Final Report O N T H E B a Lt I C Co M P O N E N T O F B B N P P P R O G R a M M E

FINAL REPORT O N T H E B A LT I C CO M P O N E N T O F B B N P P P R O G R A M M E

PROGRAMME PERIOD: January 2016 –June 2019

2020 FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME Strengthened Russian civil society will contribute to a vibrant debate regarding natural resources´ sustainability and ecosystem resilience, thus improving policies and holding both public and private sector accountable and driving change towards sustainable management of natural resources

Theory of change

02 Contents

04 Introducon S T N E

1.1. OUTCOME 1. T 07 N Civil society is engaging in Ecosystem based management with other relevant stakeholders Ecosystem based management CO Indicator 1: Changes in level of engagement (LoE) of target civil society actors in EBM. in river basins is strengthened 07 Ulised monitoring tools: quesonnaire survey, pairwise ranking, interviews with stakeholders through increased civil society 12 Indicator 2: At least one funconal plaorm is established in 50 % of the targeted river basins. and community parcipaon 1.2. 15 River basin management is strengthened by voluntary nutrient load reducon commitments and ﬂood protecon measures, based on source mapping and climate change adaptaon strategies 15 Indicator 1: Methodology for scalable 'voluntary reducon commitment' exists Indicator 2: Example of ﬂood protecon measures that have been discussed and developed 18 among relevant stakeholders 1.3. 20 Nature conservaon within river basins is strengthened by local communies through environmentally sustainable tourism and entrepreneurship 20 Indicator 1: Perceived posive changes of the state of environment by local communies Indicator 2: Examples of environmentally sustainable pracces carried out by 23 communies / organisaons / businesses / individuals involved in tourism

2.1. OUTCOME 2. 27 Civil society is acve and capable stakeholder in MSP processes Ecosystem-based management 27 Indicator 1: Level of engagement of CSOs in MSP related processes is understood by civil society 31 Indicator 2: Number of relevant stakeholders trained in EBM and MSP. and applied in MSP processes 33 Indicator 3: Examples of sources of informaon, documentaon and tools related to EMB and MSP. in dialogue with other key stakeholders 2.2. 36 EBM integraon in MSP is recognized by relevant stakeholders, and implementaon of EBM integraon in MSP acvies has started 36 Indicator 1: Collected and updated data that is relevant for MSP 39 Indicator 2: Posive atude among stakeholders towards EBM integraon in MSP 42 Indicator 3: Examples of pracces where EBM is implemented in MSP

45 Organisaonal development PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT 47 Factors aﬀecng results and adapve management

47 Adapve management

49 Gender mainstreaming

51 Strengthening of civil society

51 HRBA and social diversity 52 Climate 53 An-corrupon and ﬁnancial control

54 Harmonisaon and ownership

55 Lessons learnt 55 Sustainability of results

57 Next phase for BBNPP-2

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 03 Introducon PARTNERS: 14 CSOs in the Balc N O I T C

U PROGRAMME PERIOD: D

RO January 2016- June 2019 T N I

This final report is the product his final report is the product of a joint effort of the management team of the BBNPP Programme's Baltic of a joint effort of the t component, which includes the Programme manager and Programme assistants in two regions under management team of the supervision of the Programme director. The report is based on the Programme partners' contribution, their annual BBNPP Programme's Balc reports, the monitoring and evaluation assessment of the project activities and includes observation and analysis completed during component. The report is the joint events. The report presents the final results of more than three years' work on the Programme, which are summarized based on the Programme below. partners' contribuon, their The analytical part of the report is aimed at assessing the organizational capacity of the Programme partners, as well as the partners annual reports, the monitoring change over time and interaction between partners and target groups during implementation of the Programme activities. The and evaluaon assessment achievements were also analysed by thematic goals on each of the outcomes. of the project acvies and The evaluation of the acquired skills and expertise of both the presents the final results partners' organisations and of individual experts, developed in the course of the Programme, could be considered a positive impact of of more than three years' work the BBNPP Programme. The results of the evaluation and the Programme and its achieve- on the Programme. ments were collected in collaboration with partners, as well as other Programme participants and beneficiaries, based on the adopted participatory monitoring approach. The Programme partners were not only the object of evaluation, but they perform some assessments by themselves and played the active role in collection of the information. The Swedish Organization responsible for the Baltic component, Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB), acted as coordinator, supervisor and quality controller, and was also responsible for communication about the terms of cooperation and compliance with the donor. While the process of writing the report was led by a Swedish organization, but the contribution of all partners accounted for most of the reporting material. The information was collected during visits, personal meetings, joint events, interviews and monitoring assessments

Balc Component’ partner network and river basins involved in project acvies During the Programme period CCB worked with 19 organisaons including 4 experts.

04 Development goal and Vision 2030 N O I The Programme's long-term vision aims to and boosted existing expertise, and enhanced T C U

secure natural resource sustainability and the interaction of different stakeholders in Baltic D

ecosystem resilience by a capable civil society. Sea region. Over a three-year period, awareness RO T N The theory of change is based on the assumption and knowledge of local people and civil society I that the capacity development of civil society actors about several environmental and nature will contribute to a vibrant debate regarding protection issues have been enhanced; ecosys- natural resource sustainability and ecosystem tem-based approaches have been incorporated resilience, improving relevant policies, holding in the Luga and Neman river basin management, both public and private sectors accountable and and programme participants became familiar Abb. MSP driving a change in management of natural with and implemented components of Marine Marine Spaal Planning resources towards sustainability. Spatial Planning (MSP) and sustainable coastal management. The BBNPP Programme facilitated the development and capacity building of the partners' organisations involved in its implementation, improved cooperation and communication between the actors in the region, developed new

Project objecves = Outcomes achieved

The major assumption behind the Programme џ c) participation, involvement, and influence Degree of sasfacon and jusﬁed expectaons in achieving goals: logic was that by building the capacities and (involvement of society, gender, and social enabling the civil society to participate in a diversity); meaningful manner in the debate and decision- џ d) monitoring and assessment, programme making processes around the natural resources planning; upon which they build their livelihood, the 80% Programme will help ensure stronger steward- џ e) promoting environmental and socially Of the Programme ship and sustainable management of these important interests. partners were happy resources. For over three years the BBNPP Programme that they could be part To be able to assess and measure the result of the implementation has facilitated the develop- of the Capacity Programme intervention, the Capacity Assessment ment and strengthening of both internal Building Programme tool was introduced during the inception phase. capacity (development of new organisational, and the results This tool is based on facilitated self-evaluation of financial, and communicative expertise, use of exceeded their the partners, who were empowered to identify gender and social diversity approaches), and expectaons major trends for changes that took place in the external capacity of partnership organisations organisations over three years. This tool was (effectiveness of interacting with stakeholders, applied both at the beginning and in the end of the partners, social groups, involvement of local Programme. The analysis is made in Annex 2 to the communities in various nature conservation Final report. Positive dynamics were found in the activities and ecosystem-based management). following major directions and organisational The degree of satisfaction and justified Appendix 2 capabilities: expectations in achieving the stated goals and results can be assessed as very good; 80% of џ а) vision, strategy, and management the Programme partners were happy that they (strategy, strategic assessment, develop- could be part of the Capacity Building ment of leadership); Programme and the results exceeded their Abb. NPO џ b) external relations (relations with expectations. Non-proﬁt Organizaon sponsor, interaction with other NPOs);

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 05 E 1 M CO T U O

Outcome 1 Ecosystem based management (EBM) in river basins is strengthened through increased civil society and community parcipaon

page 7 1.1. Civil society is engaging in Ecosystem based management (ﬁshery management, forest management, protected areas, ﬂoods protecon, etc.) with other relevant stakeholders

page 15 1.2. River basin management is strengthened by voluntary nutrient load reducon commitments and ﬂood protecon measures, based on source mapping and climate change adaptaon strategies

page 20 1.3. Nature conservaon within river basins is strengthened by local communies through environmentally sustainable tourism and entrepreneurship

06 R 1 O T A C I D

Outcome 1 N I . 1

Ecosystem based management (EBM) in river basins . 1

is strengthened through increased civil society E 1 M CO T

and community parcipaon U O

1.1. Civil society is engaging s related to this outcome, the activities during the implementation were oriented towards various in Ecosystem based management representatives of civil society from the Neman and (ﬁshery management, forest A Luga river basins: authorities, expert community, scientists, eco-volunteers, teachers, youth, people management, protected areas, with disabilities, pensioners and the general public. It is found that the network-based principle of work, i.e. dissemination of informa- ﬂoods protecon, etc.) tion through a dedicated target group engaged in the project with other relevant stakeholders activities (the network of eco-coordinators, in this case teachers in educational organisations) and further involvement of the local community has proven to be effective. Such a principle enabled us to expand the Programme activity geography and to engage more participants not normally involved in solving environmental Indicator 1: problems and who have not been earlier involved in good environmental practices in their home community. Changes in level of engagement (LoE) of target civil society actors in EBM. The programme boosted the cross-border cooperation in Kaliningrad region by facilitating a dialog and creating opportunity Ulised monitoring tools: quesonnaire survey, for cooperation with Belarussian NGOs. This allowed for solving pairwise ranking, interviews with stakeholders common environmental problems, conserving natural heritage in the Neman river basin and attracting public attention to some

Abb. EBM little-known segments in the river basin. The work with target Ecosystem based groups was underway through participation in joint expeditions, management Partners in Kaliningrad region: study trips, environmental campaigns with NGOs from Belarus Ecocenter, Natural Heritage (part of the Neman river basin) and a mobile exhibition with Abb. NGO information about the importance of conserving natural and Partners in Leningrad region: Non-governemental cultural ecosystems at the local level. Thus, over the period of the “Friends of the Balc”/Ecocentrum Organizaon Programme implementation, two youth expeditions and two training trips were completed supporting this exchange of experience (one in Kaliningrad oblast, another within the territory of Belarus in the Neman river basin) which helped to create a link between like-minded youth in the neighbouring countries and a basis for future contacts and joint projects. Over the period of Programme implementation, the partners in Kaliningrad region have developed two guidance documents intended for use by wide public. One document is titled “Guide- Available to download: ccb.se/publicaons lines to conduct public environmental monitoring” and the other “Ecosystem-based management in the Neman river basin”. The “Guidelines to conduct documents have been used when working with the target groups public environmental monitoring” over the course of the Programme. The guidelines document was

“Ecosystem-based management used extensively in workshops, practical courses, field exercises, in the Neman river basin” and when working with local communities. Most respondent- participants (74%) stated that the materials are methodologically well-prepared, user-friendly and easily understood when working. Some respondents said (20%) that certain preparation and availability of equipment are needed to use the materials, and 6% said that the materials seem to be inadequate for possible use. This could be related to the unreadiness of these respondents to take part in public environmental monitoring.

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 07 R 1 Abb. PART The second document was used within the project synergies, the conditions were created to O

T Public Advisory River Team scope of work of the Public Advisory River Team make natural sites accessible for persons with A C I (PART) formed for the Neman river basin (please disabilities; materials of different levels were also D N I Jump to Indicator 2 (p.12) refer to Indicator 2). developed, aimed at working with various categories of people. Within this focal area, five .

1 According to the survey held in Leningrad, .

1 thematic events were held on the equipped eco- Programme partners received active support route “Royal Forest” for children and young

E 1 from local self-governing bodies. Regional

M persons with various disabilities. A survey of authorities however, familiar with the problem,

CO participants has shown that 100% agreed with T took a neutral position, neither rejecting nor U the need for and importance of involving O actively expressing support. No interest was persons with disabilities in the activities of such expressed on the part of commercial fishermen. type, having noted here a seasonal nature of However, sport fishermen became active such events within territories of natural sites and participants. Support from local authorities, transport accessibility, which is critical to the including fishermen and environmental Abb. LoE involvement of persons with disabilities Level of Engagement regulatory authorities increased from 1 to 2 as (especially, with physical forms of disabilities) in per the Level of Engagement (LoE) scale. environmental activities. More than 80% of The level of readiness among civil society survey respondents specified that it is necessary participants to cooperate and take part in the to regularly conduct activities outdoors. These actions can be rated higher from 1 to 3 as per LoE respondents mentioned their personal engage- scale. All the Partners draw attention to a high ment and willingness to participate, including growth of readiness among target audiences to the necessity for accessibility to natural sites for interaction, to take part in training courses and all groups of people highlighting the important trips, to obtain education and to demand role of contact with nature for their socialisation. relevant literature (farm operators, gardeners, Within this outcome, four information-resource civil society movements, local self-governing water centres were also created on the basis of bodies). educational institutions located in rural areas. In Russia, access to official data on environmen- Resource centres were supplied with informa- tal conditions and water resources quality is tion and methodological materials and equip- problematic. The partners with personal ment intended to be used by non-professionals connections with authorities had unstable that make it possible to involve the local access to information. However, all data population to a greater extent than before. It was obtained by the partners was posted online and found during the monitoring visit that three out made accessible to the public. Internet access is of the four created resource centres are actively developed in remote areas, including Leningrad working. The centre in Sovetsk is not active, Parcipant survey Results: Region, providing effective communication and since there is temporarily no person in charge of distribution of information for the purposes of coordinating the work of the centre. Operation the Programme. of the three centres is underway, and not only are trainees of these organisations involved, but 100% Related to this outcome, the Programme the local population is willing to be involved and Agreed with the need partners (Ecocenter, with help of AURA) jointly actively engaging in water issues through these succeeded in developing a new direction of work for and importance of centres. involving persons with for a social-inclusive practice in environmental disabilies in social- education, i.e. engagement of persons with For the purposes of monitoring and evaluation, disabilities in diverse environmental activities teachers from Kaliningrad region educational inclusive pracce in (actions, campaigns, nature-related lessons, etc.) institutions, students — children and young environmental on a par with other stakeholders. Thanks to people, and local population involved in various educaon partnerships with other organisations and environmental activities, were selected from the

i.e. engagement of persons with disabilies in diverse environmental acvies (acons, campaigns, nature-related lessons, etc.) Examples of social-inclusive and environment educaon pracces on a par with other stakeholders. Photo by Philippenko D.

08 people, and local population involved in various ties of their organisations from 5.2 at the R 1 O environmental activities, were selected from the beginning to 8.9 at the end of the Programme, T A C major Programme target groups and inter- respectively. I D N viewed. Monitoring of stakeholders, as related to I The participants have pointed out the priority this component, was aimed at evaluating: Appendix 1 . focus areas of environmental activities as: 1 . џ а) changes in capabilities of young biodiversity and its conservation, energy and 1

people and teachers upon their taking water saving, public water monitoring, and E 1

Rate of capability changed at the M part in the Programme activities; climate change. Areas such as agro-ecology, beginning and in the end of the project CO farming and waste management were men- T џ b) level of their involvement U tioned by respondents to a lesser degree. The O and motivation for taking actions; results of questionnaire have shown that the џ c) changes in organising conducted Programme activities have changed in-situ environmental work. many respondent's understanding of the 4.4 7.9 ecosystem-based approach, and now it prevails Involvement in environmental acvies The stakeholder questionnaire (Appendix 1) in environmental work of 73% of respondents. was carried out in the form of a set of questions answered according to a 10-point scale. The achieved and sought (in the future) Respondent-participants rated changed changes in environmental activity which were capability for involvement in environmental grouped and ranked by the participants of the activities at the beginning and in the end of the Programme in Kaliningrad region are the 5.2 8.9 project from 4.4 to 7.9. At that, the participants following: Growth of organisaons capabilies have drawn attention to a growth in capabili-

Achieved and sought changes in environmental acvity by the parcipants of the Programme in Kaliningrad region

CHANGES ACHIEVED OVER THE COURSE THE MOST IMPORTANT CHANGES: OF THE PROGRAMME:

џ Development of practice-oriented approach 1 position џ Increased interest in studies, practice-oriented work Development of practice-oriented approach, capability for performing a project џ Participation in project and research works and solve a problem џ Massive participation in ecological activities 2ⁿ position џ Acquiring more environmental knowledge Increased environmental awareness and personal and better understanding of ecological problems responsibility in solving environmental problems џ Enthusiasm for nature conservation activities џ Raised interest in living objects 3 position Acquiring more environmental knowledge џ Increased environmental awareness and better understanding of ecological problems џ Increased personal responsibility џ Creativity in environmental projects

CHANGES SOUGHT FOR THE FUTURE: THE MOST IMPORTANT CHANGES:

џ Greater independence of students 1 position џ More active involvement of parents Better involvement of older students in actions and campaigns and their greater independence џ Better involvement of older students in actions and campaigns џ Diversity in theme-based directions of environmental activities 2ⁿ position More active involvement of parents џ Increased personal initiative in projects, actions, and campaigns џ More in-depth understanding of environmental problems џ Expansion of information space 3 position Mass coverage and 100% involvement of children џ Potential engagement of children with disabilities and young people in environmental activities in environmental activities џ Mass coverage and 100% involvement

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 09 R 1 Over the Programme implementation period, an were analysed for compliance with the list of O

T increase was recorded in quantity-related indica- target groups specified in the Programme. A C I tors, i.e. the number of involved participants and D The target groups that were actively involved in N I local organisations engaged in the project activities. the process and were constantly taking part are For example, the number of educational organisa- .

