 HAZARD Facts to remember when buying your toothpaste, scrub, shower gel or washing your fleece - microscopic plastic Link 649 31 15 7:18 pm particles can drain to the environment from our daily-use items. Read more at http://www.ccb.se/plasticfreebaltic/
03/07/2017 HAZARD Plastic for dinner - no, thanks! Let's curb plastic inputs to the Ocean! Follow CCB actions at Shared 357 4 7 9:35 am http://www.ccb.se/plasticfreebaltic/ #plasticfreebaltic Video
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02/28/2017 ALL Today, high-level representatives of the HELCOM Contracting Parties will meet in Helsinki to discuss regional Baltic Sea Link 305 19 14 12:35 pm contribution to conservation and sustainable use of the seas and marine resources by 2030. Coalition Clean Baltic urges the Ministers and Baltic region governments to keep their focus and address the urgent needs of the Baltic Sea in order to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. Global goals are needed but it must start with regional sea actions to save the Baltic Sea from further deterioration. http://www.ccb.se/2017/02/baltic-wide-actions-needed-to- reach-sdg-targets/
02/27/2017 HAZARD CCB joins pharmacy Apotea.se in support of a regional and global ban on microplastics. We ask the progressive Link 2K 104 96 4:09 pm countries to push this agenda forward now in HELCOM and during the UN conference in New York in June. Article in Swedish but main and final point: "We want the Swedish government to set a clear and comprehensive ban of all micro-plastics in cosmetic products. No one needs the micro-plastics. Not the seas, not the fish and not the consumers. But in order to bring about real change in the oceans, we need to get our neighboring countries on board. On February 28th all the Baltic States meet in Helsinki to talk about continued work to improve that status of the Baltic Sea environment. There we hope to Sweden brings the micro plastic issue forward and underlines the need for a ban in our region, and that Sweden also take the matter forward on the global level during UN meeting in New York in June 2017." http://www.aktuellhallbarhet.se/forbjud-forsaljning-av-produkter-med-mikroplaster-ostersjon-skull/
02/25/2017 BIO Here comes the ugly truth why navigation channel across Vistula Spit and Vistula Lagoon Natura2000 sites is going to Link 171 8 3 8:21 pm COAST be built. And why the decision is already been taken despite no proper EIA has been presented to the public. DANGER Environmental authorities claim they have not yet granted any permit for the exact location, but... no further
comments... just following worst examples :( Unless we act jointly to support Polish activists in stopping it!
02/24/2017 ALL Time flies and it's a great pleasure to congratulate today our Latvian friends, Vides Aizsardzības klubs / Environmental Photo 239 75 13 12:37 pm OD&CB Protection Club of Latvia, with their 30th birthday! Daudz laimes dzimšanas dienā, Elita Kalniņa, Aija Caune, Karlis Ozolins, Kārlis Sīlis, Līga Skujiņa! Well done, guys, and keep going! Let the Baltic always bless you! Sharing memories of
our joint work together with you!
02/23/2017 FISH Sharing insights of Salmon Protection Project in Belarus, supported by CCB with funding from the Swedish Video 580 29 21
4:55 pm BIO International Cooperation Development Agency (Sida) RIVER
02/20/2017 HAZARD Yet another example of how to fight marine litter and engage local people in removal of ALDFG - lost fishing gear Link 142 6 2 5:16 pm
02/14/2017 HAZARD If you kiss your partner with Maybelline Loreal lipsticks today, you will be eating #microplastics. Happy Photo 975 53 46
2:19 pm #ValentinesDay!! <3
02/12/2017 HAZARD Inventions like #GuppyFriend are true examples of green economy. Read more how it helps trapping microfibers in Link 344 11 13 4:20 pm washing machines. https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/feb/12/seafood-microfiber-pollution- patagonia-guppy-friend?CMP=twt_a-environment_b-gdneco
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02/01/2017 RIVER Lovely translation by Багна, of the original cartoon by the Ramsar Convention Photo 106 3 7 12:01 pm BIO (http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/wwd2017_cartoon_e.pdf), devoted to 2017 World Wetlands Day! Many wetlands around the Baltic are in need of our joint protection, e.g. mires, bogs and coastal marches. Let's celebrate the 2017 WWD with a vision of healthy swamps helping to heal our ailing sea!
