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 HELCOM Heads of Delegation note the contribution of BONUS projects to policy-making, including the upcoming HELCOM Ministerial Meeting 15 December 2017, Helsinki, FinlandThe 53rd Meeting of the Head of Delegations (HOD) of HELCOM, which concluded earlier this week in Helsinki, has taken note of recent policy-related results from a number of BONUS projects related to topics of biodiversity protection and marine protected areas, nutrients, social and economic analysis, and climate change. These policy messages stem from discussions at a HELCOM-BONUS workshop held on 6 November 2017 ( available on the ).Besides welcoming the HELCOM-BONUS workshop, the representatives of the Baltic Sea countries and EU also acknowledged the crucial contribution of the BONUS research programme to the recent work of HELCOM and to solid scientific basis for policy measures. As to the future, the meeting highlighted a need for research support regarding cumulative impact of multiple stressors on species and habitats and on the entire ecosystem of the Baltic Sea.One of the overarching conclusions of the joint workshop based on the results of various BONUS projects was the profound effect of climate change on all parts of the Baltic ecosystem, in particular on the distribution of species and genetic diversity in the Baltic Sea. Hence, the workshop considered it to be of key importance to include climate change as an integrated aspect of measures for biodiversity as well as for nutrient reduction, and in this way ensure that measures are in place to mitigate impacts from climate change.Further results of the BONUS projects will be presented at the next BONUS Symposium “Sustainable ecosystem governance under changing climate and land use in the Baltic Sea region”, planned to take place 14–16 March 2018 in Gdansk, Poland. Monika Stankiewicz, Executive Secretary of HELCOM, sees the new BONUS results as very timely to underpin the strengthening of the implementation of the HELCOM agreements. “The upcoming HELCOM Ministerial Meeting will consider the needed steps to accomplish the Baltic Sea Action Plan by 2021 as well as will decide on a future update of the Action Plan. The new scientific results from BONUS support the ongoing negotiations leading up to these major policy decisions at the Ministerial Meeting”, said Stankiewicz. “We are most pleased with the continued strengthening of the synergies between BONUS and HELCOM. We also look forward to jointly organising a HELCOM-BONUS stakeholder conference later in 2018, which the now concluded HOD meeting also welcomed. This will be important to further disseminate BONUS results as well as build synergies across the region, Europe and wider”, concluded Kaisa Kononen, Executive Director, BONUS.    * * *Note for editors The 2018 HELCOM Ministerial Meeting will be held on 6 March in Brussels, Belgium, under the EU chairmanship of HELCOM. The Ministers of the Environment of the nine Baltic coastal states and the EU Environment Commissioner will gather to discuss the status and the future of the Baltic Sea marine environment. The outcome of the 2018 Ministerial Meeting is expected to revolve around new actions to meet the Sustainable Development Goals in the Baltic Sea, strengthening implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan by 2021, and adjusting the Baltic Sea Action Plan based on new knowledge and future challenges. More information on the .The , usually referred to as HELCOM, is an intergovernmental organization of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union. HELCOM has worked since 1974 to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution and to ensure safety of navigation in the region. HELCOM is the governing body of the “Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area,” more usually known as the Helsinki Convention.is a joint Baltic Sea research and development programme producing knowledge to support development and implementation of regulations, policies and management practices specifically tailored for the Baltic Sea region. It issues calls for competitive proposals and funds projects of high excellence and relevance based on its BONUS strategic research agenda 2011-2020. Half of the funding of the EUR 100 million to BONUS is covered by the national research funding agencies in the eight EU member states around the Baltic Sea and the other half by the EU.  * * *BONUS projectsThe following BONUS projects were presented at the HELCOM-BONUS workshop on 6 November 2017:BONUS BALTICAPP – Wellbeing from the Baltic Sea – applications combining natural science and economics (1 April 2015-31 March 2018) BONUS BAMBI – Baltic Sea marine biodiversity – addressing the potential of adaptation to climate change (1 January 2014-31 December 2017) BONUS BIO-C3 – Biodiversity changes – causes, consequences and management implications (1 January 2014-31 December 2017) BONUS COCOA – Nutrient cocktails in coastal zones of the Baltic Sea – improving understanding of the transformation and retention of nutrients and organic matter in the coastal zone (1 January 2014-31 March 2017) BONUS GO4BALTIC – Coherent policies and governance of the Baltic Sea ecosystems (1 April 2015-31 December 2018) BONUS MIRACLE – Mediating integrated actions for sustainable ecosystem services in a changing climate (1 April 2015-31 July 2018) BONUS PROMISE – Phosphorus recycling of mixed substances, (1 April 2014 – 31 March 2017) BONUS SOILS2SEA – Reducing nutrient loadings from agricultural soils to the Baltic Sea via groundwater and streams, (1 January 2014-31 March 2018) * * *For further information, please contact:Ms. Maija SirolaCommunications Manager, BONUSTel. +358 40 352 0076E-mail: Website: Facebook and Twitter: @BONUSBalticMs. Sara EstlanderCommunication Coordinator, HELCOMTel. +358 40 482 6103E-mail: Website: Facebook and Twitter: @HELCOMinfo​