1 as follows: .

1 tions involved in project implementation grew from џ 25% to 32% of the total number of the region's farm operators, E 1 Number џ environmental journalists, M of educaonal organisaons educational institutions.

CO involved in project џ teachers, pupils, students, T All the target groups involved in this outcome U џ O representatives of local communities % have pointed out in the course of monitoring and % evaluation that environmental awareness- (gardeners, pensioner activists), building and public environmental monitoring џ sport fishermen, 25 32 constitute indispensable tools of public participa- џ people from agricultural activities, of the total number of the region's tion in the river basin management. Awareness џ educaonal instuons officials of provincial government agencies, and monitoring don't offer direct solutions to џ representatives of local offices ecological problems; however, they do increase of federal agencies, the level of local knowledge and awareness and џ representatives of specialised research encourage actions to protect the environment and development institutions, and encourage greater involvement to solve the џ existing problems. The practice of public representatives of public organisations, participation shows that decision makers begin to џ representatives of district administrations, draw attention to the problems raised by the џ representatives of local self-governing public, and, sometimes the problems “at the local bodies level” were proved to be solvable. All the partners point out that due to the In the context of this outcome, the activities in Programme they were working with the newly Leningrad region were oriented towards various encountered target audiences, moreover, some of representatives of civil society in Luga river these target audiences were becoming basin. acquainted with the problems related to river basin management for the first time. The list of Table 1 provides the analysis To monitor and evaluate the degree to which the of eﬀecveness of the tools, participants didn't vary from activity to activity; activities related to this outcome were success- ulised by the partners hence, the level of involvement in the process to aain the speciﬁed goals: ful, the participant lists of the partners' activities was high.

EVALUATION OF PROGRAMME EXPECTATIONS NOTES EFFECTIVENESS

Study trips for target groups/ press-tours 2 Joint tours enable to establish a close contact, trustful environment and to motivate participants to continue cooperation. Information gained from such trips is better internalised. Due to study trips the local partners gained new supporters, which were not engaged in the Programme from the beginning.

Integration of the project activities into more 2 Extensive coverage and reaching several target audiences at once. large-scale forums and festivals

Gathering information from publicly available 1 Part of government-held information is still inaccessible. However, it attracts attention to the problem, giving a sources, sending official information letters, signal that public attention is focused on the subject; provides authorities with a feedback. formal enquiries

Holding round-table discussions, workshops, 1,2 Modern and dynamic format and interesting speakers keep attention of audience to the presented information; presentations, speaking at the major events attracts new participants.

Holding events, festivals, shows, and 2 Fresh air, direct contact with nature, using games and play to hold the attention of the target audience and make other activities outdoors the event and all that takes place therein, attractive to the target audience; attract new participants.

Organisation of discussions with 2 Constantly interested audience. There is an influence through schoolchildren and their families. Information is schoolchildren and teachers easily disseminated.

Working with local activists/opinion leaders, 2 No additional financing is required; enables dissemination of information among the local population through volunteers, personal meetings with one activist. Personal meetings facilitate establishment of close contact and development of trust, attract new representatives of local communities. often already engaged participants.

Demonstration activities 2 Enable to immediately see the result, to “physically touch” it. Proved to be one of the most efficient ways to get (for example, installation of dry toilets) supporters.

Publishing booklets 1,2 Depends on the format and target audience. Average-effective for bodies of authority, effective for activists and target groups with request for information.

Infographics, visualisation, maps 2 Infographics is one efficient way of combining the best of text, images and design to represent complex data that tells a story that begs to be shared. Potential communication through maps and infographics easily scanned and viewed which increases the level of local communities' involvement

2 — Effecve; parcipants are ready to connue cooperaon and acquire new knowledge 1 — Average effecve; it is interesng to take part, knowledge is gained during the process, 10 however, there are no incenves for having new knowledge. 0 — Weakly effecve For achievement of the objection of this outcome, some informa- R 1 O tional materials were produced: T A C I

џ Ecosystem approach to water resources management D N in Luga river basin – Baseline report; I Available to download: . 1 џ ccb.se/publicaons .

Ecosystem approach to integrated water resources 1 management and public participation

“Ecosystem approach to integrated water resources E 1 џ Action guide for conducting public environmental management and public parcipaon” M CO monitoring T “Ecosystem approach to water resources U O џ Report on RBM and the ecosystem approach in MSP management in Luga river basin – Baseline report” processes in nature conservation of the Curonian Lagoon “Acon guide for conducng public Taking into consideration that the activities on involving target environmental monitoring” groups from local self-governing bodies and local activists were “Report on RBM and the ecosystem approach successful, publishing such visual materials provides a necessary in MSP processes in nature conservaon basis for receiving initial information on the problem and of the Curonian Lagoon” enables to maintain stability of the achieved result.

Thus, the following changes in level of engagement (LoE) of civil society actors in EBM through the implementaon of the Programme acvies were achieved:

џ Substantially increased the level of knowledge џ Established a stable cooperation network with and awareness of both the adult population, Belorussian organisations in the Neman river and children and young people about various basin; enhance their understanding of the environmental issues concerning River Basin Neman river as of a common water basin that Management in two river basins; and connects the territories of two countries and developed and enhanced the value of spiritually close communities. ecosystem approach principles in activities. џ Increased the level of stakeholders' involvement both in terms of quantity (quantity of participants and organisations, creation of information platforms in operation) and quality (changed understanding of environmental problems in the Neman river basin, Conclusions growing interest and motivation on the part of involved participants in Luga river basin). Over the period of the Programme implementation, public participation has џ Facilitated growth in the interest to solve been developed as an indispensable component of the river basin manage- environmental problems at the local level, and ment; the level of local population involvement has raised from 1 to 3 as per growth in environmental literacy, awareness LoE scale in both regions and river basins. and responsibility of the local population. џ Created new platforms to develop environmental awareness in the region, as an effective tool for engaging the public (local Lessons learned: population, including children and young people). 01. F urther involvement of people from civil society and motivated џ Developed practices of inclusive environmental target groups is needed in ecosystem-based management to education through working with groups of make their influence more sustainable. persons with disabilities, in particular, with 02. To engage persons with disabilities together with other target children; owing to cooperation between the groups in planned activities, additional task-oriented work, Programme partners (Ecocentrum, Ecocenter, practical skills and transport accessibility are needed. For this Natural Heritage, AURA), finding synergies case a Check list was developed to make it easy and with other projects in the regions (as Royal facilitate the work of untrained partners. Forest in Curronian Spit), infrastructure and accessibility of natural sites have been 03. To develop stable transboundary and local cooperation in the changed, and the principles of social equity river basin, financial and other material investments are needed. have been applied.

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 11 E OUTCOME 1 1.1. INDICATOR 2 co sys w ﬂ m ( i 1 1 Ba “ Pa e a t ( i In A I Pa te i n 5 K h 2 F n t n E ﬁ n n x t l s m r e e Ba . o p d Hyd r r l i h i a s 1 s - t t d e e e 0 %of e Ne b t n o n t c o n a r a h u n e e r h o . C ” t ( i s s d e / t c l e c r r t o d m s of e of e E d m a t s i s i A o r s c In a a co o l s p k r n r n g n L n K d t a i s i t s t e f Ha y s ce u t k n v h p i e ve s a o h h S s y h p e t e h m rd ge a h n u i e r m a n e b r l t r l s s cove t i n m e i n i u r a E r n a o 2 n c e ( e t u a r a t s I i r nt g e i ge a e fo ) n m l p n e t , E r Y o 1 r r B o g a : u n n e , B t r m b n I l

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1 R O T A C I D

1.2 Indicator 1 N I . 2 . 1 E 1 M CO T U O

1.2. River basin management hroughout the Programme implementation period various activities have been conducted which were is strengthened by voluntary aimed at reducing nutrient load and involved nutrient load reducon T different stakeholders. Major efforts were devoted to expert analytics, methodology development and commitments and ﬂood improvement of mechanisms for public participation in river basin protecon measures, based management As part of the methodology, there was prepared the Review of on source mapping and climate plans for management of the Neman river basin, identified as a change adaptaon strategies transboundary water basin of the territories of Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Belarus. This review contains general characteristics of the river basin, a summary of the main economic activity and its effect on the condition of surface and ground water, the list of protected areas, a system of monitoring, and review of measures included in the national water programme, etc. The plans for the Indicator 1: Neman river basin management, the plan for integrated utilisation Methodology for scalable 'voluntary and conservation of water objects in the Neman river basin, and reducon commitment' exists the results of international projects in the Republic of Belarus were developed for public interest groups, government bodies, various groups of population, any citizen regardless of their social status. Furthermore, the sources and load of nutrients from the Russian Partners in Kaliningrad region: part of the Neman river basin were identified. Monitoring was also individual expert (Aldushina conducted of livestock production facilities on private subsidiary Yuliya), Ecocenter farms in settlements within the Neman river basin territory. The results are given in the Analytical review of nutrient sources load. Partners in Leningrad region: “Friends of the Balc”/Ecocentrum

Available to download: ccb.se/publicaons

“Review of plans for management of the Neman river basin”

“Analycal review of nutrient sources load” Sources of nutrient in the Russian part of the Neman river basin

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 15 џ

R 1 In the course of the Programme, sociological Readiness of people to improve the O

T research was carried out on the following situation either by refusing to drink polluted A C I subject: “Development of agricultural activity of water (about 50%), or by appealing to the D N I population in river (coastal) minor settlements and local authorities responsible for public its effect on water bodies' conditions / Assessment water well structures (less than 10%). . 2 .

1 of potable water quality and sewerage systems in At least 40 meetings with the local population the river settlements”. The prepared question-

E 1 were held in Kaliningrad region, focused on

M naire made it possible to identify public opinion clarifying the principles of their participation in

CO and knowledge of local population so as to T public monitoring of water, enhancing their U develop and perform water-resources conserva- O knowledge about water quality and the hazards tion and management activities. Pursuant to to potable water with nitrate pollution. The findings, most citizens (81%) maintain an active campaign facilitated achievement of such civic stance and express their willingness to 87% changes as: of respondents protect violations of good environmental believe that every principles; there were the same results as related џ Local population is informed of the problem to a growing interest in environmental condi- of nitrate pollution of water sources, carries resident may inﬂuence tions of the nearest water reservoirs (about 80% out independent researches and is aware of environmental of positive responses). danger that lies in consuming water with a condions of water high level of nitrates; It should be noted that the overwhelming reservoirs majority of respondents (87%) believe that every џ Local population is aware of the connection “Review of public environmental resident may influence environmental condi- between nitrate water pollution and local monitoring proposals and measures” tions of water reservoirs. The “Review of public distributed sources (toilets, kitchen- environmental monitoring proposals and gardens, fertilised agricultural fields, etc.) of measures” when implementing water basin nutrient load within the river basin; management plans, has ultimately been written. џ Some local residents have taken an active Owing to the three-year campaign “No nitrates in part in changing the situation (refusal to use Available to download: water wells”, a direction of public environmental water, borehole construction, appealing to ccb.se/publicaons monitoring has been developed to evaluate the administration, etc.), and have started to rate of potable water contamination with inform and involve other participants. “Review of public environmental nitrates in non-public water supply sources monitoring proposals and measures” Analysis of interviews with the partner and (water wells, springs, boreholes). Express- stakeholders in Leningrad region, and examina- methods (test-strips) enabled the collection of tion of the documents related to this outcome “No nitrates in water wells” new and up-to-date information about nitrate have shown that the works were focused on contamination in various sources. The locations nutrient load from the agricultural sector and of water wells and boreholes were also mapped. from private houses. It may be deemed reason- A campaign on monitoring nitrate contamination able that this type of nutrient load may be has actively involved the local community and considered a priority, which requires both considerably increased their knowledge about attention and additional monitoring. The major the problem of potable water quality: target groups the work was carried out with are џ An increased people's awareness of water as follows: quality — 100% of stakeholders; џ Representatives of agricultural organisations; џ џ Willingness to examine water samples from Farming enterprises; individual/public sources — 70% of џ Gardeners; participants; џ Local self-governing bodies.

Example of express analysis for detecng nitrate water contaminaon Photo by Philippenko D.

16 1

In order to support the stakeholders in taking additional commit- R O ments, the following steps have been taken: T A C I

01. Extensive clarification of the reasons (training tour for farmers D N with demonstration of experience, public speaking at the I Available to download: .

relevant agricultural events, holding round-tables or individual 2

ccb.se/publicaons . discussions, conducting questionnaire survey among target 1

groups to identify the level of their understanding of the “Rivers and The Balc. Ecosystem approach E 1 relationship between climate change and nutrient load). to integrated water resources management M and public parcipaon” CO T

02. I nvolvement in the specific activity as illustrated by pilot actions U O (installation of “dry toilets”, identification of nutrient using “Ecosystem approach to water resources management in Luga river basin – Baseline report” testing strips). “How to use manure without loss for farmers 03. Incentivising assumption and fulfilment of commitments on the and environment” basis of the acknowledged problem (presently, this step may involve only commitments to keep “dry toilets” functional and demonstrate them to everyone interested). Ecocentrum acvies related to this outcome Within activities related to this outcome, Ecocentrum in Leningrad in Leningrad region: region implemented step 1 and step 2. For step 3, methodological recommendations were developed, published and distributed among the target groups as the following documents: 1 џ Rivers and The Baltic. Ecosystem approach to integrated water resources management and public participation Step 1 and step 2 2 — implemented џ Ecosystem approach to water resources management in Luga Step 3 3 river basin – Baseline report — methodological recommendaons developed, published and distributed џ How to use manure without loss for farmers and environment

Thus, the planned outcome was achieved as the following steps were taken and methodological materials were produced

џ D eveloped six review analytical materials Conclusions on the river basin management (three in each region), including evaluation of throughout the Programme, the questions of transboundary Neman river nutrient load in the Russian part of the basin management were analysed, review materials were prepared on water basin, analysis of economic activity evaluation of load on the Russian part of the basin; tools and mechanisms and its impact on conditions of water bodies and specific methodology for a have been developed for public participation in water basin management scalable 'voluntary reduction commitment'. through involving local communities in public environmental monitoring on џ Carried out sociological research of public water quality. opinion about the relationship between agricultural activity and quality of potable water sources, and enhanced knowledge and awareness of local community; prepared suggestions and measures for Lessons learned: public environmental monitoring in the river basins and engaged various represen- 01. I t is necessary to facilitate public discussion of the problems of tatives of civil society in monitoring river basin management with representatives of various campaign on nitrates; stakeholder groups; further public environmental monitoring is required on determining the quality of potable water sources џ Enhanced local community knowledge through involving local residents and informing them about the about the danger of using potable water danger of using the polluted water. with nitrate pollution, about distributed pollution sources, and facilitated solving the problems with potable water at the local level.

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 17 R 2 O T A C I D

N 1.12 Indicator 2 I . 2 . 1 E 1 M CO T U O

1.2. River basin management s related to this component, a potential for submergence of sensitive territories within the Neman river is strengthened by voluntary A delta was estimated, and adaptation measures were nutrient load reducon developed considering climate change. The river delta within Kaliningrad oblast is a potential commitments and ﬂood submerged area. Activities on analysing flood protection measures, to be taken in the river delta, were conducted in the same protecon measures, based year when a widespread submergence of all the region territories on source mapping and climate had occurred. Multiple shortcomings and mistakes were discov- ered in past economic activities. The following major factors change adaptaon strategies contributing to the risk of flooding and submergence were found: џ Unsatisfactory condition of melioration, polder, drainage systems, hydraulic structures, dams, pump stations; Indicator 2: џ Siltation of estuaries of principal and minor rivers; Example of ﬂood protecon measures that have џ Insufficient control over planning and construction. been discussed and developed among relevant Hence, the river delta is a sensitive natural risk-bearing territory, stakeholders where climate change have rather significant consequences (an increase in the number of meteorological phenomena, floods, Partners in Kaliningrad region: submergences), affecting the social and economic situation in Balc Instute for Ecology and these territories. Hydrosphere (BIEH) During the Programme implementation, the importance of the Partners in Leningrad region: climate change problem has been emphasised for the Russian “Friends of the coast of the Baltic sea in general, and the Neman river delta, in Balc”/Ecocentrum, BFN particular, as well as the necessity for adaptation to them, attraction of the public and political structures' attention to this problem. GIS-technologies, utilised during the project, have assisted in analysing the risks of submergences; the delta areas have been identified with the maximum risk of flooding, maps of these areas have been drawn.