01/27/2017 DANGER On 25 January 2017, environmental NGOs in St.Petersburg rewarded journalist Andrey Voronin (Novaya Gaseta, Photo 668 67 13 9:57 am COAST author's pseudonym 'Belovranin') with the annual CONFIDENCE PRIZE. Every year, St Petersburg NGOs choose a BIO journalist who provides convincing and reasoned information about environmental problems and whose publications serve for raising public awareness and protection of nature. The prize is both an acknowledgement and a symbol of future expectations of the journalist efforts for a better environment. Andrey Voronin has published materials about corruption, challenges of legislation, city social and environmental life, and some particular cases of South shore of the Gulf of Finland, critisising the official approach to spatial planning and sustainable coastal development. In the photo
are participants of the award meeting with Andrey is in front of the CCB flag.
01/23/2017 HAZARD Pharmaceutical pollution is a worldwide threat to humans and the environment. CCB and 13 other NGOs recently sent Link 381 10 17 1:53 pm a letter to the European Commission asking them to fullfill their obligation to reduce #pharmaceuticalpollution. Read more on our website http://www.ccb.se/2017/01/the-european-commission-must-fullfill-their-obligation-to-reduce- pharmaceutical-pollution/
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a. TWITTER (per subject)
Eel Date Post Read CCBs reaction to fisheries council eel debacle. Its clear that Ministers think that best way to protect 14 Dec critically endangered species is to eat them..http://www.ccb.se/statements/ccbs-reaction-to-council- 2017 decision-on-eel-december-2017/ … @EU_MARE @EU_ENV @our_fish #agrifish #CFPreality CCBs comment to todays decision on eels: http://bit.ly/2iWJ0L4 We are far from done and it is now up to the Member States to prove themselves, if they will honor the Declaration of Commitment signed this morning #agrifish. #savetheel #CFPreality is not for eels? #Agrifish discussed #eel for 2 days, reached weak proposal to stop fishing for 3 months. May sound 13 Dec 2017 good, but MS free to chose months in period sept-jan. Baltic eel fishing is over in November, what months will be closed? Nov-Jan of course when no fishing takes place. Today, EU fisheries Ministers sacrificed #eel , again. They seriously proclaim a right to fish for a critically endangered species. Thanks to @KarmenuVella for defending a defenseless and fantastic fish #IamTheBaltic #savetheel Dear #AGRIFISH Ministers. Today you have a chance to do good, follow rules and acknowledge that #eel is need of urgent action. 98,4% is gone, and remember, it is not a human right to kill and eat critically endangered species! #savetheeel The eel is critically endangered. Will the Ministers in EU show any love for this amazing fish, or is the
naked truth that they are incapable of saving the eel? To follow MSY rule is not to much to ask..is it? 11 Dec @tarmo_tamm @EU2017EE 2017 (Retweeted) The naked truth is that the European eel is disappearing in front of our eyes. It is critically endangered, yet our ministers still today sit and discuss if stopping fishing is an appropriate action?? #savetheeel @SargassoSeaCmsn @BonnConvention @EU_MARE @GermanyintheEU Fishlove.co.uk @fishlove2020 Imelda Staunton and Rula Lenska pose naked with fish for new campaign http://dailym.ai/2ApMSPI via @DailyMailCeleb (Retweeted) Our.Fish @our_fish UK Newspaper @thesundaytimes features @florencesahara with a critically endangered European Eel for @fishlove2020 ahead of tomorrow's EU #Agrifish debate on banning eel fishing.