HELCOM Heads of Delegation note the contribution of BONUS projects to policy-making, including the upcoming HELCOM Ministerial Meeting

The XIX “Baltic Sea Day” International Environmental Forum will be organized in St. Petersburg on 22–23 March, 2018The outcome of the HELCOM Ministerial Meeting, taking place a few weeks earlier, will form a cornerstone of discussions at the ForumGlobal and regional environmental matters will be in focus during the XIX International Environmental Forum “Baltic Sea Day”, to be held on 22–23 March 2018 in St. Petersburg, Russia. The agenda of the Forum, based on proposals to be developed by key stakeholders, will reflect the latest issues concerning the Baltic Sea environment and current regional activities, including involvement of municipalities, assuring good environmental status of the Sea and environmental safety in the region. Discussion themes of plenaries and roundtables will include the outcome of the HELCOM Ministerial Meeting, to be held in Brussels two weeks earlier, on 6 March. The upcoming 19th Baltic Sea Day Forum will be devoted to the memory of Mr. Leonid Korovin, who passed away in 2017.HELCOM Executive Secretary Monika Stankiewicz speaking at Baltic Sea Day 2017.Baltic Sea Day is an esteemed platform for environmental dialogue and a popular live meeting point for representatives of national, regional as well as global organizations working in different sectors. The Forum is the largest event of its kind in the Baltic Sea region, gathering more than 600 participants and broadly reflected in Russian national and international media. The next Forum is organized and supported by HELCOM, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of the Russian Federation, and the Government of St. Petersburg.* * *For additional information and suggestions please contact:Ms. Natalia Bobyleva Tel: +7 (812) 470-6012 E-mail: bobyleva(at)helcom.ruMr. Dmitry Frank-Kamenetsky Professional Secretary, HELCOM Tel: +358 40 630 9933 E-mail: dmitry.frank-kamenetsky(at)helcom.fi* * *Note for editorsThe Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as HELCOM, is an intergovernmental organization 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 XIX “Baltic Sea Day” International Environmental Forum will be organized in St. Petersburg on 22–23 March, 2018. The outcome of the HELCOM Ministerial Meeting, taking place a few weeks earlier, will form a cornerstone of discussions at the Forum.

The HELCOM Map and Data Service, which has been serving as one of the largest hubs of spatial data for the Baltic Sea marine environment since 2010, has been completely redesigned and rebuilt. The new system consists of two components, which are seamlessly interlinked:1. : A map viewer user interface for visualizing datasets related to the Baltic Sea, each dataset linked to a metadata record in the new HELCOM Metadata catalogue2. : A searchable catalogue containing a description and lineage of each map made available by HELCOM, enabling user to find and download spatial data, and linking to HELCOM Map and Data Service for viewing the specific datasetCompared to the previous version of HELCOM Map and Data Service, the new version provides the following key improvements:Searchable table of contents in the map viewer user interfaceFaster and more user-friendly map viewer, thanks to a more light-weight user interface which can run on any hardware platform (PC, Mac)Searchable metadata repository and keywords for filtering datasets in the metadata catalogueINSPIRE compliant metadata record for each datasetWith the current set of spatial data collected for assessments, HELCOM provides free access to more than 600 map layers in total, with maps ranging from biodiversity and species distribution to information on maritime traffic. The amount of available map layers will grow in the very near future, once the data used for the 2017 version of the State of the Baltic Sea report is published.  ***Note for editorsHELCOM is an intergovernmental organization made up of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union. Founded in 1974, its primary aims as a governing body are to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution, as well as to ensure safe maritime navigation. The official name of HELCOM is the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission; it is the governing body of the .***For more information, please contact:Joni KaitarantaData coordinatorHELCOMTel: +358 46 850 9206Skype: helcom37E-mail: joni.kaitaranta(at)helcom.fi​

The HELCOM Map and Data service, which has been serving as one of the largest hubs of spatial data for the Baltic Sea marine environment since 2010, has been completely redesigned and rebuilt.