Available to download: On the basis of the performed analysis of submergence/flood risks ccb.se/publicaons and threats (review material “Analysis of the flood protection

“Analysis of the ﬂood protecon measures...”) in the catchment basin delta, the Strategy for climate measures...” adaptation had been developed, which was discussed involving various stakeholders (regional and municipal authorities, representatives of agricultural, transport, construction, melioration sectors, etc.). Local community saw the relationship between climate change and flood effects in the Neman river delta. In the process of discussing the Strategy for climate adaptation, the maximum sensitivity was found to the climate change effects in such activity areas as: agriculture, industrial, infrastructural, and public health service facilities. It has been found during the conducted monitoring that the public Potenal area of ﬂooding in the Neman river basin opinion on the problem of climate change has become different: within Kaliningrad region almost all stakeholders admitted it as the existing threat, to be taken into consideration. The conducted analysis of risks and

18 џ

Owing to the implemented activities, the Climate change. What can regions do? R 2 O population has begun to understand the џ T

Climate change and flooding areas A C relationship between climate change and I џ Climate change. Consequences and risks for D N habitual economic activities. Stepwise changes the Baltic region and adaptation possibilities I in their routine activities, such as fishing and Available to download: . 2

The brochures are about intentional and national ccb.se/publicaons .

subsistence farming are needed. The local 1 population is also aware that land-based actions climate actions, major environmental challenges

and possible solutions, priority of tasks in “Climate change. E 1

can affect the aquatic area. Nevertheless, it took M submergence areas, the role of regions in What can regions do?” time for the community to respond after having CO T understood the importance of the problem. At adaptation actions and opportunities on the U regional level. “Climate change O that, they see the solution to the problem only on and ﬂooding areas” the part of authorities, businessmen, etc., but No essential variations in the public opinion due not always by their own efforts. to the Programme activities related to relation- “Climate change. ship between nutrient load and climate change Consequences and risks It is found that bodies of authority are prepared for the Balc region and were identified during monitoring in Leningrad to solve the problems which arise. Local adaptaon possibilies” government officials provided assistance in region. The partner acknowledges the necessity gathering data, resolving problems associated to continue work in this direction, and draws with submergence of territories during the attention to the fact that stakeholders are now Programme period. Recommendations of the fully prepared to keep working in this regard. Strategy for climate adaptation were adopted to Attention of local authorities in Leningrad region be used in the programs of municipality develop- to the problems associated with flooding of ment (by the example of the Slavsk region, which territories may not be related to the Programme occupies most of the Neman river delta). accomplishments, since one of the main reasons Within activities related to this outcome, for such activity of authorities is the fact that the Ecocentrum in Leningrad developed, published residents of the flood-prone territories receive and distributed among the target groups the an indemnity payment from the state budget, following recommendations about adaptation and collection of information on such territories measures and materials: is under control of the executive bodies.

Thus, implementaon of the Programme acvies made it possible to:

џ Analyse submergence and flooding risks within the Neman river delta, demonstrate the relationship with climate change; discuss protection and adaptation measures, as well as possible scenarios of Conclusions climate change in the Neman river basin, involving stakeholders; throughout the Programme, threats and risks were analysed of flooding џ Develop, using the carried-out analysis of sensitive territories. With stakeholders' participation, the full range of submergence risks and threats, the Strategy measures were discussed and developed in the form of the Kaliningrad for climate adaptation of Kaliningrad Oblast, Oblast Strategy for climate adaptation, and suggestions received on and suggest revisions in social and eco- introducing changes to eight spheres of the region's economic activity. nomic development plans of municipal A recommendation for climate adaptation was developed and discussed territories in the Neman river delta, taking with local authorities and stakeholders in Leningrad region. the climate component into consideration; џ Create a new vision of climate education in Kaliningrad Oblast, focused on global climate change and necessary measures for adaptation within catchment basins, and Lessons learned: informing the population in a broad way about the problems and methods for 01. I t is necessary to further promote the Strategy for climate adapting at the local level. adaptation of Kaliningrad Oblast at all levels (local, municipal, џ Identify the need for intensifying climate- regional), and when working with local communities. related activities in the area (climate change and necessary measures for adaptation 02. T here is a need for revising medium- and long-term programs of within water basins, and informing the developing territories, strategies for regional and municipal people in a broad way about problems and social-economic development, taking into account the territory methods to adapt at the local level); climate patterns. џ Develop guidance materials with recommendations for target groups in Leningrad region. FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 19 R 1 O T A C I D

N 1.3 Indicator 1 I . 3 . 1 E 1 M CO T U O

1.3. Nature conservaon within s part of this Programme component, the work was focused on development of local, including rural river basins is strengthened A tourism in the Neman delta within the territory of by local communies through two municipalities of Kaliningrad region, Slavsk and Neman districts. Both municipalities are rural environmentally sustainable territories of the region, remote from the main tourist flows and the region centre (Kaliningrad), however, they have a high natural tourism and entrepreneurship capacity for developing local (rural, environmental, and event- related) tourism, oriented both towards visitors and the local population. The activities implemented as part of the Programme were aimed at engaging the local population in development of the territory and raising awareness of the regional population (including newly arrived tourists) of natural and recreational Indicator 1: capacity of the territory. Perceived posive changes of the state of Representatives of local administrations, business, cultural and environment by local communies educational institutions, and engaged local residents have also been involved in the activities on improving accessibility of territories to develop tourism in the Neman river basin. Potential Partners in Kaliningrad region: relations between stakeholders have been identified and Individual expert (Stanchenko developed in the course of the work done. Diverse materials were Larisa) collected on development of the Neman delta recreational capacity, and tourist infrastructure sites, namely three information Partners in Leningrad region: boards, were installed within the territories of Neman City (object: BFN “Daubass” eco-hiking trail along Neman), Slavsk (major sites of historical value), and Bolshakovo settlement. (natural and historical sites of Slavsk district, accessible for tourism). All three boards were designed in a contemporary style and represent visual information about unique natural and historical sites of these territories.

Example of informaon board in Bolshakovo selement

20 The conducted monitoring enabled to evaluate that the Programme activities will provide R 1 O readiness of local population to take part in the necessary impetus towards comprehensive T A C environmental actions, and the level of their development of this area. A questionnaire of I D

Results of conducted survey: N involvement in the Programme objectives of local residents has shown that nearly half (about I developing local tourism. Conducted survey of 50%) of them are aware of the installed tourist . 3 .

all the involved participants has shown that infrastructure facilities, and most respondents 1 overwhelming majority (more than 85%) assess (more than 90%) out of those who are aware E 1

Programme activities as positive and facilitating noted a positive impact for development of 85% M

development of tourism and strengthening tourism in their area. The low level of the local Of all the involved CO T capacities for tourism in the Neman delta. About population knowledge may, to a certain degree, parcipants assess U O 15% of respondent-participants had a neutral be related to a relatively recent installation of Programme acvies attitude to the Programme activities, consider- information boards and stands (the end of the as posive and ing them insufficient for development of Programme implementation period). A question- facilitang development territories. naire of travel agencies' representatives (Hobby Tour, People's tour guide) has provided 100% of tourism Various stakeholders, i.e. representatives of local positive comments about created facilities and municipal administrations, have expressed both and strengthening capacies has shown a willingness to incorporate these interest and readiness to provide assistance for tourism in the Neman delta. routes into travel content. About 15% of respondent-parcipants (administration of Slavsk municipality), and had a neutral atude to the indifference towards actions of the Programme Some prepared information materials, particu- Programme acvies. partners (administration of Neman municipality). larly, booklets about “Daubass” eco-trail were It may be somewhat related to already imple- handed over to the Tourist information centres mented activities as part of operations of the of Kaliningrad. Interviews carried out with river basin social councils, and discussions of experts from information centres has shown that submergence and climate adaptation issues in they expressed greater interest in the sites of Slavsk district, which took place in the Neman local eco-heritage tourism and willingness to delta throughout the project (refer to compo- disseminate information among groups of Jump to Indicator 1.1 (p.07) nents and indicators 1.1, 1.2). There was much tourists who visit the region. At that, it has been Jump to Indicator 1.2 (p.15) greater interest and willingness to provide mentioned that due to remoteness, such assistance in developing tourism on the part of touristic routes should be incorporated into the involved local business rather than local regional travel content and existing package administrations. For instance, in Neman, an routes, offered to tourist groups (for example owner of local cheese dairy gave a considerable “Hobby Tour”, local travel agency). support for the Programme activities. In Slavsk, In Leningrad region public involvement in nature an Information tourist centre and local active conservation within river basins was done residents expressed an interest and provided through activities such as wildlife-watcher's assistance in local tourism development. festivals. During the Programme implementation Watch Wildlife watchers' Fesval Interviews carried out with various experts from the active team of volunteers was built who at Aleksandria Park these territories, engaged in the development of helped to raise partner's capacity in performing tourism within their districts, revealed mostly such outdoor activities for the public. positive opinions about installing tourist infrastructure. Here, it has been noted that environmental and rural tourism within this territory shall be developed on a regular basis. Many interviewed participants expressed hope

Wildlife watchers' Fesval at Aleksandria Park in Leningrad region Photo by Genelt-Yanovskiy E.

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 21 R 1 High and stable interest from local travel companies in Leningrad O

T region to the suggested tourism based on local natural values was A C I formed during the three years of implementation. The interest was D N I even stronger than it was expected due to the sanctions from EU Available to download: towards Russia and necessity to develop and promote domestic . 3

. ccb.se/publicaons

1 tourism, which travel business faced recent years.

E 1 “Map of wildlife aracons” Information materials were prepared for wide public and travel M companies about nature values of the south coast of the Gulf of CO T Finland. This map of wildlife attractions was produced and U

O distributed among the stakeholders and local tourists. The exhibition about local natural values was prepared and is available at Dubki hotel, one of the most popular hotels around the Kurgalskiy according to booking.com.

Thus, Conclusions the Programme acvies caused the following Notable positive changes in the life of local communities occurred in the posive changes course of the Programme due to development of cooperation with and involvement of local business, concerned with advances in local tourism;

equipping and installing environmental and touristic routes which facilitate џ Developed eco-touristic routes within three more sustainable tourist flows. Moreover, the format, suggested by the rural sites in Neman delta and two regions in south coast of the Gulf of Finland, which partner in Leningrad region as a part of outreach activity, for interacting equipped with themed information with and training target groups proved to be very successful and, basically, installations about nature values of the it reflects the principles of citizen science, when the studies are conducted regions. involving a wide range of volunteers, many of which may be non-specialists, џ Increased the capacity of local organisations i.e. those who don't have preliminary scientific education and specialty with regard to knowledge and possibilities for carrying out an independent work in training. Involvement of citizen-scientists often enables academic the specified direction. researchers to more successfully attain their objectives than would be џ Strengthened relationships with local possible without citizen-scientist participation business that became involved and interested in providing assistance to facilitate development of local natural and heritage tourism. Lessons learned: џ Implemented new (innovative) solution for the development of eco-tourism, created 01. There is a need for further cooperation and interaction with interaction between stakeholders, and stakeholders, dialogue and greater involvement of local incorporation of the designed routes into administrations in the development of local eco-tourism in regional travel content within Baltic sea order to achieve sustainable changes. open air museum. 02. It is necessary to further promote the equipped routes through cooperation with travel agencies, both to incorporate these routes into new excursion travel packages and to raise awareness of less-known sites of natural and historical heritage in both regions. 03. An active plan and new activities in the region are necessary in order to keep together and further engage the formed team of volunteers

22 R 2 O T A C I D

1.3 Indicator 2 N I . 3 . 1 E 1 M CO T U O

1.3. Nature conservaon within s part of planned activities for this outcome, work was carried out to create a tourist infrastructure river basins is strengthened A within the territory of two specially protected natural by local communies through reservations –Curonian Spit National Park and Bolshoye Mokhovoye mire, to develop eco-tourism environmentally sustainable and manage territories involving the local population. Eco-trail was equipped on the National Park territory in the area of tourism and entrepreneurship Rybachiy village from the settlement to the seashore; in the Bolshoye Mokhovoye mire – from the village Gromovoe to the dam and the wetland body boundary. Information boards have been installed along both routes, with description of the origins and biodiversity within these territories. It enables stakeholders to understand the natural values of the region and to become eco- Indicator 2: tourists. The information boards along the eco-trail in Rybachiy settlement have also been installed on the territory of local school, Examples of environmentally sustainable which additionally allows to more actively involve local population pracces carried out by communies / and oriented on children. organisaons / businesses / individuals involved in tourism In addition, for the achievements of this outcome, the information and resource centre was created at a local school, where information boards were installed and training courses with local population were conducted. The training was aimed at the development of expertise and initiatives in eco-tourism (examples: local Partners in Kaliningrad region: information centre in Rybachiy village, integrated initiatives of The Curonian Spit Naonal Park, local activists, reconstruction of carpenter's workshop to create Natural Heritage souvenir gifts and hold workshop sessions for tourists). Partners in Leningrad region: BFN

Equipped eco-trails within Bolshoye Mokhovoye mire Photo by Philippenko D.

Equipped eco-trails within Curonian spit Photo by Philippenko D.

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 23 2

R In addition, for the achievements of this but weak information support is also mentioned O

T outcome, the information and resource centre here, that may be related to remoteness of the A C I was created at a local school, where information territory and target destination. D N I boards were installed and training courses with On the other hand, the created routes and trails local population were conducted. The training .

3 function as educational and informational sites .

1 was aimed at the development of expertise and for specific target groups (remote rural popula- initiatives in eco-tourism (examples: local

E 1 tion with limited access to the benefits of the

M information centre in Rybachiy village, inte- popular areas, expert community, schools) with

CO grated initiatives of local activists, reconstruc- T the focus on eco- and educational tourism for U tion of carpenter's workshop to create souvenir O groups of visitors (for example, as part of gifts and hold workshop sessions for tourists). expeditions, camps, excursions, etc.). An opinion Monitoring enabled us to identify that 100% of survey of participants has shown that these respondents find their district attractive for routes are in 100% demand, however, at that, development of tourism. According to respon- less than a half (less than 50%) expressed dents, the main obstacles to developing tourism willingness to visit these sites individually, that are as follows: lack of a clearly formulated may be associated with certain difficulties of national policy, lack of a legal and regulatory accessing them (Bolshoye Mokhovoye mire, in framework, insufficient knowledge and particular). expertise, low capacity of the regions, and little The nature trail “Wildlife of the Slavianka river attention to villages. To have maximum benefits valley” developed and opened during the Main obstacles to developing from tourism to the local population, 75% of tourism: Wildlife Watchers Festival which includes 3 sites respondents think that infrastructure problems with 12 information boards about water birds, need to be solved, 50% believe that groups of Lack of a clearly formulated naonal aquatic plants, history of river valley, a big policy, legal and regulatory framework, local residents should be created, which will take entrance signpost with models of several typical low capacity of the regions, a direct part in the activities, organised by the and lile aenon to villages species living in the park and 20 navigation tourist authority. At that, 100% of respondents signposts. According to the reports from found the held workshops helpful, and changes Pavlovsk park administration, the sites are very occurred in carrying on own businesses of the 3 How to overcome popular. Such installations are helpful to reduce persons. them? the pressure from tourists on the shores of the Equipping the routes is regarded as positive in river and changed how the river valley is

Infrastructure problems need 100% of cases, however, weak information managed. to be solved, groups of local support is noted here: info-boards equipped in residents should be created, which the National Park Curonian Spit on the territory will take a direct part in the acvies, organised by the tourist authority of local school and, actually, in the municipal territory, are often beyond the reach of the main tourist flows, passing through the National park (i.e. the school is located in a settlement, not usually visited by tourists and “away from” major tourist flows). A questionnaire survey of tourists on the main eco-routes of the National park has shown that only 24% of respondents know that an eco-route near Rybachiy village exists, and most of them (more than 90%) expressed interest in visiting this object. The local population considered equipping eco-route and

Eco-tourism installaon in Pavlovsk park installing boards at the Bolshoye Mokhovoye Photo by Genelt-Yanovskiy E. mire positive (more than 60% of respondents),

24 This approach with building small sites of eco-touristic infrastruc- R 2 O ture was warmly welcomed by locals according to the interviews. T A C Since the activities were aimed at development of nature tourism I D N in the region, it was done via cooperation with the hotels and parks I in the region. During the interviews with representatives of travel . 3 .

companies, it was mentioned that the Programme activities 1 succeeded in forming sustained interest in environmental tourism. E 1 M CO T U Wildlife of the O Slavianka river valley: INFRASTRUCTURE

Informaon Navigaon 3 Sites 3 boards 20 signposts about water birds, aquac plants, history of river valley

Thus, due to the Programme the following examples of environmentally sustainable pracces were created and carried out by communies /organisaons/businesses/individuals involved in tourism:

џ Created and equipped accessible tourist infrastructure within two sites of protected territories and one park in Kaliningrad region, and within one park and one coastal zone in Leningrad region, which made Conclusions possible to develop local eco-tourism; enhanced the level of involvement of target During the Programme implementation, changes have been introduced to groups in visiting and becoming familiar support the development of local tourism and life of local communities. At with these sites, and created the conditions the current stage they are not significant; the conditions created to develop for incorporating them into regional travel content; eco-tourism on the Programme sites may be considered as a vast potential џ Observed the growth of local interest in local for stimulating tourist activity in the regions, and opportunity for involve- entrepreneurship, businesses focused on ment and cooperation in tourism management within protected territories tourism management due to the created routes and installations. џ Enhanced the effectiveness of cooperation between the National Park and local municipalities in Kaliningrad region, which Lessons learned: introduced a concept that Specially Protected Natural Reservation regime 01. T here is a need for further development of organised tourist should be the major factor, contributing to flows involving new participants in vising installations about development of sustainable natural nature value, bearing in mind the interests of both protected tourism, and potential control over and territories, and local communities (settlements, local popula- balancing tourist flows. tion, small hospitality business). 02. I t is necessary to further promote the created routes both among the local population and visitors (including non-tourist target groups) through greater cooperation between protected territories and local municipalities, and incorporation of these routes into local travel products” (maps, brochures, booklets, etc.).