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/fishlove-campaigns-eel-slithers-back-from-dead-lkmtgr2x9 … (Retweeted) Our.Fish @our_fish 98.4% of the European eel population is already GONE. Continuing to fish for them is like hunting 10 Dec pandas! says @florencesahara - #savetheeel - call on your government to #endoverfishing now 2017 @fishlove2020 http://bit.ly/2fTIYCa (Retweeted) a fish truly in need of love: the critically endangered eel CCB added, Our.Fish @our_fish UK Newspaper @thesundaytimes features @florencesahara with a critically endangered European Eel for @fishlove2020 ahead of tomorrow's EU #Agrifish debate on banning eel fishing. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/fishlove-campaigns-eel-slithers-back-from-dead-lkmtgr2x9 … (Retweeted) And the traffic and people doing it should be considered just as drug trafficking and drug lords and hunted with same vigor! #savetheeel 8 Dec Andrew Kerr @SEGandrewK 2017 #eel Trafficking on an unprecedented scale is revealed today by i News @KarmenuVella @EU_MARE @EU_ENV @EelGroup @EelStewardship https://inews.co.uk/essentials/news/environment/trafficking- makes-eel-valuable-cocaine/ … 24 Nov 20 NGOs ask the MS what they are planning to do about the eel, what more measures on EU and 2017 national level are they considering? Letter sent to all Ministers http://www.ccb.se/?p=9461 #savetheeel #eel #CFPreality 23 Nov 20 NGOs ask the EU fishery ministers what they will do in addition to stopping the #eel fishery in marine 2017 waters since this will not be enough to save the eel. Read letter http://www.ccb.se/?p=9461 #CFP #savetheeel #IamTheBaltic #biodiversity 27 Oct In Swedish but #eels dont care. Dont eat eel, its not good for you or the eels. #IamTheBaltic #savetheeel 2017 (Retweeted) 95
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#eel is on table at #agrifish today as well as during summit in #CMSCOP12 #eel should NOT be on the table but safe in the water! #savetheeel 2:20 UNEP/CMSVerified account @BonnConvention
2017 Global #Wildlife Conference #CMSCOP12 is approaching fast! Manila, 23-28 October, World
Community to decide on #conservation policies. (Retweeted) 9 Oct Baltic Eye @thebalticeye 2017 Predatory fish play imp role in ecosystem & can help mitigate eutrophication https://goo.gl/DhrSHf #recreationalfishing #MPAs #Natura2000 9 Oct 2017 Exactly. And of course stopping active fishery on adult eels, the actual spawning stock seems smart! Give #eel a chance #savetheeel Eva B. Thorstad @EvaThorstad Status of European eel remains critical. Anthropogenic impacts decreasing production and escapement of silver eel should be reduced to – or kept as close to – zero as possible, according to ICES advice 2016. Look out for… A very clear message: Sweden wants an #eel fishing ban today. Thanks lets move foward! #savetheeel #TVNewsroom (Retweeted) Baltic MS currently play politics while the eel quietly fades away. @KarmenuVella and @EU_MARE take 4 Oct action, all others make excuses... 2017 Baltic Eye @thebalticeye Ålen måste räddas från utrotning. @EU_Commission vill bryta dödläget. Det är bra! https://buff.ly/2x999L7 (Retweeted) CCB fully supports zero fishing. Yes drastic to ban eel fishing, but nobody can really be surprised? Seriously, fish critically endangered eel? 27 Sep Linnéa EngströmVerified account @LinneaEngstrom 2017 Nybloggat om #ålen #Östersjön. EU-kommissionen föreslår noll-kvot http://www.linneaengstrom.se/bloggen/2017/9/27/lens-framtid-eu-kommissionen-frslr-noll-kvot-i- stersjn … #cfpreality #swgreen Age is clearly a thing for fish! Regarding #eel? Well fishing target the old ones... https://www.newscientist.com/article/2147585-there-are-hardly-any-old-fish-left-in-the-ocean-and- thats-bad/ … #GES #MSY? #MSFD #SaveTheEel 25 sep (Retweeted) 2017 PECH Committee PressVerified account @EP_Fisheries .