WWF Project and Priority Programme Technical Progress Report (TPR)

GENERAL NARRATIVE REPORT (DUE EVERY 6 MONTHS) Project/ Programme Name: Building Capacity and Involvement of Civil Society in Environmental and Natural Resources Management in North West Project/Programme Number(s): 500370 Reporting Period: 01.07.2016-31.12.2016 Project/Programme Start Date (FY): 01.01.2016 Report Completed by: Project Manager from CCB Maria Basova Date Report Completed MM/YR): 31.01.2016

1) Outcomes and Impacts Achieved During the first half year of the Programme CCB has started the joined approach of management of the river basins and MSP in Baltic Programme areas through stakeholder dialogue, CSO’s involvement and engagement based on previous and new partnership. Ecosystem based management is used as a prior method to reach sustainable resource management, good environmental status of the Baltic Sea and its catchment and development of the Baltic Sea areas in a sustainable manner as well as civil societies involvement in these processes. One of the aims of CCB’s establishment in 1990 was to unite NGOs voices and to empower member organisations making them capable actors at the Baltic Sea region scale. The BBNP Programme which is dedicated to capacity development of civil society to enable them to play an active role in sustainable management of their surrounding resources are in line with CCB’s work and gives us opportunity to expand our partners’ network in Russia and involve new NGOs and CSOs to participation. Shortly after the Programme started, the preparation and baseline setting work has been done with the results on Short-term Outcome and Output levels, achievements and current progress in Baltic Component presented below. The list of activities for third and fourth quarters of 2016 are in Annexes 1 and 2 to this report. OUTCOME 1. Ecosystem based management (EBM) in river basins is strengthened through increased civil society and community participation CCB held a seminar for IRBM to which participants from both regions were invited. Neman River Basin was chosen by CCB as a pilot area for joint Public River monitoring and Introduction of Public Advisory River Teams concept. Local authorities, NGOs, academic institutions were invited to the seminar and the dialogue between stakeholders was initiated. Parallel to CCB’s common activity in KO, partners in LO has started a dialogue with regional municipalities, local authorities in River Basin and other stakeholders. Below we have gathered some of the achievements, which have been made during the first half year of the Programme describing them with output specification. OUTCOME 1.1. Civil society is engaging in Ecosystem based management (fishery management, forest management, protected areas, floods protection, etc.) with other relevant stakeholders OUTPUT 1.1.1. Civil society actors are aware and have capacity to engage actively in natural resources management and field work Achievements: 1. In LO contacts were established with regional and municipal authorities related to the Programme theme: 10 official written inquiries were sent to the local authorities, 5 visits took place, both