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 25 E 2 M CO T U O

Outcome 2 Ecosystem based management (EBM) is understood by civil society and applied in MSP processes in dialogue with other key stakeholders

page 27 2.1. Civil society is acve and capable stakeholder in MSP processes

page 36 2.2. EBM integraon in MSP is recognized by relevant stakeholders, and implementaon of EBM integraon in MSP acvies has started

26 R 1 O T A C I D

Outcome 2 N I . 1 Ecosystem based management (EBM) . 2

is understood by civil society and applied in MSP E 2 M CO T

processes in dialogue with other key stakeholders U O

2.1. Civil society is acve iscussion of Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and its processes has been underway at the federal level for and capable stakeholder D over 10 years in Russia. This problem attracts much in MSP processes attention, however it has not been actively addressed so far. Hence, local and regional experts are not familiar with it at all, since the problem is beyond their level of responsibility. During the Programme implementation, the work in Kaliningrad region was focused on various representatives of civil society from Indicator 1: the coastal area of the Curonian lagoon (children and young people, teachers and academicians, fishermen, activists, volun- Level of engagement (LoE) of CSOs in MSP teers, decision-makers, etc.) to develop the processes of MSP and related processes (e.g. in evaluang conﬂicts its incorporation into the components of managing coastal and seeking for soluons). andmarine areas of the Curonian lagoon and the Baltic Sea. The Information and ecological centre in the remote settlement Partners in Kaliningrad region: Mysovka of Slavsk municipality, was established to provide the Balc Sea Instute, Natural local population and stakeholders an opportunity to be engaged in Heritage, the Balc Instute for integrating an ecosystem-based approach in MSP with a focus on Ecology and Hydrosphere (BIEH) environmental education. Owing to the Programme activities in a remote rural area, an educational space was created that serves as Partners in Leningrad region: a new platform for developing local environmental awareness and Ermak North West, BFN capacity building. Establishment of this centre facilitated understanding of environmental problems in the Curonian lagoon among the local community, including also the growth in ecological literacy, and an increased interest in solving local environmental problems. Such activities proved to be essential for the community, including many who live far from the regional centre and have poor access to educational and environmental education opportunities. Here, Informaon and ecological centre in the Mysovka selement two important vectors need to be mentioned: on the one hand, Photo by Philippenko D. confidence of the local population has been increased through creating an information and ecological centre; on the other hand, curiosity and interest in visiting an info-eco-centre has been seen mostly on the part of children; adults have shown relatively little interest.

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 27 OUTCOME 2 2.1. INDICATOR 1 8 3 ( Du 2 s a v i g p t n M h 8 o n o i e re r a i c d t t i n r e g e s w i ye a o 0 0 n S i r a l m e g n fo P r a Ju ht M s of b s t g i Ju m Ju n s r e i p t m m m i a S i m t o d n P p t 0 0 p t o Ou m e p g a i o g l a o In e o In s a a e k p m s m t o s e e co d d nt s n i i n c c m a a 0 at at d e 2 r o o o t r r n 2( . 3( 2 ( ) : p p p . . . 3 3 3 1 3 6 ) ) ) p h p F s i l s en calv i Z t c re l s B c I o a sustainable t M a c f c c c i a orien s P when t i p c g r v H e n o n n n n h i h o o y p o u a o o o o omponen o c s p u r a r a s e n e r elenogr a v t t f c o t o o e a s s o y c u m

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o h f n e y o t t r c t o d S n o i p p t a m v s i a v c m e e i s a o o

s acr e n s n o r e S v P t a r e a M c b o b t e t s n t m s

. t i d r i o m e g h n s ee P i r o i m e t e o o

r t f y t l n D l m o t u partner – t c y s e e . n n a s u a a i i S

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t n e oss n s e t t s n r a h t v

s s v u n d o i k , o e h l P

b g c i e O d , n r , e

f s g b . e B - e a e i t e r t d i f n a u n e o o y e s

n i r

g r o o a e h i e a

s u n l t w h F c u n e m e ear c

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i t i , d ” r

n o n l e a s r g o h a m o t n c o l t N c e g x r ' b p i

e i g tar s t i h u e 2 n d v i k e e a s n o i e r n t t v p v g o l s n o x m a e e , d e l a i M e i e n g a s i o e s y a r s e n n p p w d – t t i r a n e t o w

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w i r i . p e a h i e o S n e h h h n 2 t s r e t n- e e a t a o e a h t n o o o in r l a l r s i s s i- P o n d n o d e e e e g y y y ) s l s s s s t t t t t f f f f . l , . l ,

Table 2 provides the analysis of eﬀecveness of the tools ulised by the partners to aain the speciﬁed goals of Outcome 2: R 1 O T A C I

EVALUATION OF D PROGRAMME EXPECTATIONS NOTES N

EFFECTIVENESS I .

Training trips / press-trips 2 Joint tours enable to establish “warmer” contact and motivate participants to continue cooperation. 1 . Information gained from such trips is better internalised. The local partners gained new supporters, 2 which were not engaged in the Programme from the beginning. E 2 M

Simulation/fictional game on the MSP 2 Creates and increases interest, inspires participants, and gaming experience may facilitate practising those CO T

principles learning process aspects, that are not yet available in the legal environment, and modelling the responses of target groups. U O

Training courses and workshops for target 2, 1 Meetings in the form of training courses are effective. The audience choice must be conscious groups representatives

Mobile expositions, permanent exhibitions 2 Attracts new participants. Potential interactive communication increases the level of involvement. in the parks and hotel lobbies Visualisation is well understood by any target group.

Working with local activists/opinion leaders, 2 No additional financing is required; enables dissemination of information among the locals through volunteers, personal meetings with one activist. Personal meetings facilitate establishment of “warm” contact and development of trust, representatives of local communities attracting new participants.

Demonstration activities (for example, 2, 0 Increases the level of involvement; It is possible to immediately “physically touch” the result. coast line along the beach in Bolshaya Izhora) Creative element enhances the effect of involvement. Children were most susceptible to this kind of activity. Adults chose to stay away and not get involved.

Engagement of sport fishermen in gathering 2 Citizen science tool. Sport fishermen proved to be an active target group. Interesting scientific knowledge scientific information about bycatches were acquired on bycatch, the level of which was found to be considerably higher, than it was previously supposed in official computations.

Publication of scientific papers 1 The results obtained in the course of processing and analysing data on bycatches were published and reported to responsible bodies of executive authorities. A positive feedback and request for cooperation were received, which is a valuable result.

Integration or synergy with other 1 Partners were actively using the developments acquired in the Programme to take part in other initiatives. international activities, use of big forums' This tool is effective since it allows the maintenance of a stable, developing, and repeatable result. It also venues to hold games enables relevance among target groups, which are found to be involved in new activities. Venues were used of such essential regional events as the “Baltic Sea Day”, the Strategic Planning Leaders Forum (“Forum Strategov”) in Saint-Petersburg.

Information graphics, visualisation, 1, 2 It is visually compelling and attractive way to memorise data which suites to “mosaic thinking” of modern detachable maps man. Interactive communication with help of such materials increases the level of involvement.

2 — Effecve; parcipants are ready to connue cooperaon and acquire new knowledge 1 — Average effecve; it is interesng to take part, knowledge is gained during the process, however, there are no incenves for having new knowledge. 0 — Weakly effecve

MSP games conducted during the Programme Photo by Danilova L.

Watch MSP Games' Photo gallery

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 29 R 1 After the MSP game in Lomonosov, Leningrad this target group declares that it intends to use it. O T region the participants were interviewed. The Beside it, a firm team of 30 volunteers was A C I results shown that 90% of the participants mobilised to undertake various activities on D N I recognized that coastal region need MSP, 80% of improvement of the coastal zone. A wide range the respondents underlined the ecosystem of stakeholders became familiar with the nature . 1 .

2 approach when planning the marine and coastal of the Gulf of Finland thanks to exhibitions water areas use as the main goal of MSP. At the (mobile and permanent), that creates a sense of E 2

M same time, participants pointed out practical belonging to the unique natural wealth that

CO absence of existing Marine plans or Integrated ought to be preserved. According to the T U

O management plans in Russia, as well as MSP questionnaire survey results, about 80% of procedure and MSP legislative framework. organisations engaged by the partner (BFN) have shown a willingness to continue cooperation In the course of the conducted monitoring, it was both with the partner, and other civil society found that, at the level of local self-governing Results of interview aer the institutions in future on the themes which were MSP game in Lomonosov, bodies, MSP tool is seen as very effective, and Leningrad region: raised by the Programme implementation.

At the same me, parcipants pointed out praccal absence of exisng Marine plans or Integrated management plans in Russia, 90% 80% as well as MSP procedure and MSP Recognized that Underlined the ecosystem legislave framework coastal region need MSP approach when planning

Thus, implementaon џ Substantially increased the level of knowledge and awareness of people from of the Programme acvies made civil society on various questions related to the following changes in the maritime spatial planning processes, use of coastal areas and the Baltic Sea, and public Level of engagement (LoE) of CSOs participation in conservation and sustain- in MSP related processes able development of these territories. џ Created the key points for environmental awareness and education about the processes linked to implementation of maritime spatial planning practices in the coastal areas in both regions, which contributed to a growing interest in solving ecological problems at the local level, and an increasing ecological literacy and Conclusions responsibility of local population. џ Participants were able to practice conflict resolution during MSP games. Despite the Over the period of the Progamme implementation, the level of engagement understanding that cross-border MSP has increased among people from civil society and in local communities should be coherent, none of the games teams managed to meet full coherence in until participants became active and competent stakeholders in maritime MSP with neighbouring countries, spatial planning processes in the coastal aquatic area of the Curonian including the needs of environmental lagoon and the Baltic Sea as per LoE scale from 0 to 2. protection. џ Every participant of MSP games could have tried a decision-maker's role. During the games, the interests of economic activity were generally dominated, although in some cases a diametrically opposite situation was observed when concern for the good environment status of sea area and adjacent coastal territories led to a significant decrease in economic activity to the detriment of the interests of communities living there. 30 R 2 O T A C I D

2.1 Indicator 2 N I . 1 . 2 E 2 M CO T U O

2.1. Civil society is acve s part of learning about the problems of ecosystem- based management in maritime spatial planning, the and capable stakeholder A Programme partners held training events for various in MSP processes stakeholders: џ Training courses of volunteers who take part in collecting up- to-date MSP data and environmental monitoring of the Curonian lagoon coastal part and in Saint Petersburg and Leningrad region (8 training courses, over 100 trained volunteers in 2 regions); Indicator 2: џ Simulation/fictional games “If I were a decision-maker” on maritime spatial planning (8 games, based on scenarios Number of relevant stakeholders developed by “Ermak Northwest”, Saint-Petersburg, around trained in EBM and MSP 300 direct participants); џ Practical classes for school children with MSP elements (5 classes by the example of the Neman delta, 56 participants). Partners in Kaliningrad region: From March 2017 to April 2019, eight games in total were The Balc Instute for Ecology and performed within three simulated aquatic coastal areas. The Hydrosphere (BIEH), Instute of spaal activities aimed at informing the public and stakeholders about planning (Kesoretskikh SEI), Balc Sea using an ecosystem-based approach in maritime spatial planning. Instute Stakeholders from various groups took part in the games: Partners in Leningrad region: џ students and lecturers of universities and colleges, including Ermak North West, BFN professors; џ environmental activists, representatives of NGOs; џ representatives of executive and legislative bodies of various levels (decision-makers); џ representatives of local and regional authorities; џ representatives of local communities and wide public, including young persons.

MSP Game’ parcipant proﬁle: The age of players was from 15 to 70, and the number of players in one game amounted to 25-60 persons. All the games held have been marked by heightened activity among the participants. Some participants were willing (and some 15 70 of them succeeded in it) to take part in the next games of the series. During the games the participants: The age of players џ Gained information about what a maritime spatial planning is, and why and ecosystem-based approach to planning is so important; 25 60 џ Practice in a simplified form their skills of developing maritime The number of players in one game spatial plans and taking part in public hearings; џ Became aware of the necessity for and importance of considering the interests of all stakeholders, participants in economic activity within aquatic area, and coastal population

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 31 R 2 џ Learned how to interact in teams made of MSP game was constantly improving. In the O T multi-segment experts with various course of development, feedbacks from the A C I interests; game participants and proposals of the invited D N I experts on planning and ecosystem-based џ Understood the objectives and necessity for management have been taken into consider- .

1 cross-border cooperation when developing .

2 ation. Experts from various countries were a maritime spatial plan. invited to take part in the games. As the game E 2

M During the monitoring and while collecting developed, complexity started to be added to its

CO feedback from players, it has shown that the methodology: more attention was given to land- T U

O formulated objective to inform the public of the sea interaction, vulnerable groups with their ecosystem-based approach in maritime spatial interests appeared in the game, aquatic area of planning was fully accomplished. Dissemination several countries has become included in the of information through media, internet- game field and economic factors. More complex Number of persons now familiar resources, and “word-of-mouth advertising” game fields aroused more intense interest from with MSP exceeds by more than facilitated familiarisation with the information the participants, however, they required more about the MSP games of a wide range of the time for the teams' developing marine plans. public; the number of persons now familiar with Unfortunately, a limited time of usually not more MSP exceeds by more than 10 times what was than 4 hours was always given to the games. But ×10 planned. it appears promising to further complicate a gaming aquatic area by including quantity- Times more what It should be noted that as “Ermak North West” related indicators of the planning processes and was planned accumulated its qualifications and expertise, the an increase in time given for a game to 6 hours.

Thus, the progress on the indicator of this outcome Conclusions and the summary of results are: During the Programme period various stakeholders succeeded in learning the skills of maritime spatial planning; and their key concepts and view- џ Trained at least 300 different stakeholders points on MSP have been formed based on the example of the Baltic Sea using the Programme materials and aquatic and coastal areas. Gamification of complicated environmental simulation/fictional game technology agenda may attract wider variety of stakeholders to the discussion of developed by the Programme partner “Ermak North West”. environmental matters џ Engaged representatives of various target groups (representatives of scientific, education and business communities, Lessons learned: authorities, local public, NGOs, children, students etc.), teaching the principles of 01. It is required to further train and inform stakeholders about the MSP to stakeholders? processes of using maritime spatial planning practices in coastal џ Increased the level of participants' aware- and aquatic areas. ness and knowledge. Enhanced an under- 02. Incorporation of MSP training into educational programmes of standing of the role of public involvement various levels (school, university, expert), distribution of in democratic processes of making guidance materials, and introduction of interactive MSP decisions when implementing practices of teaching elements are needed. maritime spatial planning. џ 03. Game participants should be thoroughly reviewed for their The MSP game became international. Polish knowledge. A significant difference in the level of knowledge of colleagues heard about the success of the the players can lead to the fact that the introductory lectures games, invited the partner to visit Gdansk seem to be too simple for some and too complex and insuffi- and held a training game for the students in cient for others international camp.