@EP_Fisheries will discuss today Baltic Sea eel quotas for 2018. Agenda: http://www.emeeting.europarl.europa.eu/committees/agenda/201709/PECH/PECH%282017%290925_1 /sitt-6713919 … Live from 16h: #eel is threatened everywhere, 97 of 100 young eels are gone. German NGO action here 22 Sep http://bit.ly/2hmBBH7 @EU_MARE @KarmenuVella 2017 #savetheeel with your support here: Rettet den Aal: E-Mail an Schmidt & Habeck schreiben! https://www.bund-sh.de/mitmachen/rettet-den-aal/ … via @bund_net 20 Sep (Retweeted) 2017 Tobias Langguth @el_Harmakhis Rettet den Aal: Jetzt per Online-Aktion E-Mail an Christian Schmidt & Habeck schreiben! http://www.bund-sh.de/mitmachen/rettet-den-aal/ … 19 Sep (Retweeted) 2017 Baltic Eye @thebalticeye Forskningen säger ja till fiskeristopp för ål 12 Sep (Retweeted) 2017 Baltic Eye @thebalticeye Forskarsamhället är INTE emot ett ålfiskestopp. @ostersjöcentrum s forskare svarar @Fjellner @MariaSternergard: http://bit.ly/2wDfnTc #Eel is endangered in Germany too by the way...Der Aal ist vom Aussterben bedroht https://www.bund.net/service/publikationen/detail/publication/der-aal-ist-vom-aussterben-bedroht/ … 7 Sep #savetheeel 2017 This is EU taking responsibility to #savetheeel. ALL efforts must be taken and it starts here #CFP #GES #SDGs http://bit.ly/2goGHSY 4 Sep #eel is a true EU-trotter. One stock, in all of EU with same problem. #savetheeel start by stop fishing it! 2017 @EU_Commission understands this 96
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Karmenu Vella, EU Maritime & Fish, PECH Committee Press and 5 others Not sustainable to build a business on endangered species. #eel must be protected not killed http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-2921_en.htm … #CFP applies to #eel (Retweeted) Mercedes Rosello @MercedesRosello
Some good news for the critically endangered European eel in 2018 EU Commission opportunities 1 Sep proposal for 2018: Mercedes Rosello added, CCB @CCBnetwork 2017 #eel deserves same rules as other fish. #MSY is the target, can we have active fishing then? Not in #cfpreality! http://bit.ly/2goGHSY (Retweeted) A strong message, full support from NGOs and anglers alike: stop talking and stop fishing! thx to @KarmenuVella for moving forward EAA Brussels @AnglersAlliance EU Commission proposes eel fisheries ban in the Baltic Sea. EAA news piece: http://www.eaa- europe.org/news/11866/eu-commission-proposes-eel-fisheries-ban-in-the-baltic-sea.html … #eel deserves same rules as other fish. #MSY is the target, can we have active fishing then? Not in #cfpreality! http://bit.ly/2goGHSY (Retweeted) Active fishing for endangered #eel must stop. @EU_Commission steps up actions. Lets it in all EU waters 30 Aug until recovery! #savetheeel 2017 EU Maritime & FishVerified account @EU_MARE .@EU_Commission proposes to ban marine eel fisheries (commercial & recreational) in EU waters of #BalticSea for 2018 http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-2921_en.htm … A good morning for #eels. Science+law+@EU_MARE agrees=100 000s of more eels will survive and spawn #savetheeel http://bit.ly/2goGHSY #eel is in need of help. It was just today provided by @EU_MARE Time to pay the debt to eel. #savetheeel http://bit.ly/2vA6v1i 29 Aug CCB reaction of @EU_MARE #eel fishing ban in Baltic Sea. Time to step up protection across the board! 2017 #savetheeel http://www.ccb.se/?p=8524 Great news for #eel @EU_MARE propose ban of eel catches in Baltic! http://bit.ly/2vA6v1i #CFPreality applies also for eel! #savetheeel