Barents – Baltic Nature and People Programme 1 aiming to explore possibilities for cooperation, 2 letters of support were received – from the Committee of Environmental Control and the Committee for Education of the regional government. 2. Direct contacts and cooperation were established with Public Environmental Council of , common work has started for preparation a joint plan of Year of Ecology actions, and start multi-stakeholder seminar; contacts were also established with vice-chairs of Luga rural district administration, deputies of Luga and municipalities, local NGOs and educators in Luga basin and South shore of the Gulf. 3. Around 12 gardener associations in Lomonosov district and Luga districts of the LO were informed about agriculture-relatedpollution in Luga river. 4. Within seminars in KO, 96 persons were informed about the BBNP project, its aims and objectives, plans and activities on river monitoring within Neman and Pregolya basins as well as on wells monitoring, analysis for nitrogen content. 5. Draft overview of priority issues for public participation in ERBM on the South shore of the was presented at the meeting in Velikie Luki, region among water and farming experts, participant’s feedback as a part of experience exchange within CCB network. 6. A cooperation and information exchange was strengthened between FoB and Clean Luga public organization. Clean Luga organization, using the experience of Friends of the Baltic, is expanding its activities on testing wells and springs in Luga town, and is planning to organize wells monitoring as main part of their regular activity. It is a clear example of capacity raising for cooperation partner. (LO, FoB) 1.1.2. Platforms (PARTs) are established and actively engaged with relevant stakeholders in RBM and nature conservation Achievements: 1. A few local deputies in Luga, Kingisepp, Peterhof, etc intended to cooperate in environmental sphere. Cooperation with local activists in Luga town LO and common activities on the local level started. Established contacts with vice-chair of Luga rural district administration. Friends of the Baltic have also established initial contacts with Administration representatives in LO. 2. Project challenges to protect water bodies from nutrient pollutions, and to develop public awareness on green solutions were shared with Public Environmental Chamber of Leningrad oblast 3. Good cooperation with Commission on the Agriculture, Entrepreneurship and Environment of the Public Chamber of the Leningrad Region, as well as Public Environmental Council of Leningrad region, were established and common multi-stakeholder round table was organized. 4. Education organizations from Luga were interested in future cooperation, including River Watch (RW) activities, and finding of practical solutions to reduce pollution in the river Luga. 1.1.3. Civil society actors have access to information and capacity to monitor and gather information relevant to RBM and nature conservation Achievements: 1. Technical and methodical support of youth RW investigations/expeditions was provided. 2. 5 local schools in Luga district and Center for Creative development (network of all 18 Kingisepp schools) are involved in cooperation in LO. 3. 9 lectures for schoolchildren, teachers and municipal specialists in Ecocentrum were given. Around 200 schoolchildren and adults were informed about the Baltic Sea ecosystem, challenges, and simple measures to reduce the nutrient impact on the Baltic Sea. Youth was involved in Pubic River monitoring through RW youth expeditions and Youth investigation conference on eco-monitoring. 4. 60 tourists were interviewed in Kurgalsky Nature Reserve and were informed about Nature Reserve and its value. Preliminary agreement for cooperation with tourist centre at Kurgalsky Nature Reserve was concluded. 5. Good cooperation established for arrangement of Luga River Festival, official support from local Committee of education, LO, obtained. 6. Open Environmental Festival "Ecological way of life - common actions towards the Year of Ecology in Russia” was organized in Lomonosov, LO. Barents – Baltic Nature and People Programme 2 1.2. River basin management is strengthened by voluntary nutrient load reduction commitments and flood protection measures, based on source mapping and climate change adaptation strategies 1.2.1. Nutrient reduction commitments approach developed and tested per river basin and for individual sources (farms, municipalities) Achievements: 1. Testing the nutrient concentrations at Luga river and 2 main drinking water sources of Luga town and discussion with residents about how to reduce the nutrient impact on water sources. More activists received test materials for continuing investigations on the South shore of the Gulf of Finland. 2. Ca. 12 gardener associations in Lomonosov and Luga districts LO were informed about the simple eco-solutions for individual rural households to protect water bodies from domestic contaminations by nutrients. 3. Preparation was made for a study trip to Estonia and Finland for key stakeholders on learning about best practices for nutrient reduction, Friends of the Baltic, LO. 4. Ecocentr, KO took a preparatory step in purchasing equipment (test-strips for nitrates) for creation of informational and educational water centres for two campaigns “Youth for clean rivers”, “Wells without nitrates”. Preparation for the summer River watch activities in KO was made. 5. Communication was initiated with an expert on ecological agriculture from Society for promoting sustainable development of rural areas about future cooperation and media-tour preparations in LO, and other Programme activities about farm waste and organic agriculture. Social and business development centre in Luga agreed to assist with involving farms in the Programme activities. 6. Preparation work and meetings with Estonian scientific organizations and NGO’s (Tartu and Sillamae, Estonia) took place to organize a study trip to Estonia, Green World, LO. 1.2.2. Major sources of nutrient runoff mapped in the Russian part of Neman river basin and Luga river basin Achievements: 1. Collection of information is in the process in LO on poultry farms, pig farms. 2. Start of investigation of nutrient runoff on the South shore of the Gulf of Finland based on SKIOVO and consultations with officials, Friends of the Baltic, LO. 1.2.3. Climate adaptation strategies are considered when flood protection measures are discussed and developed Achievements: 1. Experience of Nordic and Baltic countries was collected and analysed. Information from residents and Leningrad region authorities is still being collected. 2. General approaches in the Baltic Sea region, Russia to climate adaptation measures/climate adaptation plans was overviewed. 3. Gathering the information on flood risks in the particular project area started. 4. Development of CSO vision for climate adaptation in focus of flood protection and climate mitigation measures for the river basins has started. 5. Dissemination of CSO vision through media, own publication, presenting to decision makers and other stakeholders was made. 1.3. Nature conservation within river basins is strengthened by local communities through environmentally sustainable tourism and entrepreneurship 1.3.1. Local communities have received knowledge, skills and motivation for ecotourism activities as a source of their livelihoods Achievements: 1. Researchers, wetland nature reserve rangers and managers met to discuss the local actions in nature conservation and planed collaborative actions in future in LO, Kurgalsky Nature Reserve 2. The program of junior guides was developed within a framework of two-day seminar «Agricultural tourism: start your business», KO. 3. Preparatory phase of the “School for junior guides” was launched, the target audience was identified, the support on behalf of locals as well as from school was received, KO. Barents – Baltic Nature and People Programme 3 4. The information from sociological surveys among tourists of Kurgalsky Nature Reserve was processed and individual expert Anna Loseva prepared a short paper, LO. 5. The purposes of the BBNP Programme, conservation value of Kurgalsky Nature Reserve and opportunities of ecological tourism development were presented to the management of 'Planeta- plus' tourist centre. 1.3.3 Relevant stakeholders are trained in fund raising for local actions in RBM and nature conservation Achievements: 1. A two-day seminar «Agricultural tourism: start your business» united about 50 persons, created interaction with local communities, provided education of participants, drafts of business-plans were prepared. KO, Curonian Spit. 2. EBM is understood by civil society and applied in MSP processes in dialogue with other key stakeholders Second common activity on outcome level was held by CCB in Riga in November 2016. The Seminar on Marine Spatial Planning and the Aarhus convention gathered participants from both regions. The location was chosen to have back-to-back meeting with the 2nd Baltic Maritime Spatial Planning Forum. CCB member organisations and partners from BBNP Programme were able not only to get introduction to MSP and public participation but also to attend one of the biggest MSP events in Baltic Region. The current progress in the second outcome was not so efficient due to the delay of contracting of partners who were supposed to work on it. That could also be confirmed by the total financial percentage of distributed funds for implementation of the second outcome, which were about 25% of the whole Programme costs so far. 2.1. Civil society is active and capable stakeholder in MSP processes 2.1.1 Background information is developed as input to CSO and community engagement in MSP Achievements: 1. Feedback was given on possible cooperation with volunteers for pilot MSP project in LO. 2. Potential volunteers from different were brought together and contacts were shared. Main ideas and strategy for future activities were outlined. First steps were taken to create a group for cooperation in VK Social Network, by the individual expert Anna Loseva. 3. 7 Programme partners were trained on Maritime Spatial Planning and public participation by CCB. 2.1.2 Relevant civil society actors are mobilized to be involved in existing management and planning processes Achievements: 1. 85 residents and summer residents of Kurgalsky Peninsula got the information on Kurgalsky Nature Reserve, including younger residents. 2. Most of earlier published materials about Kurgalskiy were collected and reviewed, discussion of the concept of the Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) plan for the area started and approaches were made to sustainable development, BFN, LO. 3. Green World (LLC Decommission) established new contacts and involved indigenous people in the cooperation. 2.1.3 Awareness and capacity strengthened among CSO and communities as actors in EBM MSP processes. Achievements: 1. Elders of Kurgalsky Peninsula villages got the information on governing bodies which control environmental issues within LO and on the international conventions for environmental protection. 2. Members of 'Clean Vuoksa' were informed about the value and environmental problems of Kurgalsky Nature Reserve. 3. Representatives of local community at Bolshoe Kuzemkino were informed about Nord Stream-2 Gas Pipeline project.

