Helcom and the Baltic Sea Action Plan

Introduction

• Helcom is a regional seas convention involving all nine Baltic Sea states and the European Union.
• Nearly 50 years of work aiming to protect the Baltic Sea and its marine resources.
• Focus on Sustainable Development Goal 14 before its UN adoption.

Scope of Work

• Topics include species and biotopes, marine protected areas, agriculture, wastewater, fisheries, shipping, marine litter, and noise.
• Engages in monitoring and assessment.

Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP)

• Strategic program for protecting the Baltic Sea.
• Four main segments:
  • Ecosystem
  • Hazardous substances and litter
  • Sea-based activities
  • Eutrophication
• Goal: Achieve a