Fisheries, TAC, cod Date Post 19 Dec What does a collapsed cod stock look like? Baltic cod seems to match: 2017 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574768/ … The environmental boundaries are not optional or negotiable, but we can decide how we fish. #CFPreality #GES #everysecondbreath #Iamthebaltic #aretheystillfishingthis? (Retweeted) Our.Fish @our_fish "You've got to sea it to believe it! Imelda Staunton, 61, and Rula Lenska, 70, strip completely NAKED and pose with dead fish to raise awareness for marine conservation"
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-5165075/Celebrities-pose-naked-fish-new-charity-
10 Dec campaign.html#ixzz50tdFAiHI … @MailOnline @fishlove2020 @RealRula #endoverfishing #cfpreality 2017 (Retweeted) Our.Fish @our_fish Breaking! #Celebrities Imelda Staunton, Jessie Buckley, @BobbyGeorge180 @RealRula @janehorrocks @Florencesahara @onebiggins Pose Naked With Fish For @fishlove2020 Campaign To End #EU Overfishing http://bit.ly /2BQcK3A #endoverfishing #cfpreality @CCBnetwork (Retweeted) 10 Oct Our.Fish @our_fish 2017 #Europe has a big fish-ue! Ask #EU Marine Ministers to respect their legal promise & save our #Oceans. https://share.wemove.eu/r//act.wemove.eu/campaigns/save-eu-seas … - @wemoveEU 8 Oct Another late night #agrifish another TAC way to high for cod and lets not even talk about #eel Sincere thx 2017 2 those that argued for #CFP #MSY 6 Oct Lasse Gustafsson at #OurOcean: how come known and blacklisted IUU criminals can get insurance? 2017 global guidelines for insurers needed! 5 Oct Indonesian Minister of Fisheries at #OurOcean: we decided and enforced sinking any fishing boat 2017 detected in IUU. Bold, but needed step! (Retweeted) 4 Oct Seas At Risk @SeasAtRisk 2017 97
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Recommendations to EU fisheries ministers on Baltic Sea fishing quotas in 2018 #Cfpreality #fisheries #ourocean http://www.seas-at-risk.org/16-fisheries/790-recommendations-to-eu-fisheries-ministers-on- baltic-sea-fishing-quotas-in-2018.html … (Retweeted) Henrike Semmler Le @Oceana_Henrike Proud of #EPlenary who voted today for truly sustainable fisheries.Thank you @UlrikeRodust @rinakari @OleEU @AndersVistisen #NorthSea.
CCB Retweeted PECH Committee Press 14 Sep 2017 Thanks to all that worked good and hard on this! Time for more good work between @EU2017EE @KarmenuVella and @Europarl_EN. #cfpreality PECH Committee PressVerified account @EP_Fisheries #EPlenary gives green light to #NSMAP plan. Negotiations w/ the Council @EU2017EE can now start. Read more: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20170911IPR83514/north-sea- fisheries-ensuring-sustainable-stocks-and-livelihoods … 13 Sep (Retweeted) 2017 Cathrine Schirmer @ps_cathrine @NilsTorvalds thank you for standing up for the CFP's MSY objectives. FMSY must be the limit in the #NSMAP in order to #endoverfishing! 14 Aug CCB welcome @EllemannKaren as new fisheries minister. We hope for equal opportunities for fishermen 2017 and ecosystem. 2 June Solutions to halt unsustainable fishing: 1. follow scientific advice 2. dont use gears that catch wrong fish. 2017 #notsodifficult #GES #sdg14 31 May ICES new TAC advice for Baltic stocks 2018. Cod TAC: West -58% and East -32% 2017 http://bit.ly/2qzOamp #anddiscardingcontinues #SDG14 ? 20 Apr Fisheries subsidies must be removed not introduced.110 orgs ask MEPs to keep ban & support #sdg14 in 2017 vote 27 april. http://www.ccb.se/?p=8082 (Retweeted) ..and the same is true for the Baltic Sea, the Med, the Gulf of Mexico and, and...#Stopoverfishing CCB added, 5 Apr 2:00 2017 Oceana EuropeVerified account @OceanaEurope The North Sea has provided us with treasures for centuries. It's about time we gave some back. Together we can #StopOverfishing! 