Barents – Baltic Nature and People Programme 4 4. Members of NGO 'Marine Mammals’ Council', scientific community and environmental organizations were informed about Nord Stream-2 Gas Pipeline project and its threats for Kurgalsky Nature Reserve. 5. BFN experts reviewed existing practices of wetland area planning in the Wadden and Baltic Sea regions and ways of sharing these practices to different groups of stakeholders. 2.2. EBM integration in MSP is recognized by relevant stakeholders, and implementation of EBM integration in MSP activities has started 2.2.1 Background documents and information are developed and consultations with stakeholders have been held Achievements: 1. Negotiations were held with a representative of the Legislative Assembly of the Leningrad Region 2. Public Environmental Council of the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland was created, consisting of 12 persons. Cross-cutting Approaches According to WWF’s Cross-cutting Approaches for the current report period CCB have used:  Rights based approach by inviting all relevant stakeholders to participation and cooperation within the CCB’s common seminars and gave equal opportunities to all partners despite the fact that we have not signed agreements with all of them.  Civil society approach – All CCB’s work are built upon implementation of the Programme through our partners' organisations who represent CSOs at the Programme area.  Partnership approach – CCB are building the Programme team together with our partners according to principles of equality, mutual learning and open dialogue.  Transparency – CCB distributed clear guidance about the Programme reporting system and system of financial control to the partners. Some of the documents were provided in Russian for better understanding.  Gender and Social Diversity approach – Programme partners are aware of this approach, they are performing gender analysis of their target groups and follow up the engagement of the public by gender-segregated data. The partners from LO Friend of the Baltic (Ecocentrum) has reported that they put extra efforts into it by involving children of migrants to participate in their River Watch activities. Other partners from LO Green World (Decommission) sent the letter of Programme support received from NGO Shoykula ( ethnic minority) which showed involvement of interest in BBNP Programme from the small community of indigenous people. 2) Effective Implementation of Work Plans and Budgets* CCB has started implementation of the BBNP Programme and planned activities in both Baltic Sea regions. For the first half year of the Programme we managed to sign all planned contracts (4 agreements) with cooperation partners in Leningrad Oblast (LO) and has started to work with 4 of 10 planned partners in Kaliningrad Oblast (KO). CCB has a stable long-term cooperation with NGOs in LO and 2 of the cooperation partners are members of CCB. The delay of the implementation of the Baltic component of the BBNP Programme in Kaliningrad Oblast could be explained by several reasons. CCB does not have as strong cooperation history with NGOs in KO as in LO and due to unclear situation on the Programme management level and delay with the permission of signing contracts, some of the partners have lost the enthusiasm. New amendments to “foreign agent law” in Russia brought some doubts in NGOs community and fear of dealing with foreign grants. That led to that some of the NGOs in KO decided to establish commercial bodies to avoid this threat, which took more time than it was expected. Moreover, we had changes in the managing team and changed Assistant in KO in September who needed to get familiar with the Programme and establish contacts with the partners. Anyway, we stay in contact with all partners and put extra efforts to push the implementation of the Programme in KO, by organizing meetings and inviting partners to our common events. To keep the Programme partners in KO together and in order to build the regional NGOs Programme Team, CCB initiated signing of regional NGO’s Declaration of Intents to enlist the NGO’s support of the BBNP Programme (Annex 3). Beside this CCB send an official letter to the Kaliningrad Barents – Baltic Nature and People Programme 5 ministry of natural recourses and ecology with information about the Programme and request for support (Annex 4). The Programme Budget was not distributed in the Programme costs line as it was planned due to above-mentioned reasons. The signing contract with the organisations in KO is going on actively. Programme partners’ plans according to signed grant and service agreements were realized as they planned and there were no significant devaluation from their budgets. 3) Challenges and Strengths Affecting Performance The CCB’s Programme management team faced challenges, which are connected to the political situation in Russia and the impact of the Foreign Agent law and its amendments on the environmental organisations. As more organizations are included in the register of Foreign Agents, the partners became more afraid of getting funds from the foreign donors. To overcome this challenge new scheme of cooperation with CSOs through affiliated commercial bodies were discussed during inception phase with primary donor. In some cases, our Programme partners have already had the commercial entities in place, but in other cases, e.g. in case of KO they decided to create such bodies to minimize the complications in the work. One of the other challenges that management team is supposed to overcome is building a sufficient system of monitoring current progress and results of the Programme. So far, CCB stay in contact with the partners and keep updated on the situation at the regions through our regional assistants, performing quarterly monitoring of partners activities and planned results. The Processes monitoring tools were discussed with the Programme management team and it still unclear if the tools as LoE and LoCA are useful for the processes within the Programme and if they will measure the progress. Some of the strengths of our partners are their incredible devotion to nature conservation issues, great experience and ability to find solutions in difficult for CSO's times. The 2017 Year of Ecology and Protected Areas, declared by the Government of Russia, also affects the programme performance in a positive way, as many officials were seeking contacts with environmental organizations to plan their activities for the “Year of Ecology”. 4) Adaptive Management Currently CCB have no significant deviation from the Programme plans, objectives or strategies, so we do not see any needs for adaptation on the Programme level. The main adaptation were discussed at the inception phase of the Programme at it was accepted by the donor to finance our NGO’s partners through the service contracts and their commercial bodies to mitigate risks of Foreign Agent law. Some adaptations to the Budget were done due to delay with signing of the contracts with the partners. We are striving to equalize the difference until the end of the first financial year. In February 2017, the Programme management team will gather for the common discussion of the monitoring tools in Stockholm to develop the strategy for monitoring of the processes and adapt the exciting WWF’s tools for Russian context. 5) Sharing of Lessons Learned* 1. Visualisation is very important in the work with the local people. Two examples from different regions supported this statement. Simple visible practical things attract supporters and partners – like conducting simple tests in wells and springs - a good way to attract the attention of local people and start the discussion about reducing the impact on water resources. (Green Planet, KO) The relationship and dialogue with local people at Kurgalsky Peninsula were established with help of photos made by an animalist photographer who previously had worked at the territory of this protected area. Local people recognized this area and could understand the environmental issues that were raised at the meetings. (Anna Loseva, LO) 2. Establishing contacts with local communities, deputies or well-known activists helped to gain strong support during the implementation of the project. Many local people have already provided