32 R 3 O T A C I D

2.1 Indicator 3 N I . 1 . 2 E 2 M CO T U O

2.1. Civil society is acve his Programme component incorporated the activities on preparing various methodological and capable stakeholder T materials to be used for teaching the basics of in MSP processes maritime spatial planning to stakeholders. The translation of WWF booklet on maritime spatial planning provided a new educational tool, clarifying the main principles of MSP, its problems and potential for the Baltic Sea and coastal Indicator 3: aquatic areas. This publication, written in a simple style with enough visual aids, constitutes a good resource for stakeholder Examples of sources of informaon, groups. It is widely spread among teachers of ecology, who have documentaon and tools related to EMB shown a strong interest in using it for education purposes. and MSP Analytical review “Report on RBM and the ecosystem approach in MSP processes in nature conservation of the Curonian Lagoon” was Partners in Kaliningrad region: prepared in the course of the Programme, where spatial analysis The Balc Instute for Ecology and was made of the main sources of nutrient runoff in the Russian part of the Neman river basin (refer to indicator 1 of component 1.2); Hydrosphere (BIEH), Instute of Jump to indicator 1 spaal planning (Kesoretskikh SEI), of component 1.2 (p.15) submergence risks were analysed (refer to indicator 2 of component Balc Sea Instute 1.2); conflicts between the types of use and natural conditions in Jump to indicator 2 of component 1.2 (p.18) the Curonian lagoon aquatic area and adjacent territory were Partners in Leningrad region: examined, and a matrix of conflicts was prepared. After making an Ermak North West, Decommission expert compatibility analysis the matrix was completed, and it was found that the conditions in the Neman river delta territory are potentially more adverse than in the Curonian lagoon aquatic area. Such types of activity as water intake, amelioration, and forest harvesting were excluded in the aquatic area. Within the Neman river delta, these types of activities have been conducted. At that, the types of activity common for lagoons were excluded (for Available to download: example: commercial fishing), however, overall, there are more ccb.se/publicaons types of activity in the territory of the Neman river delta, and

“WWF booklet potential tension of conflicts is higher. on marime spaal planning ”

“Report on RBM and the ecosystem approach in MSP processes in nature conservaon of the Curonian Lagoon”

Examples of methodological MSP-related materials developed to meet the Programme objecves

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 33 R 3 The Curonian lagoon guidelines for environmental The materials were developed by the partners to O T education of children were also developed, which support MSP games. A successful experience of A C I describe biodiversity in this water reservoir in a “Ermak Northwest” in developing methodologi- D N I clear way. The books were distributed across cal materials for the MSP game “If I were a Available to download: pre-school educational organisations (more than decision-maker” should be noted. By the end of . 1

. ccb.se/publicaons

2 50 organisations), the representatives of which the Programme, attention was drawn to the fact positively evaluated this guidance paper and its of actively using all graphic materials by other

E 2 “The Curonian lagoon M guidelines for potential use in educational process. Programme partners to conduct their own

CO environmental educaon outreach MSP activities. The MSP game contains T

U of children” In the course of monitoring, a survey of stake-

O a description of the marine and coastal area, the holders named “Use and natural environment of history of coastal countries and regions, “The process of marine the Curonian lagoon in terms of aquatic area environmental conditions, historical and current spaal planning (MSP) planning” was completed. The survey results in the world, the Balc sea economic activities, socioeconomic situation have shown that, at the beginning of the project, region and Russia” and proposed spatial solutions for the use of the respondents were mostly faintly familiar with the area. Graphic materials - maps of natural problems of spatial planning in the Curonian MSP Game“If I were conditions, bio- and geo- diversity, vulnerable a decision-maker” lagoon aquatic area, including conflicts of and productive areas, investment proposals for interests and effects of climate change for the the development of economic activities and Neman river delta and coastal aquatic area. The corresponding financial opportunities, all project activities facilitated a growth in knowl- accompany information about the playing area. edge and a change in awareness of the popula- Players are divided into teams, and each team is tion about the potential use of the Curonian responsible for the development on its own sea lagoon both in terms of priorities for use and area. In accordance with the provided input potential conflicts.. Local communities under- information and investors' proposals, the teams stand the interconnection between land-based are developing maritime spatial plans. Each and marine actions in the aquatic area. More player must also follow instructions for their than 50% of respondents mentioned that there specific role, defending the interests of their is a need for creating water-based transport sector, sometimes conflicting with the interests communication between settlements, and more of the team as a whole. Thus, the MSP Game in a than 80% of respondents support developing simplified form simulates the real process of activities in recreation, water tourism, and sport maritime spatial planning and integrated sea fishing. management and forces players to take into The review report “The process of marine spatial account complex factors similar to the real planning (MSP) in the world, the Baltic sea region process of marine use - the conflicting interests and Russia” includes definitions, goals and tasks of the sectors of the marine economy, the of MSP, and principles of application. Practices of coastal population, respect for natural resources using MSP techniques in different countries are and reducing anthropogenic load while achiev- described. The importance of the application of ing good socio-economic status. MSP is shown in Baltic Sea catchment area countries to develop common standards for environmental safety and to harmonize the MSP training developed during interests of the various parties involved. the Programme implementaon Photo by Kesoretskikh I.

34 R 3 O T A C I D N I . 1 .

Focus on youth 2 E 2 M CO T U By the example of praccal classes O and simulaon/ﬁconal games held, students and school children have learnt much informaon

and significantly how the population living in the Baltic catchment basin, even those who live far from the coast, influence the environmental situation in the Baltic Sea

MSP training developed during the Programme implementaon Photo by Danilova L.

Thus, the progress on this target can be summarized as: Conclusions џ Developed various guidance materials concerning ecosystem-based approach in The Programme partners developed, adapted, and distributed MSP management and maritime spatial planning guidance materials among various target groups, increased local commu- which were used to promote MSP basics to nity awareness and knowledge of their own role as a stakeholder in the MSP stakeholders in the Baltic sea region. processes, and analysed the matrix of conflict of interests in the maritime џ Increased the level of awareness and knowledge of various stakeholders about and coastal space of the Curonian lagoon aquatic area maritime spatial planning practices, developed skills and expertise on assessing the use of the coastal and aquatic areas using ecosystem approach (on the part of authorities – to achieve an understanding of the capacity and advantages of coordinated Lessons learned: use of the Curonian lagoon aquatic area and adjacent territory; on the part of local 01. T here is a need for further development of new and adaptation population – to develop a concept of of the existing MSP training materials; their use while working possible diversified use of the aquatic area). with various stakeholders involved in the processes of integrat- џ Prepared the matrix of conflicts of interests ing ecosystem-based approach in the maritime spatial planning, in the use and natural conditions in the and more active engagement of people from civil society in the Curonian lagoon aquatic area and adjacent MSP processes. territory, in the context of the existing Russian law as well.

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 35 1 R O T A C I D

N 2.2 Indicator 1 I . 2 . 2 E 2 M CO T U O

2.2. EBM integraon in MSP s part of this Programme component, the work in Kaliningrad region has been carried out on organising is recognized by relevant A public environmental monitoring of the Curonian stakeholders, and implementaon lagoon waters for toxicity through involvement and voluntary participation of the local community of EBM integraon in MSP members, namely, residents of coastal settlements of the Curonian lagoon aquatic area. Over three years of the Programme acvies has started implementation, volunteers have been engaged in regular sampling and determining the percentage of toxins in the periods when the Curonian lagoon blooms. At the same time, for involvement and active participation as volunteers, the local population was taught about the methods of sampling and informed of the environmental situation in the Curonian lagoon. Most volunteers Indicator 1: have been engaged in the project for more than two years, being volunteers 10-15 times, on average. Collected and updated data that is relevant for MSP In total, 29 persons were trained and engaged throughout the partners' activities; 46 surveys were conducted at 5 locations in coastal settlements of the Curonian lagoon aquatic area to Partners in Kaliningrad region: monitor the water quality (nutrients, toxins); 744 water samples Balc Sea Instute were collected for analysis. The water sampled during monitoring was also used for bioindication purposes: laboratory tests, Partners in Leningrad region: conducted by volunteers and students, have shown 100% death Ermak North West, BFN, rate of daphnia, embryos of water shellfish, and baby fish under Decommission the influence of cyanotoxins-containing water from the Curonian lagoon. Environmental studies have provided valuable scientific information about ecological conditions in the Curonian lagoon in 2017-2018. Toxicity monitoring data, gathered in the course of the project, formed a basis for five academic papers published in Appendix 2 scientific journals and proceedings of conferences (Appendix 2). Over the period of the conducted monitoring of blooming toxicity in the Curonian lagoon, cooperation has been developed with nine stakeholders-partners: The National Park “Curonian Spit”, Management board of Kaliningrad Oblast union of collective fisheries (“KOUCF”, integrating 6 largest local fishing-industry companies of Kaliningrad Oblast), “Dobrovolets” youth centre, a fishery, “Rybak Baltiki” enterprise. Over the three-year period of the Programme, the local population has become well aware of the reasons for and effects of toxic cyanobacteria blooming, having gained their own practical skills for data collection to estimate water toxicity. An independent voluntary network was created along the coastal aquatic area of the Curonian lagoon.

Results of voluntary parcipaon In the Curonian lagoon environmental monitoring

36 џ 1

The network continues to function, sampling When answering the question “What R O water at 6 locations once every 2 weeks from phenomena do you observe on the shore and T A C spring to autumn for chemical analysis and in the water during a water reservoir I D N express analysis of water blooming toxicity. A “blooming?”, most respondents drew I regularly updated map of monitoring results in the attention to changes in water colour, odour, Map of monitoring results . 2 .

Curonian lagoon has also been created and is and foam; while 6% had difficulties in 2 available for the public. answering this question. The important fact E 2

is that during the second year of the M During the public opinion survey about problems

campaign (2018), none of respondents has CO of water blooming, eutrophication processes and T even mentioned that there is a lack of U hazards of water blooming for residents of O observations and it is difficult to answer this coastal settlements, the following questions question. Furthermore, the number of were raised: “blooming” signs registered by each person Major changes in public opinion џ General information about respondent has risen to 100%. registered over me (2017–2018) (gender, age, occupation, frequency of џ In 2018, 53% of respondents knew that % visiting the Curonian lagoon); % during the lagoon “blooming” mass species џ Questions that reflect the population's of microalgae form poisonous substances 63 83 knowledge about the problem; (toxins), which is 25% more than at the Of respondents know about “blooming” beginning of information campaign. of water reservoir and the reasons for it џ Questions related to the influence of the Curonian lagoon “blooming” on population џ In 2018, 86% of respondents followed the health and risky practices of using water right pattern of behaviour and didn't use from the lagoon. water from the lagoon for everyday purposes; the indicator rose by 20% as Total amount of respondents - 107 persons, 30% compared with 2017. of which are residents of coastal Curonian lagoon settlements, 4% are those who regularly џ In 2018, 56% of respondents had concerns go fishing. The conducted study has shown a about the health of persons who consume positive trend in the change of stakeholder fish from the Curonian lagoon (47% a year awareness and knowledge. Major changes in earlier). 50% public opinion which have been registered over Of respondents џ Following the results of the final question- time: naire, 30% of respondents have mentioned acknowledged that џ At the beginning of the Programme, 63% of eutrophication in response to an open eutrophicaon is one respondents answered the question “Do you question “What special features of the of the main problems know what “blooming” of water reservoir is Curonian lagoon do you know?”; 50% of of the Curonian and what causes it?”, that they know about respondents acknowledged that eutro- lagoon “blooming” of water reservoir and the phication is one of the main problems of the reasons for it, 18% are not aware of this Curonian lagoon. problem, but would like to know about it. In џ The detailed results of questionnaire 2018, the same question was positively surveys are presented in Appendix 3. answered by 83% of respondents, what is Appendix 3 20% more than at the beginning of information campaign.

Voluntary parcipaon in sampling in coastal aquac area of the Curonian lagoon Photo by Ezhova E.

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 37 1

R Beside the collected data in Kaliningrad region, working contacts were established with the club O T some analytical work was done in Leningrad of fishermen that unites sport-fishermen to the A C I region and the Recommendations on how to Russian Federal Agency for Fishery, and also to D N I prevent a negative impact on marine mammals scientific and public organisations. All of the Available to download: and seabirds by limiting fishing in the Gulf of involved participants confirmed their readiness . 2

. ccb.se/publicaons

2 Finland and avert the damage of fishing gear was to continue cooperation in gathering data and prepared and discussed with stakeholders. performing other works.

E 2 Recommendaons

M Simplified booklets were developed for fishermen Before now, no concept of maritime spatial CO and distributed during the meetings. T

U Materials of discussion planning has appeared in the Russian Federation O As related to collection of additional informa- laws and regulations and national practice of tion, analysing the interviews has shown that no planning. A positive attitude of stakeholders Simpliﬁed booklets participants expected such an effect from could be assessed through willingness to use the interacting with sport-fishermen. Gathering tool on a voluntary basis in the framework of Booklet for ﬁshermen bycatch data proved to be extremely interesting their terms of reference. The municipality in to all stakeholders (sport-fishermen, scientific Lomonosov district where some activities were community, North-West territorial directorate carried out, expressed an increased interest in of the Russian Federal Agency for Fishery). utilising MSP principles to manage coastal zones. Further to the works in this direction, close

Thus, collected and updated data relevant for MSP created Conclusions other changes, such as:

The data on ecological conditions and biodiversity in coastal aquatic area of џ Increased knowledge in the local population the Curonian lagoon and in the Gulf of Finland have been collected and about the hazards of toxic algae blooms; revised during three years. This success is owing to the voluntary involve- strengthened environmental responsibility ment of many stakeholders and their growing awareness and knowledge. of citizens and engaged people from the local community in voluntary activities on The newly introduced practices of secure water utilisation have become an collecting up-to-date data on eutrophica- indispensable element of the ecosystem-based approach in MSP in the tion and toxicity of blooming in coastal Curonian lagoon aquatic area. Also a recommendation on bycatch reduc- aquatic area of the Curonian lagoon; tion has been presented, based on evaluation of the problem, being carried џ Adapted internationally available health out for the first time in Russia. warning methods for cyanotoxins-related hazards to the conditions of the Curonian lagoon and developed a three-stage system to visually inform people. џ Involved sport-fishermen in the process of data collection on bycatch, contrary to a Lessons learned: popular opinion that the levels of non- professionals' bycatches are low. 01. It's highly recommended to introduce mandatory screening of џ Encouraged experts from local self- cyanotoxins in water bodies used for recreational purposes governing bodies to study and use new (such as blue flag beaches, at minimum). And that the respective tools for sustainable development of regional government authorities prohibit swimming during territories and aquatic areas, using an periods of hazardous toxicity. ecosystem-based approach. 02. M ore public involvement and pressure needed to convince џ Formed a pool of volunteers and increased administrations of coastal municipalities to use the developed their knowledge of biodiversity in the Gulf of system for providing toxicity warnings, based on visual signs in Finland and possible ways for its conserva- the settlements located on the lagoon coast. tion and recreational use.