17 Mar 101 NGOs urge @EP_Fisheries to vote against the reintroduction of harmful fisheries subsidies to defend 2017 #SDG14 http://www.ccb.se/?p=7808 (Retweeted) NGO helped highlight the nonsense of trawling during cod closure. Clearly @EU_MARE @EP_Fisheries 1 Mar must keep tabs on MS also in future #TMF 2017 Ulrike RodustVerified account @UlrikeRodust wird die #Schollenfischerei im Schongebiet bzw. Schonzeit verbieten. Veröffentlichung am 16.3. im Bundesanzeiger @bmel @EU_MARE #platfish (Retweeted) Ulrike RodustVerified account @UlrikeRodust Ulrike Rodust Retweeted
Markus Knigge 23 Feb 2017 Herr Minister Schmidt, Sie müssen handeln! @bmel Ulrike Rodust added, Markus Knigge @OceanKnigge NGOs urge @KarmenuVella to close western Baltic flatfish fishery. No WB-cod fishing during spawning season http://bit.ly/2kZl9sC 9 Feb Germans and Danes doing their best to break the rules of cod closure in Baltic Sea? 2017 http://mfvm.dk/nyheder/nyhed/nyhed/minister-danske-fiskere-maa-ogsaa-fange-fladfisk-i-den-vestlige- oestersoe/ … @EU_MARE @Europarl_EN @EFCA_EU
Aquaculture
Date Post (Retweeted) Very interesting and positive results of making salmon grow on alternative diet. #yeswecan #ras 16 Aug Freshwater Institute @FreshwaterInsti 2017 98
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Curious what happens when Atlantic #salmon are fed #zerofishmeal diet? We were too. Our latest research- https://goo.gl/9CTUrg #openaccess 31 Mar Land based fish farms are already smartest, now also gaining econ. traction. RAS only possible path in 2017 #balticsea (Retweeted) CCB dk member protesting against unsustainable fish farming. Our vision for best available tech here 1 Mar http://bit.ly/2mKdnnQ . #GES #dkpol 2017 Danmarks Natur @DanmarksNatur Natur og befolkning betaler for regeringens plan om mere forureningen til havs. Stop det! #dkpol #dkgreen #gyllegate http://www.dn.dk/nyheder/nye-havbrug-vil-oge-forurening/ …
“I am the Baltic” Date Post (Retweeted) BalticSeaChallenge @BSC_network 8 Dec Share your story at @CCBnetwork's #IamTheBaltic campaign! Video messages will be broadcasted to e.g. 2017 environmental ministers, EU officials and other high-level representatives at upcoming HELCOM Ministerial Conference on 6-7 March 2018 in Brussels: http://www.ccb.se/iamthebaltic/ 25 Oct #IamTheBaltic, are you? Find out how to get involved at 2017 http://www.ccb.se/iamthebaltic/ #everysecondbreath #SaveOurOcean (Retweeted) Race For The Baltic @Race4theBaltic Race For The Baltic Retweeted CCB #IamTheBaltic Campaign - Explain what the Baltic Sea means to you in a 1 minute video #Balticsea 23 Oct #Östersjön #Itämeri http://bit.ly/2z1JXM7 2017 Race For The Baltic added, CCB @CCBnetwork Join #IamTheBaltic campaign, share your feelings. The Baltic can't wait, #SaveTheBaltic Find out how to get involved http://www.ccb.se/iamthebaltic 16 Oct #IamTheBaltic links to #SaveOurOcean and the fact #everysecondbreath comes from our seas. Take 2017 part, state a claim! http://www.ccb.se/iamthebaltic/ (Retweeted) 5 Oct Mikhail Durkin @Mikke_the_fox 2017 @CCBnetwork contributes to #OurOcean with #IamTheBaltic campaign. Let anyone share their feelings and concerns to #SaveTheBaltic! Join us! 4 Oct Join #IamTheBaltic campaign, share your feelings. The Baltic can't wait, #SaveTheBaltic Find out how to 2017 get involved http://www.ccb.se/iamthebaltic
HELCOM Date Post 15 Nov High @HELCOMInfo ambitions 10 years ago. Citizens have not forgotten and expect more #IamTheBaltic 2017 #SDG14 #everysecondbreath #SaveOurOcean