Statement by Monika Stankiewicz, HELCOM Executive Secretary at the high-level United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development, Plenary meeting 9 June 2017, New York Mr President, Excellencies, distinguished participants, All seas and oceans in the world are important. However for us, people living on the shores of the Baltic Sea, this small sea in the northern Europe is the most important one. The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, or HELCOM, works to achieve a healthy marine environment and ensure the sustainable use of its resources, based on a regional convention. HELCOM has enjoyed continuous support of its Contracting Parties for over four decades. These Contracting Parties are Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Sweden and European Union. Monika Stankiewicz, HELCOM Executive Secretary gave the HELCOM statement at the Ocean Conference Plenary meeting 9 June 2017, New York Regional cooperation in the Baltic Sea has led to recent successes in setting up a nutrient reduction scheme, curbing airborne emission and discharges from shipping, tackling some hazardous substances, piloting ecosystem approach in maritime spatial planning, and covering 12% of the Baltic Sea with marine protected areas. All these examples showcase the added value of a regional approach, addressing more than one target of Sustainable Development Goal 14 in a coherent way. Policy making based on commonly agreed principles and best available science, paired with a transparent and participatory stakeholder involvement, as well as partnerships for integrated management of human activities, are seen by the Contracting Parties as factors underlying these HELCOM achievements. Despite many efforts and significant progress, status of the marine environment of the Baltic Sea is still of a great concern. HELCOM members have pledged for this Conference a commitment to strengthen the implementation of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan to support ocean-related Sustainable Development Goals. The Baltic Sea Action Plan is an ambitious programme to restore the good ecological status of the marine environment by 2021, adopted in HELCOM in 2007. For instance, this commitment includes: speeding up the implementation of the marine litter regional action plan, continuing the battle against eutrophication and planning towards the elaboration of a regional action plan on underwater noise, to fulfil SDG 14.1, ensuring close cooperation on any maritime spatial planning in the Baltic Sea area and management plans for all marine protected areas, to fulfil SDG 14.2 and 14.5, supporting sustainable agricultural practices, to contribute to SDG 2.4, and ecosystem-related fishery measures, towards SDG 14.4 and 14.6. More generally, HELCOM will strive for more resilient marine ecosystems to be better prepared for human-induced climate change challenges. It will also promote further regional development of social and economic analyses to create tailor-made connecting points between implementation of different Sustainable Development Goals. For years, HELCOM has developed regional indicators and assessments to measure the environmental status of the Baltic Sea, which can also be used for the future regional work on the implementation of the SDGs. HELCOM has also committed to identify Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSA) in the Baltic Sea under the Convention on Biological Diversity. This process will contribute to fulfilling the regional goal of drawing up and applying maritime spatial plans throughout the Baltic Sea region which are coherent across borders and apply the ecosystem approach. Last but not least, Contracting Parties have committed to cutting 80% of NOx emissions from ships operating in the Baltic Sea in order to combat the problem of eutrophication in the region. The reduction will be achieved by the designation of the Baltic Sea as a NOx Emission Control Area under MARPOL in the International Maritime Organization. HELCOM together with its partners will promote the green shipping technology and use of alternative fuels to further reduce harmful exhaust gas emissions and greenhouse gases from ships. Follow-up on the implementation will be an important part of efforts to reach SDG 14. HELCOM will have a possibility to do so at our Ministerial Meeting already next year. I thank you.​* * *Note for editorsHELCOM is an
intergovernmental organization made up of the nine Baltic Sea coastal
countries and the European Union. Founded in 1974, its primary aims as
the governing body of the Helsinki Convention are to protect the marine
environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution. The United Nations “Our oceans,
our future: partnering for the implementation of Sustainable Development
Goal 14”, is held on 5-9 June 2017 in New York (2017 SDG 14
Conference), co-chaired and co-funded by Sweden and Fiji. * * *For more information, please contact:Monika Stankiewicz Executive Secretary HELCOM +358 40 840 2471 Email: monika.stankiewicz(at)helcom.fi Skype: helcom17

Statement by Monika Stankiewicz, HELCOM Executive Secretary at the high-level United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14

​HELCOM contributes with voluntary commitments to The United Nations Conference “Our oceans, our future: partnering for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14”, to be held on 5-9 June 2017 in New York (2017 SDG 14 Conference), co-chaired and co-funded by Sweden and Fiji. Voluntary commitments are one of the core elements of The Ocean Conference, aiming to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development” and its seven targets. Contracting Parties in HELCOM agreed on four to be pledged at the Conference:Designate and enhance implementation of the Baltic Sea as NOx Emission Control Area for ships and public-private partnership Strengthen the implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan to support ocean-related SDGsIdentify Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSA) in the Baltic SeaRegional Seas Programme for ocean related Sustainable Development Goals jointly with other 17 regional sea conventions and actions plans cooperating under the umbrella of UN-EnvironmentThe individual Contracting Parties have also registered commitments to enhance the implementation of SDG 14.HELCOM is participating in three side events during the conference showcasing the added value of the Baltic Sea regional cooperation. The side events will focus on the role of regional governance, public-private partnerships for sustainable maritime activities and regional marine protected areas networks and the events are organized by Germany, Sweden and UN Environment; Finland; and Mediterranean Protected Areas Network respectively.See more information on the HELCOM contribution to the 2017 SDG 14 Conference .See more information on the 2017 SDG 14 Conference .* * *Note for editorsHELCOM is an intergovernmental organization made up of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union. Founded in 1974, its primary aims as the governing body of the Helsinki Convention are to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution. The Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2015 as a part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Agenda contains 17 sustainable development goals (SDG) and 169 targets.* * *For more information, please contact:Monika Stankiewicz Executive Secretary HELCOM +358 40 840 2471 Email: monika.stankiewicz(at)helcom.fi Skype: helcom17