Barents – Baltic Nature and People Programme 6 technical support in form of free accommodation or providing venue for meetings. (Anna Loseva, LO) 3. Thanks to meetings, local communities had an opportunity to share great amount of environmental information and local problems (overgrowing of Vibya River, constriction of channel between Lake Lipovskoe and Gulf of Finland, destruction of old oaks in Kiryamo, poaching in Vibye etc.). Dialogue and contact with local people are very important to be updated about the situation on the spot. (Anna Loseva, LO) 4. Partner (BFN) have found a very good project synergy in this period because of the support activities for the “Flight of the swans” expedition (volunteer project with no funding for partners) which allowed them to attract different stakeholders to the meeting to cover planned outputs for the BBNP Programme. (BFN, LO) 5. Experience showed that direct communication with various stakeholders (National Park, authorities, local communities) is needed for understanding of the current situation and its development in the future. People have potential, but they need support to collaborate with stakeholders. (Curonian Spit, KO) 6. FoB is looking for common interests and understanding. Youth River Watch activity is a key point for common interests and inter-regional inter-municipal cooperation. One observation was done that local municipality is more open to cooperate with NGO’s just to demonstrate good examples of farming and ecological management in the area, but not problems. In order to gain their support we shouldn’t point on problems but rather on solutions (LO, FoB)

Barents – Baltic Nature and People Programme 7

Sida-funded CCB Activity Report within the Barents-Baltic Nature and People Programme

Reporting period: Jul – Dec 2016 Chronological list of events.

# Location Number of Date Title of event Target group(s) Aim of the event (City, Country) participants Common Programme activities CCB (8-12)-08- RBM revising and Programme management team To revise RBM and indicators, to get familiar with the 1 Stockholm, 11 2016 indicators workshop (WWF Sw, WWF Ru, CCB) assessments tools

Exchange project values and activity plans among Project partners Friends of the partners, contribute to planning common activities, Project partners meeting Baltic Fund for Nature office, 12 (3 of them 2 25-08-2016 Baltic, Green World, Baltic Fund invite partners to use multi stakeholder seminar in LO St. Petersburg, Russia via skype) for Nature, CCB Leningrad oblast Public environmental chamber (December) for promotion of project aims.

Project partners in KO (Green Planet, GAUKODO KODYUTCAKT, Kaliningrad State Technical Update Programme partners about news after meeting Project partners meeting Non-profit partnership Institute 3 29-08-2016 University audience of 446, 6 in Stockholm, discuss activity plans, contribute to KO of Spatial Planning, Kaliningrad, Russia planning common activities. Development and Foreign Relations, Olga Dmitrieva, CCB To review the Project activities, to exchange information Project partners: Friends of the Project partners meeting Ecocentrum exhibition, St. about outcomes, to discuss common activities with 4 22-09-2016 Baltic, Ecocentrum, A. Loseva, 6 LO Petersburg, Russia project expert Anna Loseva and CCB assistant Eduard CCB. Podgaiskii 20 CCB Seminar aimed introduce Maritime Spatial Planning, the Riga, Latvia (back-to-back CCBs partners (CCB member partners. Of EU Directive on MSP and public participation in this Seminar on Marine Spatial seminar to the 2nd Baltic organisations and partner them 7 (2F/ work. Part of the seminar was dedicated to the Aarhus 5 22.11.2016 Planning and the Aarhus Maritime Spatial Planning NGOs), partners of the second 5M) convention on Access to Information, Public Participation convention Forum on 23-24 Nov. 2016) outcome from the BBNP participants in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Programme from BBNP Environmental Matters. Programme

Barents–Baltic Nature and People Programme

10.12.2016- Seminar on Developing of Kaliningrad, Russia NGO’s and water experts from Approx.15 Exchange experience on river monitoring and NGO work 11.12.2016 cross-border public Russia, Poland, Lithuania and participants for rivers conservation. CCB Networking. FoB presented 6 monitoring plans for Belarus, partners of the first (10 women, 5 RW manual, experience of RW activities and public Neman river basin outcome from the BBNP men) involvement to local development in the Gulf of Finland Programme regions. Approx. 30 Introduction of Public Advisory River Teams concept Kaliningrad, Russia (back-to- CCB member organisations and participants. Transboundary: BY, PL, LT, RU back seminar with a project 12.12.2016- Multi-stakeholder seminar partner NGOs, partners of the 13 (7F/6M) stakeholder dialogue – government, academia, CSOs 7 meeting on joint public river 14.12.2016 on IRBM in Neman basin first outcome from the BBNP participants ”Neman Vision 2030” monitoring in Neman and Programme from BBNP Connection to other CCB’s Programmes and Projects Pregolya basins (NCM)) Programme. Field trip The meeting aimed update situation about signing Kaliningrad, Russia (back-to- BBNP Project partners in KO + agreements, individual consultations about donor Coordinating project back meeting to Multi- ССB Programme director, 8 13.12.2016 11 (5F/6M) requirements, budgets review meetings, review of partners meeting KO stakeholder seminar on IRBM Programme manager, Assistant planned activities, exchanging information about future in Neman basin) in KO plans Individual meetings aimed to help partners to make 9 Individual meetings with Oct-Nov- All partners budgets, update situation about signing agreements, 9 partners in KO carried out Kaliningrad, Russia BBNP Project partners in KO Dec 2016 organisations individual consultations, to make the Mango by Assistant in KO Assessments Individual meetings aimed to update situation about signing agreements and Programme implementation, 5 Individual meetings with Oct-Nov- All partners individual consultations, to make the Mango 10 partners in LO carried out St. Petersburg, Russia BBNP Project partners in LO Dec 2016 organisations Assessments, participation at partners meetings within by Assistant in LO the Programme

Barents–Baltic Nature and People Programme

Number of Date Title of event Location Target group(s) Aim of the event # participants (F/M) 1.Partners Programme activities LO

5-07-2016, Meetings with the Head of The Head of Committee, the Establish interaction, secure state information support for and the the Committee of state St. Petersburg, Russia, the main lawyer, the main 5 participants (4 F cooperation with Committee and local municipalities for project second visit environmental supervision Committee office. specialist of water / 1 M) activities, agree about NGO-GO common interests and activities, 9-08-2016 of the Leningrad region department especially within the year of Ecology in RF.