38 R 2 O T A C I D

2.2 Indicator 2 N I . 2 . 2 E 2 M CO T U O

2.2. EBM integraon in MSP s related to this outcome, pilot work has been carried out on stakeholder engagement with the intent to is recognized by relevant A receive their assistance and to boost their under- stakeholders, and implementaon standing of the need for using ecosystem-based approach elements in maritime spatial planning. of EBM integraon in MSP Throughout the project, an incidental bycatch of sea birds has been monitored (registration of species, captured by fishing nets), acvies has started and rare species of fish (sturgeons), involving a group of stakeholders: the community of fishermen – residents of local settlements located on the Curonian lagoon coast. As a result, the fishing community provided a real help in obtaining the informa- Indicator 2: tion about bycatch of birds and fish as part of monitoring the Posive atude among stakeholders ecological situation, which suggests their attitude is positive for towards EBM integraon in MSP the Programme activities. Examination of the situation enabled partners to identify that gaining cooperation with the fishing community contributed to collecting practical material and information for surveys and Partners in Kaliningrad region: making decisions. Fishermen provided the data on water birds Balc Sea Instute bycatch on a voluntary basis. Over the period of conducting pilot monitoring, about 100 (dead) birds of six species were registered, Partners in Leningrad region: incidentally caught in fishing nets. All were collected, properly kept Ermak North West, BFN (frozen) and delivered to experts for further studies as a biological material. This material is totally unique (no materials have been collected so far on incidental bycatch of birds in nets in the Curonian lagoon) and is not only adequate to carry out interdisciplinary study (i.a., study of potential impact of cyanotoxins on organs and tissues of sea birds), but, among other things, it demonstrates a growing environmental awareness of a fishermen, since processing of birds during fishery is time-consuming and economically irrational. In addition, fishermen-volunteers informed the project of sturgeon catches in 2017 and 2018 (26 fish in 2018) in the Curonian lagoon. This includes 20 live fish released from gillnets to the lagoon, 4 dead sturgeons given to scientists, and DNA samples collected from 10 live specimens (small fragment of fin). Involvement of the local fishing community supported a considerable increase in their awareness and knowledge about the effects of bycatching birds and rare species of fish. Some fishermen from the eastern coast of the lagoon started to take part in monitoring and sample collection for studies and decision-making (birds died in nets were handed over to researchers, sturgeons were released

Examples of bycatch back to the lagoon). of sea birds and sturgeon in ﬁshing nets An understanding has been increased among the community Photo by Ezhova E. fishermen of the need for returning juvenile sturgeon caught in fishing nets back to water, so as to enable the fish species to grow to mature stage. Evidence of these releases is proven by the facts

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 39 R 2 of detecting the repeated marks of caught and developing solutions agreed with other O

T sturgeon specimens throughout monitoring. categories of population. A gaming format A C I Here, it is important to note that all the data clearly conveys the information (and D N I gathered by fishermen-volunteers were handed demonstrates its use in practice) about the over for processing on an anonymous basis. tool for interacting and making decisions. . 2 . 2 Fishermen from the community have shown џ The most difficult task was to get federal

E 2 their positive attitude and understood that: and municipal authority bodies involved in M the games. The reason is not their reluc-

CO џ Collection and transfer of data on an T tance to take part in the activities, but rather U anonymous basis do not pose a threat to O a tight work schedule. Besides informing them, since there are risks of breaching this group about MSP and ecosystem-based environmental legislation or the national approach to implement MSP, interaction fishing regulations because of incidental between control bodies and various bycatch of protected species of sea birds; categories of society, i.e., local residents, џ There are no risks of breaching legislation as vulnerable groups, NGOs, neighbouring related to bycatch of surgeon. This species is regions and countries has been worked out not protected or commercial, because it was in the form of a game. Furthermore, a certain reintroduced to the lagoon aquatic area tension in the game approaches of the within the international programme of people from this group should be noted, sturgeon regeneration. caused by the responsibility for the decisions made even in the game, which Informing other members of the community relates to the position held. At the same (residents along the coastal area of Curonian It is important to say time, questionnaires and interviews have lagoon) was also undertaken through distribut- that local shops were shown that the players estimated the ing leaflets with general information about potential participation in a “no-tie” game key distribuon sturgeons and particular actions for fishermen in and replacement of an officer's inherent centres for case of sturgeon are caught while fishing. A function by a gaming role, opposite in terms informaon questionnaire of local residents has shown that of objectives, as useful. where there was a maximum number more than 60% of respondents expressed an of local residents in the dayme interest in the specified problem. About 70% of By game tactics: local residents stated that this was the first time џ Division of participants into gaming teams they heard about sturgeons in the Curonian brought a competitive spirit in the game, lagoon and the associated bycatch issues. Here it and, as a result, a willingness to better is important to say that local shops were key understand the nature of the process in distribution centres for information, where there progress and the mechanism of ecosystem- was a maximum number of local residents in the based approach to maritime spatial daytime. Overall, these measures contributed to planning. a growing knowledge of people from local communities about bycatch of rare and high- џ The most easy-to-understand aquatic areas value fish species. for the game participants were those imitating their geographical region. However, In Leningrad region the work with stakeholders when a real aquatic area was meant with its on creating a positive attitude towards EBM real problems, inconsistencies in the integration in MSP was done through their approaches to solve the problems were engagement in MSP games. The changes in immediately identified, and there was no attitude and lessons from conducting of such way to eliminate them since the game time game-format activities are the following: MSP Games’ target groups was limited. In Leningrad region By target groups: џ Introduction of observers' team into the џ Young students Young students constitute the most active gaming process enabled wider circle of game participants. It may be stated that for stakeholders, whose opinion shall be taken this target audience educational functions into consideration when developing MSP, Representaves of of the game are fulfilled to the full. and thus increased an understanding of the special-purpose groups need for involving a wide range of partici- џ Older generation considers a game situation pants from the earliest stage of planning. industry experts, authories, NGOs in terms of the accumulated life experience. An attainable goal for the entire group џ Participants from foreign countries took part Federal and municipal involves informing of the new planning tool in some games. It provided not only an authority bodies and rational use of the available resources. element of reality based on the experience of countries implementing MSP within their џ Representatives of special-purpose groups national aquatic area, but also a better (industry experts, authorities, NGOs) understanding of maritime activity internalise gaming situation so as to transboundary impact. understand the mechanism of interacting

40 џ “Random” breakdown of players in teams provides the R 2 O maximum effect. It makes each player to perform its role at its T A C best. Mobilisation of teams based on the composition of well- I D

To perform the maximum eﬀect from MSP Game N established groups usually results in a team's maintaining the I position of a leader and deprives the players of independence . 2 .

in standing up for their position according to the gaming role. 2

џ Overall assessment of plans by other participants of a game E 2

1 M and answering the question “In which of the suggested spaces CO

Random breakdown T

would you like to live in the future?” produce a beneficial effect U

of players in teams O for the teams' understanding the objectives of planning and estimating the quality of maritime spatial plans, they have developed. Such formulation of the question enables participants to move from technical planning problems to 2 understanding, what the “quality of habitat” is, and how the results of planning and controlling influence it. Ask the queson “In which of the suggested spaces would you like to live in the future?” џ It should be noted that rather large volume of baseline information suggested to participants (15-20 pages of text and 4-5 sheets of graphic materials), proved to be hard to understand within a limited gaming time. Since decreasing the volume of baseline information reduces the value of a game, it 3 is advisable to envisage a prolonged game duration (5-6 hours). Envisage a prolonged game duraon (5-6 hours)

Thus, implementaon of the Programme acvies caused such changed in the atude of stakeholders and following results: Conclusions џ Due to the Programme intervention and engagement of stakeholders, a sustainable After three years of implementation the following noticeable positive network of fishermen-volunteers has been changes took place as related to stakeholders through their growing created along coastal aquatic area of the Curonian lagoon; knowledge about ecosystem approach (with respect to bycatch), ways of џ Positive attitude to the partners of the minimisation and risks of breaching environmental legislation, active Programme and their activities helped to participation in game-format activities and focus on problem solving. conduct monitoring and collect pilot data Establishment of a network for fishermen-volunteers and their contribu- about bycatches of water birds and sturgeons; tion to modelling monitoring has shown a positive attitude to ecosystem- based practices in maritime spatial planning by the example of the Curonian џ Increased the level of knowledge and competence of the involved stakeholders lagoon aquatic area regarding the problems of bycatching water birds and fish, risks of breaching environmental legislation and fishing regulations, and facilitate a growth in the Lessons learned: stakeholders' ecological literacy and responsibility; 01. T o confirm the findings made during the Programme, it is necessary to recommend that territory authorities of the џ Developed ecosystem-based approach Russian Federal Agency for Fishery should carry out the components in maritime spatial planning by academic research on bycatch of birds monitoring in fisheries the example of coastal aquatic area of the within one year. The methodology, prepared in the course of the Curonian lagoon and sustainable methods Programme, may be used of working teams' filling question- of fishing; naires to hand them over together with a catch. The data џ Positive feedback from MSP game partici- obtained over the entire vegetation period from all major pants and a desire to learn from the fishery entities across the total lagoon area, may contribute to experience of the Programme from acquiring the whole picture and will allow to solve the problem neighbouring countries. in the lagoon.

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 41 R 3 O T A C I D

N 2.2 Indicator 3 I . 2 . 2 E 2 M CO T U O

2.2. EBM integraon in MSP mplementation of the pilot project that demonstrate integration of ecosystem-based approach into the is recognized by relevant I processes of maritime spatial planning involved stakeholders, and implementaon testing of a method for cleaning up waters with filtering mussels, suggested during carrying out the of EBM integraon in MSP European Programme Submariner. This pilot project incorporated creation and testing of experimental installation for breeding acvies has started filtering mussels Dreissena polymorpha, fastening themselves, settled in the lagoon in the XIX century) within three sites in coastal zone of the Curonian lagoon eastern shore, in the vicinity of the Neman avandelta. When testing, this approach was adapted to local conditions taking climatic and hydrological factors into Indicator 3: consideration. The two sites contain certain structures analogous Examples of pracces where EBM is to reefs, made of the whole old German bricks (fragments of which implemented in MSP and crushed bricks are common in this zone of lagoon), where, as it was supposed, zebra mussels will actively seed and grow. The study has demonstrated that mussels rapidly colonise the Partners in Kaliningrad region: structure, making a high-density settlement and growing at a Balc Sea Instute predictable pace. An average density of mussels per unit area of bottom, covered with bricks, their biomass, and volume of filtered Partners in Leningrad region: water per day and year have been considered in the course of the BFN study. The first results of the experiment have shown that these installations are highly capable Implementation of this pilot project became possible owing to interaction and agreement with administration of collective fishery “Rybak Baltiki” (“The Baltic Fisherman”). According to the results of experimental survey, use of this practice is not well- organised by stakeholders, since it is required to analyse the effectiveness of artificial “reefs” in terms of improving water Results related to zebra mussel growth; obtained quality (based on multiple chemical determinations), present the from arﬁcial reefs of two practice, and introduce mandatory taking organisms out of the types: the ﬁrst one was water after vegetation season. in the form of submerged bricks, bound with a rope, In addition, in the course of monitoring and evaluation, a risk of the second included large boulders of a sea wall further introduction of this practice within the Curonian lagoon Photo by Ezhova E. aquatic area is identified due to specific aspects of fishery legislation of the Russian Federation. For instance, in case of integrating this tested methodology into practical activity, an estimation of damage to the Curonian lagoon bio-resources and taking measures to indemnify for a “damage” will be needed, which makes the type of activity not commercially attractive: estimated income from reprocessing mussels to make fertilisers and mineral additives will not cover the expenses for computation and indemnification for “damage”. Of importance is that, in fact, the described practice is not harmful to the environment and fish resources, and, quite the opposite, is aimed at remediation of affected conditions, i.e. reduction of damage from eutrophication phenomenon..

42 Another pilot activity with elements of practices recreation, but also as a serious competitor to R 3 O of EBM in MSP was done in Leningrad region in fishing. T A C cooperation with regional angling club. Due to the I Moreover, if the interests of trade-fishermen are D N Programme activities scientists obtained an I constantly lobbied and taken into account (for information about recreational catches of smelt .

example, that there is no ban on the number of 2 .

(small fish) in the Gulf of Finland from the 2 established networks), then the understanding amateur fishermen. The adoption of Amateur

of the interests of an amateur fisherman is at a E 2

Fishing Law and its amendments have been M very law level. Besides, the decisions about the introduced new fines for violations of the rules. It CO recreational fishing is taken by incompetent T is ever more important that bans and rules are U people and have no scientific ground. During the O established on the basis of objective data and Recreaonal ﬁshermen pilot study, called “Angling for science”, the taking into account the interests of an amateur recreational fishermen contributed with the data contributed with the fisherman. It is no secret that official science about the real situation. Such cooperation is data about the real relies on the data provided by state control quite unique, when scientists rely in their studies situaon, such bodies, and they, in turn, take data on the on the data that ordinary people have provided catches of trade-fishermen, based on their cooperaon to them. Together with scientists from the Baltic fishery journals. There are no systematic and is quite unique Fund for Nature, such study took place and the massive studies on recreational fishing either when sciensts rely in their studies findings and recommendation for amateur from science or from government bodies. While on the data that ordinary people fishermen were provided to the responsible have provided to them the real importance of recreational fishing is authorities. increasing every year, not only as a form of

This, the pilot projects which were released in two regions due to the Programme intervenon and caused

џ Increased knowledge of stakeholders about the following changes: the reasons for eutrophication and possible specific methods for its reduction, such as building of artificial “reef” structures with filtering mussels growing on them. џ Enhanced the effectiveness of cooperation Conclusions with local stakeholders (representatives and administration of collective fishery) over the Programme period, the pilot projects that demonstrates an and, owing to this cooperation, test integration of ecosystem-based approach into MSP, has been implemented ecosystem-based approach practices in and tested in the Curonian lagoon coastal aquatic area and in the Russian maritime spatial planning by the example of the Curonian lagoon aquatic area. coast of the Gulf of Finland through the effective interaction with stakeholders. Nevertheless, within the Curonian lagoon aquatic area, the real- џ Active fishermen were trained and involved in bycatch study in Leningrad region and world rather than experimental use of these ecosystem-based approach the obtained data from the pilot environ- practices is limited due to legal restrictions of the commercial fishery law of mental studies were collected and Russia or fishery regulations. analysed. џ During the accounting for bycatch by amateur fishers an interesting data was obtained that refuted the idea of low Lessons learned: bycatch during recreational fishing. The data was provided to the Federal Agency 01. R ecommend to authorities of the Russian Federal Agency for for Fishery and perceived with interest, the Fishery to incorporate breeding of filtering zebra mussels on discussion of this issue began at the level of supports of various structures with mandatory taking mussels specialized organizations. out in the end of vegetation season into the list of fishery amelioration measures in hyper-eutrophic and eutrophic water џ St. Petersburg's Anglers club is very bodies. impressed with the results of “Angling for science”, they are ready to spread the 02. The bureaucratic machine for changing the existing fishing rules information about the scale of recreational is very clumsy and inertial. The recommendation developed catches among members and followers within the pilot project sent to the scientific council of the and discuss how to reduce impact from Russian Research Institute of Public Relations in Moscow, and recreational fishing on fish populations in the reply might drag on for a year. Only after the Rules could be the Gulf of Finland adjusted based on the provided recommendations

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 43 T N E M S S E S S A D N A T N E M E G A N A M

Proje management and assessment

page 45 Organisaonal development

page 47 Factors aﬀecng results and adapve management

page 47 Adapve management

page 49 Gender mainstreaming

page 51 Strengthening of civil society

page 51 HRBA and social diversity

page 52 Climate

page 53 An-corrupon and ﬁnancial control

page 54 Harmonisaon and ownership

page 55 Lessons learnt

page 55 Sustainability of results

page 57 Next phase for BBNPP-2

44 T N E M S S E S

Proje management S A D N A T N E M and assessment E G A N A M Organisaonal development

