HELCOM members are promoting further regional
development of economic and social analyses (ESA) to show the linkages between
society and the marine environment, with focus on how the Baltic Sea
contributes to human well-being and national economies. These analyses provide
tools for examining the economic impacts from the use of marine waters, and the
benefits of achieving a healthy marine ecosystem. HELCOM has established an expert network on economic
and social analyses, which will enhance regional cooperation on the economic
and social aspects of the Baltic Sea marine environment. The expert network
serves as a platform for discussion and information exchange on the ongoing and
planned work and develops and agrees on regional approaches for the economic
and social analyses, according to a HELCOM Roadmap on economic and social
analyses. The analyses are needed for the implementation of the Baltic Sea
Action Plan, as well as Marine Strategy Framework Directive for the EU
countries in the region. Overall, the analyses will contribute to
ecosystem-based marine management, marine spatial planning, pollution
mitigation, and integration and implementation of various policies.Results
on the economic contribution from marine activities in the Baltic Sea and on the
economic damages to citizens from the deterioration of the marine environment
will be included in HELCOM’s ‘State of the Baltic Sea’ report, to be published
in June 2017. HELCOM and the BONUS BALTICAPP research project are
organizing a in Stockholm 29-30 March, with economic and social
analyses of the marine environment as one of the main themes. The workshop will
present latest results on the contribution from the use of marine waters to the
economy, the losses in citizens’ well-being from the deterioration of the
marine environment, and marine ecosystem services, such as recreation. The
workshop will discuss challenges, gaps of knowledge and solutions in providing
science-based information based for the implementation of marine policies.Further information on the work on economic and social
analyses can be found on the .More information about the BONUS BALTICAPP project can
be found on the .***Note for editors
HELCOM is one of the Regional Sea Conventions and
Action Plans around the world, working for healthy oceans and sustainable us of
marine resources. HELCOM consists of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and
the European Union working to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea
from all sources of pollution and to ensure safety of navigation in the region.
Since 1974, HELCOM has been the governing body of the ‘Convention on the
Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area’, more commonly
known as the Helsinki Convention. The BONUS BALTICAPP project (Wellbeing from the Baltic
Sea – applications combining natural science and economics) uses state-of-the-art
modelling tools and data to identify strategies to safeguard ecosystem services
provided by the Baltic Sea.***For more information, please contact:Heini Ahtiainen
Project Researcher
HELCOM
Tel. +358
40 621 3612
Skype: heini_ahtiainen
Email: Heini.Ahtiainen(at)helcom.fi
HELCOM members are promoting further regional development of economic and social analyses (ESA) to show the linkages between society and the marine environment, with focus on how the Baltic Sea contributes to human well-being and national economies.