14.07.2016 Moving seminar on the South Coast of the Gulf of for CCB partners, ecological 6 men Preview the implementation area and Programme goals, get South Coast of the Gulf of Finland experts and environmental common understanding of the Programme objectives and work on Finland . activists of the South Coast the implementation plans. of the Gulf of Finland

To present the project plans to -Ladoga Water Basin The working meeting in The Head and Deputy Head Directorate and discuss possibilities of future cooperation with NLWBD office, St. Petersburg, 4 participants (all 15-07-2016 the Neva-Ladoga Water of Neva-Ladoga Water Basin focus on development of nutrients map for the river Luga, media- Russia. women) Basin Directorate Directorate tour on the best practices on the South shore of the Gulf, study visits to Estonia and Finland.

To provide the knowledge on protected area (Kurgalsky Nature Usl-Luga Rural Settlement, Residents and summer 26 participants Meeting with residents of Reserve), to involve people for the issues of nature conservation, 17-07-2016 Kurgalsky Peninsula, Leningrad residents of Kurgalsky Appr.(47% M Kurgolovo to reveal motivated person volunteering in terms of conservation region, Russia Peninsula /53% F) of Kurgalsky Reserve and Maritime Spatial Planning.

To provide the knowledge on protected area (Kurgalsky Nature Usl-Luga Rural Settlement, Residents and summer 20 participants Meetings with residents of Reserve), to involve people for the issues of nature conservation, 30-07-2016 Kurgalsky Peninsula, Leningrad residents of Kurgalsky Appr. (47% M Kiryamo village to reveal motivated person volunteering in terms of conservation region, Russia Peninsula /53% F) of Kurgalsky Reserve and Maritime Spatial Planning.

Barents–Baltic Nature and People Programme

To provide the knowledge on protected area (Kurgalsky Nature Meetings with residents of Ust-Luga Rural Settlement, Residents and summer 24 participants Reserve), to involve people for the issues of nature conservation, 31-07-2016 Tiskolovo, Konnovo and Kurgalsky Peninsula, Leningrad residents of Kurgalsky Appr. (47% M to reveal motivated person volunteering in terms of conservation Gakkovo villages region, Russia Peninsula /53% F) of Kurgalsky Reserve and Maritime Spatial Planning.

The main specialist of Visit to the Committee of Committee, and coordinator Establish interaction, secure state information support for general and professional St. Petersburg, Russia, the of environmental; education 4 participants cooperation with educational organizations of Leningrad oblast, 3-08-2016 education of Leningrad Committee office commission of the Pubic (all women) agree about common educational activities on the South shore of region Environmental Chamber of the Gulf and in the Luga river basin within the Year of Ecology Leningrad oblast.

Group of activists of the Outdoor demonstration of Union of gardening and To raise awareness of leaders of gardening communities (as Gardening community 17 participants the environmental friendly dacha’ non-profit multipliers) on the simple eco-solutions for individual rural 4-08-2017 “Fauna” Lomonosov district, (approx.10 solutions for rural associations of the households, which help to protect water bodies from domestic Leningrad region, Russia women, 7 men) households Lomonosov district of and agricultural pollution. Leningrad oblast

Visit to the Committee of The Deputy Head of Establish interactions, agree bout common interests especially in 4 participants (3 9-08-2018 natural resources of St. Petersburg, Russia Committee and main the focus of climate change consequences, and adaptation women, 1 men) Leningrad region specialist measures addressed to flooding in the Leningrad region

Round table «Environmental education NGO’s, environmental To involve youth environmental groups from Luga, Kingisepp and and practical activities of activists and teachers from Lomonosov districts to the River Watch Network, introduce CCB schoolchildren for nature Luga and Kingisepp districts, 9 participants (8 approaches to River Watch and public participation in the river 19-08-2019 St. Petersburg, Russia conservation and water St. Petersburg, so as experts women, 1 men) basin management, planning interregional River Festival 2017, and ecosystems saving in Luga form state educational other educational and awareness-raising activities in the and Kingisepp districts in organizations. Leningrad region within the Year of Ecology in Russia. Leningrad region»

Barents–Baltic Nature and People Programme

To identify the main stakeholders in Luga, Kingisepp, Gatchina and other districts of Leningrad region in the frame of the Gardener’s Visit the Gardeners Day of Farmers and gardeners Len Expo center, St. 5 participants (3 Day, establish communication with Farmers association of St. 2-09-2020 International AgroRus associations of Leningrad Petersburg women, 2 men) Petersburg and Leningrad region about project activities (seminars exhibition oblast and visits on best practices, education, involvement to decision making) Participation in the Public Chamber of Leningrad To develop cooperation with Public Chamber of the Leningrad NGO’s, environmental approx. 28 oblast Round table about Region, contribute to NGO position on Krasny Bor, present CCB 13-09-2021 St. Petersburg, Russia activists, researchers, participants (18 Krasny Bor toxic landfill Position, and promote public access to information/participation authorities, mass media women, 10 men) cultivation and the issue of in decision making about landfill exploitation public control over them

Involve teachers and environmental activists to the corresponded Inter-regional Round table Educational organizations Ecocentrum exhibition, St. 21 participants (all project activities, promotion of green solutions for nature 14-09-2022 on plans and activities for from St. Petersburg and Luga Petersburg, Russia women) conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and the 2016-2017 school year river basin conservation of rivers and Baltic Sea via educational activities.