Marine litter Date Post (Retweeted) 31 Oct Marine Litter News @MarineLitterNew 2017 You Can Eat This Algae-Based Water Bottle When You’re Done With Your Drink | Fast Company http://sco.lt/84Svar 25 Oct Learn why the 2 the words plastic and ocean should never be in the same sentence 2017 https://www.plasticgarbageproject.org/virtual-tour-en #IamTheBaltic #everysecondbreath New Zealand at #OurOcean announced ban of all rinse-off products containing plastic microbeads both for personal and household use from 2018 Virginie Helias, P&G Sustainability VP at #OurOcean: we aim to use 100% recyclable pkg e.g. made of ocean plastic. How about microbeads? 5 Oct 2017 Afroz Shah: each of us owns and bears the responsibility for littering and we should clean #OurOcean same way as our own houses! Adrian Grenier at #OurOcean: #stopsucking and make a straw-step towards ocean cleanup by avoiding use of plastic straw, forever! HRH Prince of Wales at #OurOcean: Plastic is indeed now on the menu. @CCBnetwork works to keep it on Baltic political menu as a "hot" dish! 99
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(Retweeted) 29 Sep World Cleanup Day @letsdoitworld 2017 We call upon all ppl in #Africa to unite with the rest of the world during #WorldCleanupDay2018 on Sept 15th, 2018. https://www.letsdoitworld.org/2017/02/change-date-world-cleanup-day-15-09-2018/ … (Retweeted) Important. Dont forget, constructed wetlands have filtering effect of microplastic. Low tech, simple and 19 Sep effective! http://bit.ly/2hehwCN 2017 EU EnvironmentVerified account @EU_ENV #EUHaveYourSay in our consultation on microplastics by 16 October 2017 http://europa.eu/!kM64tG #CircularEconomy 7 Apr Is #microplastic a problem? Yes... Can a simple wetland solve that #plasticpollution problem? Yes, looks 2017 like it: http://www.ccb.se/?p=8022 How remove micro plastic before reaching the sea? = a wetland will remove almost 100% 5 Apr http://www.ccb.se/?p=8022 #SDGs #microplastic 2017 Can wetlands reduce micro plastic content in water? We suspected it did and here are the results: http://www.ccb.se/?p=8022 #SaveOurOcean (Retweeted) Good news from #HELCOM meeting today in Helsinki! Is anyone against this? #moreactionlesstalk #WeCanBanTheMicroPlastics Mikhail Durkin @Mikke_the_fox
Sweden suggests #HELCOM countries a Baltic-wide ban of microplastics in PCCPs in 3 years from now, as
a contribution to a global ban Just ban plastic from our consumer products. Start in @HELCOMInfo and go global #CleanSeas https://www.facebook.com/coalitioncleanbaltic/# … http://bit.ly/2mGmfL7 (Retweeted) 28 Feb Will @EstonianGovt and @MPomerants follow a ban on microplastics? #CleanSeas #BeAnExample 2017 #balticsea CCB @CCBnetwork Time to step forward @juhasipila @yministerio @Nodularia Lets get rid of one "tiny" problem to focus on the next.#CleanSeas #GES #microbeads https://twitter.com/CCBnetwork/status/836228762152873984 … (Retweeted) Time to step forward @juhasipila @yministerio @Nodularia Lets get rid of one "tiny" problem to focus on the next.#CleanSeas #GES #microbeads CCB @CCBnetwork CCB joins pharmacy Apotea.se in support of a regional and global ban on microplastics http://www.aktuellhallbarhet.se/forbjud-forsaljning-av-produkter-med-mikroplaster-ostersjon-skull/ … … @apotea_se #CleanSeas (Retweeted) CCB joins pharmacy Apotea.se in support of a regional and global ban on microplastics http://www.aktuellhallbarhet.se/forbjud-forsaljning-av-produkter-med-mikroplaster-ostersjon-skull/ … … 27 Feb @apotea_se #CleanSeas 2017 CCB @CCBnetwork 24 Feb 2017 CCB (Retweeted) UN Environment CCB supports the UN in their fight against ocean plastics! #CleanSeas UN EnvironmentVerified account @UNEnvironment Microplastics are harming our oceans - it's