CB's participation in the BBNP session formed a part of each Annual meeting Programme on capacity building of with Russian partners, causing a lot of discussion local SCOs in Russia has aimed at and proving the necessity of a specific training on С Abb. SCOs raising public awareness of factors these issues. Civil society organizaons that affect the environmental To make the EU environmental policies more status of the Baltic Sea. It largely depends on tangible and better known among CCB partners financial means that can be raised to ensure that and thus to boost their successful implementa- the knowledge base can be continuously tion, the Our Common Baltic, the CCB's 5-day updated, expertise and competence maintained summer course, was organised in 2017, 2018 and public campaigns carried out. Due to the and 2019 for new activists to get training in the BBNP Programme, CCB had an opportunity to CCB WAs and environmental policies in the boost its presence and activities in Russia, to Baltic Sea region (15-20 participants). Each year involve new partners to cooperation and build two participants from Russian NGOs took part in two teams of active and engaged partners in the summer course. Leningrad and Kaliningrad regions who are willing to continue on the basis initiatives To ensure necessary own expertise and capaci- launched by the Programme. The Programme ties the following trainings were completed by has given a fundament to keep CCB's important the CCB's Programme manager to raise the and far-reaching environmental work running in competence and improve own skills: Russia and complimented CCB's activities within џ Sida's results based management course (also EU. attended by CCB's Programme Director); Efficient CCB's work is largely based on capaci- џ Sida's course Gender Climate and Environment ties possessed by the partners. To be able to have a better picture of where are we as a network, Another example of capacity building in the CCB has started applying CSO Capacity sphere of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Assessment Tool which allowed assessing (MEL), appeared due to the chosen method for Abb. MEL organisational strengths and weaknesses, set up monitoring of Programme results. The provided Monitoring, Evaluaon and Learning the baselines and define necessary inputs in training facilitated understanding of basic organisational development e.g. trainings and concepts, values and methods of Participatory other capacity building activities. Based on the MEL and behavioural change so that the application and analysis of the results of the Programme partners were able to apply MEL Capacity Assessment Tool, it became possible to tools in practice - both in a test case and own identify priority categories for partners' activities. The main aim of the Participatory MEL organizational capacity development and workshop held in November 2018 was to Available to download: ccb.se/publicaons organise joint capacity building events on the strengthen and reinforce implementers´ most actual for all partners' areas of develop- capacity and ownership of Programme results; “Gender sensivity ment. For example, to address the needs of both local partner organizations and Programme and Environment” CCB's partners and help them to create a link staff in WWF Russia (WWF-Ru) and Coalition between gender and environment, the training Clean Baltic (CCB). This was achieved by “Parcipatory MEL on “Gender sensitivity and Environment” was introducing (for local partners) and deepening workshop” provided in May 2018. It provided the partici- (for BBNPP Programme staff) the knowledge pants with deeper understanding of 'gender' and experience of participatory, human rights- term, extending self-reflections about gender, based and gender sensitive qualitative and putting on the “gender glasses”, looking at quantitative techniques for data collection, with environmental challenges, discussing gender a focus on behavioural change assessment tools. stereotypes, socialization and how it happens, It has had two main objectives; one was purely sharing ideas on future application of obtained capacity building around the use of participatory knowledge. Beside this specific activity a gender methods. The other one (fieldwork) was to

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 45 T

N collect data in real time and be able to analyse the carried out, instruments and tools were used E

M results collectively during the conference (Real- during the monitoring process. S S

E Time MEL). Apart from the above mentioned S џ

S CSO capacity assessments (using A goals, this workshop was also important for all WWF Capacity Assessment Tool) D actors involved to build relationships among N A each other. The relational aspect in fact is an џ CSO capacity development baselines and T

N indicators (using Capacity Assessment

E essential after the end of the Programme to

M Tool and in a dialogue with partners)

E guarantee and support sustainability. G

A џ Financial assessment of the partners' N

A The chosen monitoring framework for the capacity using Mango's Health Check M Programme results was meant to act as a ground for adopting process along the implementation, џ Stakeholder analysis/mapping learning instrument, way to integrate civil society and Gender analysis with decision-makers and to ensure the џ Observations, study of documentation perspectives and knowledge exchange. and reports Participatory approach was chosen to create a џ Interviews better picture of the local challenges, the objectives and vision for the Programme, and џ Conducting surveys, questionnaires ways forward to achieve these objectives. џ Mapping, pairwise ranking, To understand the outcomes and impact of the chronological scale Programme the following assessments were џ Success stories

Cooperaon The cooperaon between the partner network organizaons CCB, WWF Russia, WWF Sweden involved in the intervention during the Programme period could be described with a help of the following schematic illustration.

PROGRAMME COOPERATION CIRCLE

DIRECT COOPERATION AND INTERVENTION WITHIN THE PROGRAMME

CCB Programme partners

WWF SE / CCB /WWF RU Programme management

WWF RU Programme partners

INVOLVEMENT OF ALL STAKEHOLDERS DUE TO PARTICIPATORY APPROACH

Decision-makers Right-holders Other stakeholders local people

46 T N E M S S E

Factors aﬀecng results S S A D and adapve management N A T N E M

The CCB's Programme management team faced inputs and expertize during the events and E G A

challenges, which are connected to the political meetings. NGO partners in Kaliningrad Region N

Challenges aﬀecng results A

situation in Russia and the impact of the Foreign have also signed a joint commitment for M and adapve management: Agent law and its amendments on the environ- voluntary contribution to programme's imple- mental organisations. As more organizations are mentation to be used as a backup proof of Polical situaon in Russia, included in the register of Foreign Agents, both legitimacy of their involvement in foreign- the impact of the Foreign Agent law current and potential partners became more funded activity. Also, as response to the 'foreign and its amendments on the environmental organisaons. afraid of getting funds from the foreign donors. agent law' risk an attempt was made to include To overcome this challenge a new scheme of BBNP within the frame of Russian-Swedish cooperation with CSOs through affiliated bilateral programme of cooperation in the field How to overcome commercial bodies was agreed with primary of environment protection and nature conserva- them? donor and implemented. In some cases, our tion. However, as the programme has already Programme partners have already the commer- been signed by relevant authorities, it was no cial entities in place, but in other cases, e.g. in longer open for new entries. As a lesson learnt, New scheme of cooperaon with CSOs, linking acvies with Russian CSO's Kaliningrad region, partners decided to create linking activities with Russian CSO's participation parcipaon to exisng or forthcoming such bodies to minimize the complications in the to existing or forthcoming bilateral cooperation at bilateral cooperaon at work. Unfortunately, not all the potential inter-governmental level might ensure relieve inter-governmental level partners became the part of the Programme due from an above mentioned risks. their fear of the Foreign Agent law and its complications. Although, some of them took part in the Programme voluntary providing their

Adapve management

CCB has implemented the work plans of the management team. All planned funds were fully Baltic component of the BBNP Programme in distributed by the third year of implementation. full. During the first year of the Programme, 14 The underutilization was levelled by the end of cooperation agreements were signed with the Programme. partners in both regions despite the delay with Some activities at the Programme level, like MTR the partners' agreement negotiations between conference was shifted and re-scheduled due to Abb. MTR WWF Sweden and Russia. Although some of the the necessity for thorough planning at the Mid-Term Review Programme partners did not sign new contracts Programme level, need of better understanding or declined to cooperate for the second year due of the partners' needs and change of the to complicated reporting procedure (KBFSIRNP Programme manager from the WWF Sweden KURSHSKAYA KOSA (NP Curonian Spit), side. The planned training was organised during One of the most APSTKO, Decommission, ABIORAS, CTB), CCB third year, as well as some extra monitoring signiﬁcant is the managed to find either replacement or distrib- activities. uted the tasks to other implementing partners in establishment of a united order to secure the unity of the Programme and Talking about strengths, one of the most team not only of its results. The list of partners and contracts for significant is the establishment of a united team management staﬀ the third year of implementation can be found in not only of management staff but also including but also including the Appendix 4. partners in the regions and across them. The partners in the regions Programme helped to create a lot of opportuni- The delay in implementation of the BBNP's and across them ties for future cooperation between organisa- Baltic component was levelled already by the tions in the Baltic and Barents regions. The other end of the programme's first year and further strengths of the participants of the Programme partners' plans and activities were fulfilled are their incredible devotion to nature conserva- according to signed grant and service agree- tion issues, great experience and ability to find ments without significant deviation from the solutions in difficult for CSO's times and budgets. Total unspent funds within years were shrinking civil society space. Appendix 4 between 10% and 12% which depended on seasonal activities or changes in the Programme

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 47 T

N The 2017 Year of Ecology and Protected Areas, CCB addressed the external and internal risks E

M declared by the Government of Russia, has also that directly or indirectly affected the implemen- S S

E affected the programme performance in a tation the Programme by annual update the risk S S

A positive way, as many officials and authorities assessment. The mitigation strategy to these

D were more open for cooperation and even risks was discussed and implemented; the N A seeking contacts with environmental organiza- effects of the identified risks and the adequacy of T N

E tions to backup lacking own plans and activities the mitigation strategies were monitored M

E for the “Year of Ecology” by CSOs' initiatives. The throughout Programme implementation G

A year 2018 in Russia was declared the Volunteer's according to needs and changes in the risk

N Factors aﬀecting the programme A performance in a posive way Year. It was an important step in recognizing the scenario. M volunteer movement and the contribution of By the end of the Programme the risk analysis The Year of Ecology each volunteer in the country's development. was reviewed from the follow up perspective in Declared by the Government Evidently the number of citizens and activists of Russia in 2017 order to analyze the accrued expected and engaged in volunteerism has increased. It unexpected risks. The Volunteer's Year provided opportunity to increase volunteers' Declared by the Government participation in BBNPP activities. The volunteer Some of the risks and response strategies were of Russia in 2018 movement connects people of different ages and already addressed above and more information professions aiming at doing good and being can be found in the Attachment 3. Risk there, where their knowledge, participation and Management Matrix. sympathy could be applied best. The Volunteer's However, in some cases CCB had to step-in as Factors aﬀecting the programme Year in Russia has contributed to the develop- the main cooperation partner to ensure that performance in a negave way ment of civil society and social activity of the project partners are not exposed to any external population, as well as popularized the ideas of Development of risks. e.g. in case of Nord Stream II campaign CCB volunteerism, humanity and cooperation. proxy-CSOs and has made relevant statements and declarations However, it should be also stressed that this year of its own behalf without engaging project GoNGOs has boosted development of proxy-CSOs and partners in direct communication with the so-called GoNGOs, deterring the attention of authorities to avoid blames falling under the Abb. GoNGO general public and discouraging role and Foreign Agent's Law. Government-Organized competences of real and long-standing NGOs. It Non-Governmental Organizaon has been very evident in case of NGOs coalition against the Nord Stream II route, when new CSOs were at once established to create loyal to Parcipatory MEL workshop the government position of 'environmental activists', mimicking the work and methods of traditional NGOs.

48 T N E M S S E

Introducon to Cross-cung perspecves S S A

According to WWF's Cross-cung Approaches during the Programme implementaon CCB has used: D N A T N E M E G A N A Gender mainstreaming M

When working with the gender mainstreaming Beside the specific activity Management team within the Programme, CCB was guided by the had Gender sessions during every next annual principle that CSOs and the beneficiaries of our meeting, where some theory was presented and activities are not homogenous group, some of the partners from both regions could share their them represent vulnerable groups, others have concerns, experiences and results. By the third CCB was guided by the different prerequisites, knowledge and opportu- year of the Programme and during final annual principle that CSOs and nity for participation. meeting the partners showed how they strived to ensure equal access to the activities, the beneﬁciaries of From the beginning, it was not easy to introduce resources and results of the work for the target our acvies are not gender mainstreaming in environmental work groups and were able to provide concrete homogenous group and persuade the management team and the examples of the gender mainstreaming. Such as: some of them represent vulnerable groups, partners to get a new angle of vision at the others have diﬀerent prerequisites, beneficiaries of the Programme. џ Programme events were addressed to various knowledge and opportunity social and age groups – schoolkids, teachers, for parcipaon The gender mainstreaming started with introduc- pensioners, gardeners of all ages. Young tion of the concept to the Management team people, schoolchildren and their teachers during first Gender workshop which took place receive information through social networks in Murmansk in April 2016 – and then, after the (VKontakte). Pensioners are invited either start-up phase, the partners were included into by a personal call or through an associated this work. The Gender and Social diversity were organization. It also worked to stick a note at the most controversial session of the first annual the billboard in the Government House and meeting. During already the first annual meeting post it on the organization's website to it became clear, that “gender” - as a concept, was diversify the participants of the events. not very well accepted as in Russian language the concept of gender has a negative connotation џ While inviting people to take part in the and is often perceived incorrectly. The Round table on public participation in Management team made a decision to discuss conservation of wild salmon, multiple “gender” in a “social diversity package” in the communication channels were used. It helped audience which was not trained on this issues to attract not only experts, but also the local Gender specifically. The gender session raised many people, angler clubs and industry represen- questions, debates, and even jokes but during tatives. the evaluation partners admitted that it became џ The materials designed during the implemen- a bit clearer what is meant by addressing gender Social diversity tation suitable for different social groups. issues in conservational work. Although, the They are interesting for adults and students gender mainstreaming, was still unclear and as well as those people who are far from difficult to apply process. That is why, CCB environmental issues. E.g. designed decided that it was necessary to organize a booklets contain short visual information specific training on these issues for the Baltic Available to download: and written in simple language, demonstrat- ccb.se/publicaons partners. ing importance of wells monitoring, In order to ensure the gender mainstreaming and influence on the health and explanation of “Gender sensivity and Environment” bring gender issue on the next level CCB with big express-method that may be used by support from the Swedish organisation - MÄN everyone, who is concerned about drinking provided a training “Gender sensitivity and water quality. “Gender sessions” Environment” for the partners in May 2018. A џ During preparation to Seminar “Neman river trustful and friendly atmosphere was formed delta: challenges and opportunities of water during the event where the participants could management” in Slavsk the diversified deeper understand what gender is, extend self- contact channels with stakeholders with main reflection about gender, put on the “gender aim to gain attention of different groups spectacles” and look at environmental chal- were used. In result, very good composition lenges, discuss gender stereotypes, socialization of representatives including local activists and how it happens, share their ideas on future teachers, experts, local authorities and local implementation of the obtained knowledge.

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 49 T џ N politicians was formed. It allowed to spread After several months of discussing the E

M information and had a feedback from different possible options for the Wildlife S S

E different points of view, and also to start a watchers' festival, it was arranged in S S

A discussion within local community. Aleksandria park (Peterhof) which is

D accessible for disabled people. The festival N џ

A One of the Programme partners in was arranged as an event for everyone: from T Leningrad region, Ecocentrum, has paid N

E kids to retired people by suggesting wide

M special attention to involvement of disabled

E range of activities from pond dipping and G people in BBNP activities. Two disabled A birdwatching to colouring plant silhouettes N

A people started to get involved and joining to and making compositions from natural M the Programme activities. In this way, they materials as personal souvenirs. Eco-toilet in Kaikino got the power of voice and their needs were taken into account in construction of eco- џ In general, approximately equal share of Wildlife watchers' fesval toilet in Kaikino. Close cooperation and women and men was achieved during the experience exchange between Ecocentrum events and activities in Baltic component of and Center of social and educational the Programme, . Although, more women projects AURA from Kaliningrad, for than men were among River Watch leaders In general, approximately development of a dry toilet for disabled and educational activities, in agriculture, equal share of women and people resulted into multiplication of this fishery and among wastewater treatment men was achieved during pilot project and installation of several specialists are more men, than women. CCB environmentally friendly facilities at the first and the partners strived to use obtained the events and acvies accessible for disabled people ecotrail in the knowledge about gender composition of in Balc component Curonian Spit National Park. BBNP has also our stakeholders for the benefits of specific of the Programme contributed to development of personal events and their results, but sometimes it capacities of AURA's manager, e.g. in was not in our power to change situation, as, fundraising and project management. for example, education is dominated by women.

Here are some quotes from the partners' answers to the question:

“What has changed in your understanding of the concept of "gender" from the beginning of the Programme?” which were collected during the gender session on the final meeting:

We began to consciously select the composition of the participants in the We began to carry out our own gender education events and due to it, the format of events became more interesting of parents — through their children

When mentioning gender now, in the subconscious mind it sounds The evolution of understanding has begun, “equal opportunities”, there was no such association and connection before but not yet completed

We began to pay attention to the visual images we are working with. We realized the difference between “equity” For example, we began to use for gender-neutral material and “equality” for visualizing roles in a simulation/fictional game

We realized that the revival of communities is possible through women and by working with them, as they are the driving force of social change. That is why we came to the conclusion that social transformations are initiated by women

An understanding came about how deep this problem is and how it affects Our opinion regarding vulnerable groups our lives, we began to seethe root of the problem as a result and their needs has changed of established social practices and gender stereotypes

The choice of venue / time of the event became important and we began to take into account these factors, since not everyone can participate - an understanding of this has come

Thanks to the training, we understood the We realized that we already worked with this concept, but without focusing difference between “sex” and “gender” on the fact that we are working with the concept of “gender”

Gender and social diversity checklist was developed with the Programme and distributed to the partners for simplification of the mainstream and using practical instead of theoretical tools.