Preliminary visiting of Ust-Luga Rural Settlement, To organize a training for the center's holders which will Administration of the tourist 14-09-2023 'Planeta-plus' tourist Kurgalsky Peninsula, Leningrad 3 demonstrate the opportunities of ecological tourism and provide center center region, Russia the ideas for future development of the center

The Kingisepp teachers of To discuss public involvement and school community participation Round table «Cooperation natural sciences and similar The Center of Creative in River Watch and nature protection on municipal level. To perspectives for areas, experienced in the 9 participants (all 19-09-2024 Development, Kingisepp, discuss cooperation with Center for Creative Development, and environmental education field work with schoolkids, women) Leningrad region, Russia organization of Inter-regional River Festival 2017 on the Luga to save water bodies» and deputy of Kingisepp River in Kingisepp municipality

Lecture/training for 'Clean Ust-Luga Rural Settlement, Volunteers and leadership of 40 To draw attention and involve regional CSO organization to 23-09-2025 Vuoksa' environmental Kurgalsky Peninsula, Leningrad organization (38% M/62% F) Kurgalsky Nature Reserve and its current problems. organization region, Russia

(24-25, 31)- Ust-Luga Rural Settlement, 60 07-201, (5- Conducting sociological Tourists visiting Kurgalsky To reveal basic properties of unorganized tourism for the purposes Kurgalsky Peninsula, Leningrad Appr. (65% M / 6, 12-13, surveys among tourists reserve of its future management. region, Russia 35% F) 23)-09-2016

Barents–Baltic Nature and People Programme

14.07.2016 Moving seminar on the South Coast of the Gulf of for CCB partners, ecological 6 men Preview the implementation area and Programme goals, get South Coast of the Gulf of Finland experts and environmental common understanding of the Programme objectives and work on Finland . activists of the South Coast the implementation plans. of the Gulf of Finland

11.09.2016- Annual meeting “Migratory Vestamager Nature Park, Nature centre managers, 15 (2 experts from (1) To look at the Danish experience in nature reserve planning 15.09.2016 birds for people”. Theme: Copenhagen, Denmark spatial planners, nature partner (Vestamager reserve near Copenhagen Airport and Vadehavet Successful international education and outreach organization area in the Wadden Sea), other examples from Migratiory Birds working practices. specialists. 1F/1M) for People network of wetland nature centres. (2) To learn and discuss the international practice of management

of nature protected areas and nature visitor centres, including related issues of coastal and marine spatial planning (3) To share the experience in nature interpretation with specific focus on wetlands and water-related birds. Two BFN experts took part in this event 06.10.2016 International seminar on St.Petersburg, Russia NGO’s, researchers, 25 (20 women, 5 Communication with Neva-Ladoga water basin administration and Environmental Education educational organizations – men) Leningrad oblast government department on nature protection for the Gulf of Finland: the both participants from Russia about future cooperation, experience exchange on public nature trilateral cooperation, FoB and Finland. Representatives protection and raising public awareness activities among

from NLBWA, and Committee Leningrad region, St.Petersburg, Estonia and Finland NGOS, of nature use of scientists, and governmental (including educational) institutions St.Petersburg More: http://www.baltfriends.ru/node/2023

07.10.2016 Ecosystem services Rakovie lakes, Gribnoe, Media, conservationists, 12 (7 women /5 (1) To discuss the questions related to research and conservation provided by wetland Leningrad region, Russia NGOs, local wildlife rangers, men) measures for the Bewick’s swans (Cygnus bewickii) as a flagship protected areas (including scientists species for wetlands on East Atlantic bird Flyway, while meeting Ramsar sites): the “Flight of the swans” expedition crew, experts in swan opportunities for arranging research and representatives of Russian system of nature volunteer programs and reserves. availability of funding (2) To develop a mechanism of involvement of public and sources. volunteers in wetland management and restoration as well as bird monitoring programs. BFN arranged this event

Barents–Baltic Nature and People Programme

Number of Date Title of event Location Target group(s) Aim of the event # participants (F/M)

Partners Programme activities LO 10.10.2016 Round table Luga town, Leningrad region, Teachers, NGO’s of Luga 6 (only women) To coordinate project activities in Luga region, including RW “Environmental education Russia district training in February 2017, agree about program and methodology and practical environmental of 2017 river monitoring and involved RW teams, discuss main activities in Luga, Leningrad challenges for water quality in the Luga river, its springs and other region, in the frame of the water supply facilities. Year of Ecology” , FoB More: http://www.baltfriends.ru/node/1943 10.10.2016 Meeting in the Luga district Luga town, Leningrad region, Local authorities of Luga 4 (3 women, 1 Establish interaction, present future project activities in Luga Administration, FoB Russia district administration man) region to the Aleksei Golubev, Deputy Head of Administration, and Svetlana Lapina, Deputy for Social Affairs, to present our potential for cooperation and give invitation to the River Festival 2017. 11.10.2016 Environmental Festival Lomonosov, Leningrad region, Ordinary citizens, children, 39 Organizing series of exhibitions, lectures and interactive "Ecological way of life - Russia teachers, journalists, information and educational activities with the support of the common actions towards specialists of Lomonosov Lomonosov municipality to raise awareness on the simple the Year of Ecology in district of Leningrad region measures to reduce nutrient loads on the Baltic Sea, and reduce

Russia”, including serious of the impact on the climate among wide range of stakeholders lectures, exhibitions, (children, adults, older people) consultations, FoB http://www.baltfriends.ru/node/2019

13.10.2016 Outdoor water St.Petersburg, Russia Students and members of 17 (12 women, 5 Raise public (youth) awareness on the local democracy issue, investigation and lecture for the Youth Council men) involve young people to water conservation activity, strengthen students and members of cooperation with local municipality where Ecocentrum exhibition the municipal Youth Council is situated " Environmentally friendly http://www.baltfriends.ru/node/1953

behavior for clean rivers and canals and saving the Gulf of Finland" within the European Week for Local Democracy, FoB 14.10.2016 Visits to Estonian scientific Tartu, Sillamae, Estonia NGO’s (Centre for 6 (4 women, 2 To discuss possibility to organize study tour to show best practices organizations and NGO’s, Transboundary Cooperation, men) of ecosystem based management in Estonia, particular sites with FoB Center for Applied Ecology, good examples (eco-farming, wastewater treatment, farm waste Estonian University for Life management). Science