time for them to go! Take action to cut them out of your life http://bit.ly/2mpN5qB #CleanSeas 24 Feb (Retweeted) 2017 Karolina SkogVerified account @karolinaskog Karolina Skog Retweeted UN Environment Glad to see UN Environment is taking action on marine plastics. Sweden is too! #SaveOurOcean Karolina Skog added, UN EnvironmentVerified account @UNEnvironment Microplastics are harming our oceans - it's time for them to go! Take action to cut them out of your life http://bit.ly/2mpN5qB #CleanSeas (Retweeted) 26 Jan och nästa sak skulle kunna vara ett globalt förbud för mikroplaster i våra badrumskåp! 2017 Tove Ahlström @ttoovvee Jag är inte i politiken för att bli omvald. Jag är i politiken för att uträtta saker, säger @IsabellaLovin #haga17
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Our Ocean Date Post (Retweeted) 6 Oct Maria Laamanen @Nodularia 2017 Maria Damanaki from The Nature Conservancy "We need a Paris Agreement for the Ocean" at #OurOcean (Retweeted) Isabella Lövin @IsabellaLovin "We speak about managing the ocean. But we should talk about managing ourselves" Sylvia Earle #OurOcean
Thx @IsabellaLovin for addressing #OurOcean with commitments addressing core Baltic matters:
eutrophication, MPAs and litter. #IamTheBaltic! 5 Oct Afroz Shah at #OurOcean: we should protect our oceans and seas as most precious assets of the 2017 mankind, better than personal assets we own! (Retweeted) EU Maritime & FishVerified account @EU_MARE Watch the 4th International #OurOcean conference from 9 am to 6 pm CET, livestreaming in EN, FR, ES, RU, AR & ZH https://ourocean2017.org/ Sylvia Earle at #OurOcean: how on Earth we are exploring Mars and Jupiter, while not knowing enough about our seas and oceans?! Sylvia Earle at #OurOcean : marine creatures might be wandering why do we, humans, call this conference 'Our Oceans'? very true, indeed!
Species, biodiversity Date Post (Retweeted) An effort to increase the public reporting of alien species but also some rare species like porpoise. We 27 Sep need a Baltic wide tool for this! 2017 mats svensson @mazeson Hjälp oss att rapportera marina däggdjur, fiskar, kräftdjur och musslor. Se mer info: https://www.havochvatten.se/rappen https://www.facebook.com/rappen.se/ (Retweeted) Important day, now proper implementation is imperative! When invasive species discovered=usually too 9 Sep late.. #GES #washbeforeenteringBaltic? 2017 IMOVerified account @IMOHQ Global treaty to halt invasive aquatic species enters into force: http://ow.ly/Tps130f0bUE #BallastWater
b. Social Media Followers Growth in 2017
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CCB’s Working Areas: Water Protection in Agriculture (AGRI) River Basin and Wastewater Management (RBWM)
Fisheries and Aquaculture (F/AqC)
Biodiversity and nature conservation (BNC)
Hazardous substances and marine litter (HSML)
Sustainable development in coastal and marine areas (SDCMA)
Harmful installations and maritime transport (HIMT)
Coalition Clean Baltic is a network of environmental NGOs: Ecohome, Belarus IPO Ecopartnership, Belarus Danish Society for Nature Conservation Estonian Green Movement Finnish Association for Nature Conservation Finnish Society for Nature & Environment Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland, BUND Environmental Protection Club of Latvia, VAK Latvian Green Movement Lithuanian Green Movement Lithuanian Fund for Nature Polish Ecological Club, PKE Green Federation - GAJA, Szczecin, Poland Friends of the Baltic, St Petersburg, Russia Swedish Society for Nature Conservation The Western Center of the Ukrainian Branch of the World Laboratory
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