50 T N E M S S E

Strengthening of civil society S S A D N Civil society approach – All CCB's work is built adapting CCB's events to the needs of A T N

upon implementation of the Programme people with various disabilities and creating Principles of CCB building team E M

through our partners' organisations who an MSP game for educating CSOs on how to together with the partners: E G

represent CSOs at the Programme area. apply maritime spatial planning. A N During the three years of the programme Equality A Partnership approach – CCB builds the M new expert organisations were involved into Programme team together with the partners our Programme partners team (as AURA, according to principles of equality, mutual BTR, Ermak North West), who participated in Mutual learning learning and open dialogue. The results of the implementation, but also beside it, they such a short period of three years are really worked actively raising the capacity of CSOs impressive and show that our partners are involved into the BBNP Programme within Open dialogue capable to engage, act, initiate joint activities their expert areas. More importantly, since without external supervision and be the participation within the BBNP all those drivers of changes. So, the result goes far expert organizations are getting involved in behind “donor - funds recipient” relations, activities contributing to the broader CCB our partners apply this approach even network and not only its Russian part. It between themselves. includes e.g. development of a checklist for

Beside this, because of the Programme, CCB has got acquainted with some Swedish actors, as Män för Result of such approach jämstäldhet. Mot våld. Redefining masculinity (MÄN) and Swedish International Centre for Local goes far behind Democracy (ICLD). Now CCB cooperates with MÄN on gender issues not only within BBNP Programme, they are as well invited to lead training on gender for Belarus partners. During one of the “donor - funds recipient” meeting of Swedish stakeholders working in Russia, CCB got acquainted with ICLD and as a result, relaons 2017 the joint event took place in Kaliningrad for Swedish and Russian experts in human rights and our partners apply this approach even between themselves integration of people with functional variations and environmental NGOs.

HRBA and social diversity incl indigenous people

The Programme aimed at strengthening the voice relevant to sustainable natural resources of civil society in general, including marginalized management, for example through publishing groups to protect and safeguard their rights of different kinds of reports, surveys, on-line tools access and management of natural resources on and maps, arranging different types of trainings, which their livelihood depends on. HRBA in the seminars, campaigns and on the other hand, the Programme related to the environment and materials, maps, documents which were natural resources such as water, land, coastal, produced by the partners during the Programme Abb. HRBA riverine and marine resources as well as the became available online for the wide public and Human-rights-based approach policy development and decision-making process stakeholders. One of the examples of such related to these. improved access to information could be the work on establishing information and water A common understanding of Human Rights-Based centres for local residents in Kaliningrad Region, Approach was developed within Management providing those data on toxicity of blue - green team after the training provided in February 2017. algae blooms, nitrates in drinking water wells and During the training the roles and responsibilities of climate change effects. This activity has attracted duty-bearers and rights-bearers were clarified quite a lot of public attention, as CSOs filled the when working in areas where livelihoods depend niche that national and regional environmental, as on decisions and policies decided outside their well as municipal authorities should have played sphere of influence. in providing environmental information. Another The principles of a HRBA are reflected in different type of access to environmental information and ways in the Programme, for example: justice (in line with Aarhus Convention) was provided through CCB's establishing a public By providing and getting access to relevant platform to follow-up the Nord Stream II Project information, the partners worked with the right to Abb. EIA development and and supporting performance Environmental Impact Assessment information. The BBNP Programme aimed from of an independent public EIA. one side providing civil society with information

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 51 T

N The BBNP programme supported participation of children with disabilities interact with other E

M civil society actors in policy and decision-making children in places, which was not possible S S

E processes, thus securing the right to participation. before, due to lack of accessibility. S S

A The rights-holders were actively involved in џ Due to the efforts of Ecocentrum the group D activities aimed at promoting their rights to N

A of beneficiaries in Leningrad region has participate in decision-making processes in the T grown and includes now Union of pension- N

E Programme areas. For example, the Programme

M ers, public space "Trava", which is popular

E platforms PARTs (more in the result session on G among young people and human rights A Jump to Outcome 1.1 (p.07) Outcome 1.1) in both Kaliningrad and Leningrad N

A activists, Union of people with disabilities regions were used to create multi-stakeholder M “Alopetyanka”, mothers with children, local meeting spaces where local communities and church community, St. Petersburg Fishing other rights holders could participate in decision Club, who were involved in BBNPP activities. making processes on equal terms with other actors. The BBNP Programme principles are constantly being developed and scrutinized to ensure both Non-discrimination and equality is addressed internal and external accountability and transpar- The principles of a HRBA through special attention and provisions to reflected in the Programme ency. This approach is also being pursued in specific vulnerable and marginalized individuals relation to the Programme's strategic partners. and groups. CCB helped to build local knowledge Right to informaon Through developing and ensuring compliance and understanding of such issues as inclusiveness with procedures (financial, audit, procurement, by involving two new partners who work with social Right to parcipaon reporting, etc.), we try to encourage our partners issues and accessibility for disables people into the to operate in line with the principles of good Programme implementation. Non-discriminaon governance, transparency and accountability. Such factors as gender, age, socio-economic and equality A lot of work is also done in terms of cooperation background were considered during invitation of with duty-bearers (authorities and large busi- the stakeholders and implementation of the nesses, e.g. extractive, fishing, timber companies) Programme activities. For example: to promote their accountability and promote an џ HRBA and equity principles were addressed open dialogue with other stakeholders. BBNP during outdoor classes for children with partners in the Baltic component are engaged in For the first me disabilities at the eco-trail "Royal Forest" in cooperation with e.g. coastal fisheries companies National Park Curonian Spit. Experts of in the Curonian Lagoon and foresters in Slavsk in Russia fishermen BBNPP helped the National Park to give the and Polessk districts of the Kaliningrad Region. have voluntarily first outdoor classes which now became a The cooperation with fishermen has yielded started collecng part of their work. As a result, children with knowledge exchange on algae toxicity and and sharing data various forms of disabilities were engaged in respective impacts on fisheries, while the on bycatch in the processes of outdoor environmental fishermen have voluntarily started collecting and fishing gear education for the first time. The new eco-trail sharing data on seabirds and non-targeted fish supported by BBNPP allowed to develop a species bycatch in fishing gear (for the first time in for seabirds and non-targeted fish species new form of outdoor education which is not Russia!). only barrier-free, but also inclusive, by letting

Climate

Russian NGOs vision The Climate issues are an integral part of the work Due to efforts of one of the Programme partners of climate adaptaon, of CCB's partners. One of the achievements in this (Ecocentrum), the Russian NGOs vision of climate being produced during direction is that our partners are talking about adaptation, being produced during the Programme the Programme period, climate change as a separate topic. Now the implementation period, was integrated into the Climate Change topic is included in seminars and NGO Position, addressing the UN Climate Change was addressing the activities dedicated to river basin management or Conference (СОР-23) and handled to the national UN Climate Change public monitoring, which provides a clear example official delegation. Beside it, citizens of ten districts Conference (СОР-23) of the application of the ecosystem-based of Leningrad region got access to information on approach in natural recourse management. potential flooding zones and raised their awareness while conducting a survey on climate change More specific results can be found in the session Jump to Outcome 1.2 and flooding. Ecocentrum/Friends of the Baltic are Project objectives = Outcomes achieved, Outcome Indicator 2 (p.12) coordinating climate efforts of various Russian 1.2, Indicator 2. Here it worth to mention a couple NGOs that are members of the Socio-Ecological of examples. Union.

52 џ T As the Russian Baltic Sea coast is at risk of Climate change and flooding areas N E flooding caused by climate change, the adapta- Available to download: M џ S

Climate change. Consequences and risks for S ccb.se/publicaons tion strategies are important instruments of E S

the Baltic region and adaptation possibilities. S combating the future disasters. During the three “Climate change A years' period adaptation strategies were brought џ Climate change. What can regions do? and ﬂooding areas” D N up as crucial for the region issues and climate A џ Report on RBM and the ecosystem approach “Climate change. T N change was actualised in different regional Consequences and risks E

in MSP processes in nature conservation of M debates and the following publications on the for the Balc region and E the Curonian Lagoon G climate issues were produces and discussed with adaptaon possibilies” A N the stakeholders. A “Climate change. M What can regions do?”

“Report on RBM and the ecosystem approach in MSP processes in nature conservaon of the An-corrupon and ﬁnancial control Curonian Lagoon”

During implementation period of the programme џ Some local partners went through the the level of corruption deteriorated in Russia; independent audit for expert evaluation of the Corruption Perceptions Index of Transparency financial routines and their accordance with the donor's requirements international clearly shows a significant decrease in the list of corrupted countries scores from place џ Role division and clear responsibilities with 119 in 2015, to 138 (out of 180 countries in total) mutual accountability in 2018. џ Transparent and inclusive budgeting is based Meanwhile, there has not been any suspicion that on organisational strategy corruption or other forms of fraud occurred in џ Open decision-making processes are applied BBNPP. The point of departure was the WWF across the network. anti-corruption policy and guidelines from WWF џ Local partners (CSOs) are audited on the and Sida. Corruption and transparency were annual basis during the Programme audit addressed both in the programme's internal according to the agreed procedure. All operations and as part of the operational auditors are independent and professional. In principles from the very beginning. The inception 2019 WWF Sweden changed auditing phase was prolonged as it was time-consuming to company. agree on common procedures of financial џ Though Mango check the financial capacity monitoring and control. of the local partners was assessed, the necessity to work with partners on enhanc- All in all, the following could be mentioned ing their financial capacity had become regarding ways to tackle corruption and strengthen evident and financial consultations were internal financial routines: provided during the Programme implementation. џ Anti-corruption policies and guidelines explained to staff at all levels Corruption cannot be treated as an isolated Prevenon have been problem. Access to information, transparent an integrated part of џ Agreements and grant letter templates with decision-making processes set the baseline to the local partners were revised to include all good governance formal provisions prevention of corruption - prevention have been and organisaonal an integrated part of good governance and development џ The consolidated and the intervention organisational development within WWF Sweden budgets were prepared in line with the as well as within partner organisations. BBNPP Access to informaon, transparent programme results framework down to the decision-making processes set the short-term outcome level. This provided for partners have contributed to the work with duty baseline to the prevenon of corrupon an overview of the budgeted costs per bearers on better implementation of existing results area. The budget is based on the legislation, advocated for change of bad or non- budget structure of the WWF Network functional policies and influenced decision Operational Standards. In case of devia- making processes in order to minimize possibili- tions, WWF Sweden was consulted. ties for malpractice and widespread corruption. џ Clear guidance about the Programme reporting system and system of financial WWF Sweden works actively with issues of control were distributed to local partners. transparency and anti-corruption in the regions as Some of the documents for local partners well as in Sweden. For example, through the were translated and provided in Russian. controllers' network composed by controllers џ Financial control model for the Programme from the Sida framework organisations learnings was developed, agreed and adopted taking are shared internally. into consideration differences between local partners (NGOs, national parks, schools, universities, individual experts etc.)

FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 53 T

N Since autumn 2018, WWF Sweden has had dialogue with Sida regarding strengthening internal systems E

M of control. WWF Sweden submitted ambitious Management Response on ISK, covering employment of S S

E new staff, Program Management Handbook that outlines all routines and checklists needed for S S

A effective management, elaborating online system for programme management, setting up a new

D steering governance model for all Sida programmes at WWF Sweden, adjusting templates and N A employment agreements and Annual Activity Plans in line with Sida requirements. All action points have T N

E been implemented by autumn 2019. M E G A N A M

Harmonisaon and ownership

СCB is working through the local partners and CCB's partners in their turn were open for the always includes then into the Programme cycle adaptive measures which were required due to from the beginning of the design stage until the the Programme specifics. As, for example, in evaluation and final reporting. Harmonization is Kaliningrad the partner Baltic Sea Institute didn't particularly important in the context of coopera- plan work on seals' protection, but due to the tion with support to development activities at changed situation on the coast and urgent local level including joint initiatives and actions. necessity of information, the action in the Abb. RBM To facilitate consistency and harmonization Baltijsk municipality were taken to install Results-based management through the Programme the agreed results- information banners about the actions in case of based management (RBM) approach was used findings of seals at the coast for the local people. for the Programme management and the local In this case, the Programme management was Acon to facilitate consistency partners were introduced to its logic. RBM open for a dialogue and discussion of adaptation and harmonizaon: approach was quite a new way of thinking for the activities, as the partners on the ground are more RBM approach partners who used to focus on the activities and aware of the local needs. had some challenges to shift their focus on The added value of CCB for the local partners Was quite a new way of thinking results and changes. For the purpose of mutual for the partners who used were in coordination of the efforts and optimiza- accountability, the flexible monitoring system to focus on the acvies tion of administrative routines. In order to build was developed during the Programme period the regional NGOs Programme Team, CCB and the partners became the main part of this initiated signing of regional NGO's Declaration of Flexible monitoring system. It is important to stress that on one hand Intents to enlist the NGO's support of the BBNP the BBNP Programme was coordinated to the system Programme together with partners in extent possible with CCB's Biannual Plan of Kaliningrad region. Beside this CCB send an Actions covering activities across the whole CCB official letter to the Kaliningrad ministry of natural network and not only in Russia. On the other Locally coordinated resources and ecology with information about the hand, the BBNP with its 'sister' CCB's Water implementaon Programme and request for support. Programme in Belarus contributed to the application of the Result-Based Management At the same time CCB acted as experience and Adapve measures approach, as well as some other instruments, e.g. knowledge hub by updating the partners about MEL tools, to overall CCB's work, including the situation in the Baltic, explaining the donor's drafting of the new applications, e.g. CCB's requirements and securing their implementa- Biannual Plan of Actions for 2020-2021. Both tion. directions are important for the harmonization. As was already mentioned above CCB has also Available to download: Local ownership is stimulated by active participa- attempted to integrate the BBNP into the ccb.se/publicaons tion and locally coordinated implementation, Russian-Swedish bilateral programme of joint planning sessions, follow-up and feedback cooperation in the field of environment protec- “NGO's Declaraon collection, joint meetings that took place tion and nature conservation in order to anchor it of Intents” regularly during the Programme. For the purpose to the official cooperation between the coun- of intensification of the local ownership CCB tries and integrate CSOs activities with intergov- “Oﬃcial leer to the already during the design stage had suggested ernmental cooperation and hence easy the Kaliningrad ministry two positions of the local regional coordinators, tension between Russian NGOs and authorities. of natural resources and ecology” who were aware of the local context, close to the places of implementation for visits and available for partners' support.

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MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT T

N 5. Increased organizational development and capacity 2. Involvement of the target audience E M

S The organizations' employees gained new competencies. One of A team of volunteers created and trained during the Programme is S E

S the volunteers became an employee. The topic of nutrient loading still active. They will continue being involved in future and build S A will remain to be main working area for one of the Programme skills if there will be new projects. Travel agencies specializing in D

N partners. The partner organizations gained credibility, as experts in domestic tourism are interested in introducing a natural compo- A

T government and local self-government bodies, due to Programme nent into excursions, but they need constant assistance in N E

M activities. developing tours and training guides. Established contacts with E

G authorities will help to seek support in further work. A 6. Better integration of Russian organizations into the CCB network N A 3. New organizational skills M CCB's capacities for the work in Russia have been limited before the Programme to two long-standing Member Organizations in Preservation of the direction of environmental education in the Leningrad region, while contacts in Kaliningrad region were rather portfolio of competencies of the partner organisation. Partners passive and sporadic. The BBNPP has both contributed to acquired skills for working with results monitoring tools. revitalisation and extension of contacts with Russian NGOs, as The “red” category was the unstable result or which could be lost well as to their better integration into CCB's general work outside after the end of Programme: the Programme, e.g. on coast protection, nature accessibility, marine litter and plastic, etc. Such integration meant both learning 1. Community councils / independent discussion platform from CCB members as well as sharing own experiences to the A platform as a form of a place for discussion might disappear common knowledge and expertise pool of the network. without further support as they require administration and usually The “yellow” category was the results which will remain for a limited physical meeting space. There is always a risk that the launched time after the end of Programme: initiatives, without further support, will not exist, however, as practice shows, the established contacts on such platforms often 1. Educational materials, publications develop into joint ideas and projects. Created educational materials (map, booklets and publications) 2. Pilot projects will be distributed and can be reprinted with the additional funding and could be used for some more time. For example, a giveaway The results of pilot projects may be lost, since they usually require map of the natural attractions of the southern coast of the Gulf of more time than the Programme cycle for testing and confirming Finland was published in two languages and still is available at gas the results, as well as disseminating of the results if they were stations, in local museums, libraries. Methodological and educa- successful. tional materials are summarized and publicly available on web.

RED CATEGORY Community councils/ independent discussion Pilot projects plaorm

YELLOW CATEGORY Educaonal materials, Involvement of the New organizaonal publicaons target audience skills

New methods Beer integraon Increased organizaonal of Russian organizaons and techniques development and capacity GREEN into the CCB network CATEGORY

Expanded Target Raised local awareness Green or environmentally Audience about environmental issues friendly farming

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MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT 58 FINAL REPORT ON THE BALTIC COMPONENT OF BBNPP PROGRAMME 59 This final report is the product of a joint effort of the management team of the BBNPP Programme's Balc component. The report is based on the Programme partners' contribuon, their annual reports, the monitoring and evaluaon assessment of the project acvies and presents the final results of more than three years' work on the Programme.