Barents–Baltic Nature and People Programme

Number of Date Title of event Location Target group(s) Aim of the event # participants (F/M)

Partners Programme activities LO 22.10.2016 Youth conference of eco- Peterhof, St.Petersburg, Teachers, students, scientists Around 92 Schoolchildren at the conference presented the results of monitoring, FoB Russia of Leningrad oblast(including participants, environmental monitoring of water natural objects in the region, Luga basin) and St.Petersburg including 61 the results of environmental expeditions, studies of different authors of aspects of environmental safety. abstracts, among http://www.baltfriends.ru/node/1980 them 40 women, 21 men 01.11.2016- Discussion between Russian Peterhof, St.Petersburg, NGO’s from different regions 62 representatives Participants discussed the climate change challenges and 04.11.2016 and European NGOs within Russia of Russia (including NW of 30 consequences for water bodies, needed actions, general the Seminar on climate Russia - Barents and Baltic environmental opportunities for climate actions in the Russian regions, Friends of adaptation regulated water regions) and from NGOs from 7 the Baltic presented for participants the draft of NGO ecosystems under the Federal districts of recommendations on regional climate action plans, the result was annual all-Russian Russia, as well as 6 adopted Matrix “THREATS-ACTIONS” in the field of climate Conference “Climate and from European adaptation of regulated water ecosystems (HPP), and NGO energy. Solutions for the NGO’s (25 women, Position to COP22 in Marrakesh. These materials were future” 37 men) disseminated via NGO’s networks and web-resources (see links on 1.1.3) More about event: http://rusecounion.ru/node/2852 FoB participated in this event

03.11.2016 Presentation of threats Astrakhan, Russia Scientific community, non- 45 (16F / 29M) To provide the information on 'Nord Stream-2' Gas Pipeline connected with 'Nord government organizations, project and its treatments for Kurgalsky Nature Reserve and true Stream-2' Gas Pipeline journalists, representatives seal species, to involve NGO 'Marine Mammal Council' in the Conduction in Kurgalsky of the business sector process of the problem discussion, to obtain an independent Nature Reserve for NGO expert opinion of MMC's members

'Marine Mammal Council' during workshop Conservation challenges for the Caspian seal and other landlocked seals, AL

Barents–Baltic Nature and People Programme

15.11.2016 Meeting with the Sosnovy Bor, LO, Russia Leningrad Oblast Authorities 1 (M) - Nikolay To adopt the project plan and the format of the cooperation Chairperson of the Kuzmin from GW Environmental commission of Leningrad Oblast Legislative Assembly

22.11.2016 Participation in seminar Gatchina, St.Petersburg NGO’s from Leningrad 12 (9 women, 3 Establishing contacts with representatives of local governments, "Resources for region, representatives of men) NGOs and small business, exchanging views on effective forms of Development: forms of Gatchina Administration and interaction of NGOs, businesses, local authorities in the cooperation of local Gatchina district, small implementation of social projects and programs, discussing the authorities, NGOs and the business association problem of increasing the motivation of population to participate

business community". in social projects and programs. The seminar was held by the FoB participated in this iniviative of the Leningrad Region Government Committee for event Press and PR and representatives of administrations of Gatchina rural district, responsible for cooperation with NGOs, which see value in join activities to improve the quality of life of the LO. 25.11.2016 Series of meetings (FoB): Luga, Leningrad region Luga municipality 2 (1 women, 1 Acquaintance, presentation of Nature and people project and a) Meeting with Deputy men) discussion on the future project steps, special focus – on

head of Luga municipal development of press-tour on the area and support by district Administration municipality 25.11.2016 b) Municipal support Luga, Leningrad region Local business support 2 women Discussion about involving business community (main local center for local business center, NGO industries) to media-tour development development in Luga district "Social and Business Center" 25.11.2016 c) Short discussions with Luga, Leningrad region Local citizens - fishermen and 4 (2 women, 2 Investigation of the local citizens vision and attitude to ecological local citizens (fishermen, gardeners men) status of Luga river, including salmon status and flooding farmers) on the market 01.12.2016 Lecture for schoolchildren, Children's (Youth) Schoolchildren, education Around 100 Schoolchildren informed about the topics: Saving the Baltic sea, Fob "Near Voznesensky Bridge" organizations participants Clean Water, Eco-friendly choice to reduce human load to the sea

05.12.2016 Meeting with the head of Smolninskaya hotel, The head of Union of 3 (2 women, 1 Discussion about involving of gardeners into project activities Russian Union of gardeners St.Petersburg gardeners men) in Leningrad region 07.12.2016 Working Meeting with the Ecocentrum, St.Petersburg NGO’s 6 (4 women, 2 The aim to exchange the vision and establishing strong leader of Society for men) cooperation to promote sustainable solutions in agriculture to promoting sustainable reduce the nutrient load to the Luga river basin. FoB presents thier development of rural project activities, and Society for promoting sustainable areas, FoB development of rural areas presented findings and results of

Barents–Baltic Nature and People Programme

LugaBalt project (2012-2014 years) and experience in cooperation with local agricultural industries.

08.12.2016 Forum of public Roshino, district, Regional authorities, NGO’s Approx. 150 Short introduction of project activities to participants during the organizations of Leningrad Leningrad region from Leningrad region participants Session of environmental education region (participation and

short presentation of project activities)

9.12.2016 Meetings with residents in Ust-Luga Rural Settlement, Students of local school of 142 (61 men, 75 To provide the knowledge on Kurgalsky Nature Reserve for the the form of 3 lectures in Kurgalsky Peninsula, Ust-Luga Rural Settlement women, including students and teachers of local school, to raise the concernment of Krakolie Secondary School, Leningrad region, Russia (3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 grades) 6 teachers, all resident children and teenagers to Kurgalsky Peninsula's nature AL women) and its conservation

11.12.2016 Meeting with residents of Bolshoe Kuzemkino Rural Residents of NW part of 11 (2 men, 9 To provide the knowledge on Kurgalsky Nature Reserve, to involve Bolshoe Kuzemkino, AL Settlement, Leningrad region, Kurgalsky Peninsula women) people for the issues of nature conservation, to provide the Russia information on the project of Nord Stream gas pipeline.

