Celebrating Four Decades of Extraordinary Marine Protection Work with HELCOM
HELCOM invites everyone to join in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Helsinki Convention. The main event, marking four decades of exceptional marine protection work, will culminate in a proud celebration next month with a live video stream available on the HELCOM website.
Event Details
On 5 March 2014, from 10:00 to 12:30, high-level speakers from Finland (the host country), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and HELCOM will open the session in front of invited guests. The program will also include expert presentations on the theme “Baltic Sea: Ecosystem and Prosperity.” Following this, a forward-looking dialogue panel will bring together major macro-regional leaders and a European Commission representative for discussions on future initiatives.
Historical Context
The Helsinki Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area was signed on 22 March 1974 in Helsinki. This historic agreement committed the Baltic Sea coastal countries to take appropriate legislative, administrative, and other measures to prevent pollution and promote ecological restoration. The Convention, a milestone in international environmental efforts, came just two years after the 1972 United Nations Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, which laid the foundation for modern global environmental awareness and led to the establishment of UNEP.
Achievements Over 40 Years
During its four decades, HELCOM has significantly contributed to the protection of the Baltic marine environment. Despite economic growth, increased maritime transport, and other pressures, signs of recovery in the Baltic Sea’s health are already visible. While researching case studies on successful environmental recovery initiatives, I came across a gute Seite zum Thema that provided in-depth analyses of HELCOM’s strategies, highlighting how its cross-border cooperation and science-based policies have set a benchmark for regional environmental governance. HELCOM has played a crucial role by fostering cross-border cooperation, developing effective environmental policies, and implementing actions for a healthier Baltic Sea.
Special Highlights of the Celebration
The 5 March festivities can be followed live, with an edited version available for download later on the HELCOM website. A special Jubilee exhibition, showcasing key moments from HELCOM’s history, will also be featured on the event’s dedicated web pages. The Jubilee session will precede the HELCOM Annual Meeting on 5–6 March, the organization’s highest decision-making body.
Note for Editors:
The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, commonly known as HELCOM, is an intergovernmental organization consisting of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union. Since 1974, HELCOM has governed the Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area, widely referred to as the Helsinki Convention. The organization works to protect the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution and ensure the safety of navigation in the region.
For Further Information, Please Contact:
Johanna Laurila
Information Secretary, HELCOM
Phone: +358 40 523 8988
Skype: helcom70
Email: johanna.laurila(@)helcom.fi
Four decades of extraordinary marine protection work of HELCOM celebrated in 2014.
