The science community is recommending concrete actions
Yesterday, 70 representatives of the academic community, governments and non-governmental organizations in the Baltic Sea Region gathered to an event called ‘BONUS Day’ here in Helsinki. The day aimed at finding new ways to use research as a base for policy decisions and enhance cross-sectoral communication as well as to discuss the values of the Baltic Sea. In particular, the focus was in maritime safety and the multitude of goods and services provided by the Baltic Sea ecosystem. We cannot afford losing or weakening these values and privileges.
The necessary actions are described in three documents: the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan and the BONUS 169 programme. Now it is time to implement the plans. Your support is crucial for efficient implementation. No one country or organization is capable of resolving multiple challenges alone. We need to elaborate a stronger, better coordinated, more coherent and more holistic response to the challenges of the Baltic Sea Region. In this work everyone has a role.
The joint Baltic Sea Research Programme, BONUS 169, is especially designed for developing and implementing ‘fit-for-purpose’ regulations, policies and management practices. Also it aims at building multi-sectoral and multilevel communication interfaces. BONUS 169 programme will provide an excellent opportunity for HELCOM to use the relevant and up-to-date scientific research results.
We have enough scientific evidence and know-how for political level action: emissions and their impacts are mostly well known. Ecologically healthy Baltic Sea is also economically attractive. Reduction of emissions from agriculture, wastewaters and through the air are needed. This should be done in most cost-effective way by setting the international priorities, supported by the information of HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan. The scientific community is prepared to serve the needs of the political community. The science community also expects long-term commitments from the political decision makers. It is time to act.
Maritime transportation safety is also increasingly important, and investments in the service infrastructure and know-how are needed. Risk for e.g. oil accident has increased due to intensity of transportation. International standards for the use of safety services in the Baltic Sea are needed.
Public-private partnership offers new opportunities for knowledge sharing and thereby improving the maritime safety and the status of the Baltic Sea. Public sector actors should take care of long-term commitments. These partnerships offer the actors win-win opportunities.
The science community would like to express its appreciation to the good progress under way. For example the St. Petersburg wastewater treatment has been a positive achievement.
Sustainable use of the Baltic Sea will pay off well for the Baltic Sea environment, for maritime safety and security as well as for the welfare of the citizens in the surrounding nine countries.