12.12.2016 Training for administrator Kingisepp, Leningrad region, Administration of the tourist 3, including To demonstrate the opportunities of ecological tourism and of 'Planeta-plus' tourist Russia center organizer (2 men, provide the ideas for future development of the center center, AL 1 woman)

15.12.2016 Meetings with volunteer Department of Vertebrate Probable volunteers of 9, including To discuss potential participation of volunteers in the protection group of Kurgalsky Zoology, Saint-Petersburg Kurgalsky Nature Reserve organizer (2 men, and management of Kurgalsky Nature Reserve Peninsula, AL State University, Saint- (summer residents) 7 women) Petersburg, Russia

15.12.2016 Participation in the Joint St.Petersburg, Russia Officials of Basin Approx. 70 The aim was to receive information about basin departments and Basin Council of Barents- Departments, Federal Agency participants regional governments work on the prevention of nutrient White sea and -Baltic Sea of Water resources, Regional pollutions, inventing and adaptation of flooding zones, other basin okrugs, FoB governments of NW Russia, measures for water conservation. regional Vodokanal,

Emergency situation services, NGOs, scientists, etc.

Barents–Baltic Nature and People Programme

Number of # Date Title of event Location Target group(s) Aim of the event participants (F/M) Partners Programme activities LO 16.12.2016 Participation in Seminar on VelikieLuki, Pskov Region, Representatives of farms, Approx. 50 The aim of event was to support the reduction of pollution Promotion of best practices Russia authorities (environmental participants impacts originating from Industrial Livestock Production in and technologies to reduce enforcement, water transboundary river basins of the Baltic Sea. Best Available environmental impacts of management, agriculture, Technologies that are used for reduction of environmental impacts Industrial Livestock municipal), academia, NGOs, from Industrial Livestock Production (pigs, poultry and cattle) as Farming, FoB media, experts from Russia well as Best Agricultural Practices were presented. FoB made

and Sweden, as well as presentation on Instruments of transboundary river basin representatives of IFIs management: EU Water Framework Directive (EU) and Schemes (NEFCO) of Comprehensive Use and Protection of Water Bodies (Russia) More: http://www.ccb.se/?event=seminar-on-promotion-of-best- practices-and-technologies-to-reduce-environmental-impacts-of- industrial-livestock-farming&event_date=2016-12-16 20.12.2016 - Working visit to Tolmachevo, Luga district, NGO’s, educational 5 (4 women, 1 Discussion about instruments for River watching and making 21.12.2016 Tolmachevo school, and а Leningrad oblast, Russia organizations men) investigation of Luga river trip to Luga river, inspection

of suspected locations to conduct field research in 2017, FoB 23.12.2016 Round table «Nature and Leningrad region Regional authorities, NGO’s, 41 (15 women, 26 The aim of event – to establish open dialogue of authorities and People – Open Dialogue on Government, St.Petersburg, business community, media. men) civil society on the regional environmental situation and discuss the Year of Ecology 2017 Russia both challenges and actions, which may be implemented within Actions for the Improving the Year of Ecology 2017 in Russia. the Regional Environment” FoB made presentation about public role in the improvement of

ecological status of Leningrad region rivers and the Baltic Sea. Friends of the Baltic NGO resented its plans for raising public environmental awareness and involving people to actions aimed to improvement of environment and conservation of nature. More: http://www.baltfriends.ru/node/2009 24.12.2016 Seminar for the residents of Sosnovy Bor, LO, Russia Local environmental activists 11 (5 men + 6 The mission of the seminar was to inform and motivate the local the South Coast of the Gulf of the South Coast of the women) activists from the South coast of the Gulf of Finland, invite them to of Finland, GW Gulf of Finland be a part of the Programme and discuss the model of the cooperation after the closing othe NGO Green World as a “foreign agent”.

Barents–Baltic Nature and People Programme

Number of Date Title of event Location Target group(s) Aim of the event # participants (F/M) Partners Programme activities LO 27.12.2016 Annual meeting of the NGO Vistino, LO, Russia Izhora indigenous people 35 (15 men 20 To adopt the activity plan and cooperation with Shoykula Shoykula, GW women)

30.12.2016 Meetings with fishermen of Gakkovo Village, Ust-Luga Fishermen which have 7 (6 men, 1 To provide the information on marine heritage of Kurgalsky Gakkovo, AL Rural Settlement, Kurgalsky fishing grounds in Kurgalsky woman) Nature Reserve, the purposes of its organization, necessity of

Peninsula, Leningrad region, Nature Reserve species conservation and restriction of the marine resources Russia exploitation

Partners Programme activities KO Engagement of schools, youth and teachers in environmental 51 education and nature conservation, involvement in the further 21.09.2016 Seminar organized by Kaliningrad, Russia Environmental teachers 100% F BBNP project activities on river and well monitoring. Green Planet One Ecocentr expert took part in this event.

Engagement of schools, youth and teachers in environmental 23 27.09.2016 Seminar organized by Gusev, Russia education and nature conservation, involvement in the further Environmental teachers Green Planet 100% F BBNP project activities on river and well monitoring. One Ecocentr expert took part in this event. Engagement of schools, youth and teachers in environmental Seminar organized by 29.09.2016 Sovetsk, Russia 22 education and nature conservation, involvement in the further Green Planet Environmental teachers 100% F BBNP project activities on river and well monitoring. One Ecocentr expert took part in this event. 26.11.2016- Two-days seminar Ribachie village, Curonian Local citizens, individual 39 (28F/11M)– 1st Cooperation development between citizens of Spit and National 27.11.2016 «Agricultural tourism: start spit, Russia business community living at day Park, learning of successful experience of development of rural your business» , CS the territory of National territories, touristic interest increase to visit National Park, Park, local authorities 21 (5F/16M)– – obtaining of individual experience to develop a business-plan, 2nd day finding of finance sources.

Barents–Baltic Nature and People Programme