HELCOM contributes with voluntary commitments to The United Nations Conference “Our oceans, our future: partnering for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14”, to be held on 5-9 June 2017 in New York (2017 SDG 14 Conference).

​The annual meeting of HELCOM adopted HELCOM Recommendation 38/1 on sewage sludge handlingRecycling phosphorus and reducing unwanted substances in sewage sludge among the main aims of the recommendationThe new outlines the basic principles for sewage sludge handling and the use of its valuable compounds in the Baltic Sea coastal countries. The Recommendation is a first step to promoting sustainable sludge handling. It paves the way for a regional dialog to create regionally agreed parameters assuring maximum utilization of the valuable components in the sludge while minimising potential negative effects.Already in 2007, HELCOM adopted a which implementation has successfully reduced inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus to the Baltic Sea. In the largest waste water treatment plants at least 90 % of phosphorus and 70-80 % of nitrogen should be removed. Improving waste water treatment has resulted in generation of vast amount of phosphorus containing sludge. The new sewage sludge recommendation compliments the municipal waste water treatment recommendation by giving guidance on sustainable handing and utilization of sludge taking also into account the principles of circular economy and energy efficiency.The sewage sludge recommendation guides the safe handling of sewage sludge to prevent leaching of nutrients as well as hazardous substances and pathogens to the environment. It recommends reuse of the valuable components contained in the sludge, phosphorus in particular, and maximum utilization of its energetic potential through variable technological processes. The document also identifies basic principles for application of treated sewage sludge and products containing it in agriculture, land reclamation, green areas etc. to minimize negative impacts on the environment. The Recommendation encourages research and development of cost effectives solution as well as exchange of knowledge across the region.You can find the new recommendation .* * * Note for editors The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as , is an intergovernmental organization 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.***For more information, please contact:Dmitry Frank-KamenetskyProfessional SecretaryHELCOMTel: +358 40 630 9933Skype: helcom68E-mail: dmitry.frank-kamenetsky(at)helcom.fiSusanna Kaasinen Agri-Environment Coordinator HELCOM Tel. +358 40 536 5819 Skype: helcom85 Email: susanna.kaasinen(at)helcom.fi

Recycling phosphorus and reducing unwanted substances in sewage sludge among the main aims of the recommendation

EU HELCOM Chairmanship. Speech by Ms Marianne Wenning, Chair of the Helsinki Commission,at the HELCOM Diplomatic Lunch, 12 October 2016, Helsinki Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, dear Colleagues.It is a pleasure for me to have the opportunity to brief you, the representatives of the coastal countries and the catchment area of the Baltic Sea, on the priorities and plans of the European Union Chairmanship of HELCOM. This is the second time in history that the EU holds the chair of HELCOM he Contracting Parties cooperate in HELCOM on an equal footing. This set-up works well and is productive. The EU countries of HELCOM as well as the non-EU country Russia are striving to achieve the same goal: good environmental status of the marine environment. As new Chair in HELCOM I will do my best to continue cooperation in the same good spirit for which HELCOM is known. #160The first EU priority for the HELCOM Chairmanship is connected to this: reaching a healthy ecosystem in the Baltic Sea by 2021.   healthy marine ecosystem is essential for a thriving maritime economy and for the wellbeing of people and is the only way to secure the sustainability of the Baltic Sea in the long-term. We need to ensure that in the future people can catch and eat fish from the region without concerns. We want to be able to enjoy the Baltic Sea shores and swim in our sea waters – and attract tourists to do the same. We must have enough sea space for new activities that now we might not even be able to think of  few years back HELCOM embarked on a big multi-annual task of undertaking the second holistic assessment of the ecosystem health of the Baltic Sea. This project, called Status of the Baltic Sea report, or HOLAS II, will help us understand whether policy measures at national and regional level are effective in reducing key pressures and in having a positive impact on the health of the Baltic Sea. The first results of the assessment will be released next year, in 2017, and the assessment is planned to be updated in 2018 he word ‘holistic’ indicates that the assessment will be comprehensive, taking into account human activities and ensuing pressures as well as any changes and their effects on biodiversity, eutrophication, hazardous substances and maritime activities. It will also include improved socio-economic analysis which will become more important in the future for demonstrating that no or insufficient action is not an option as it will lead to higher costs in the long-term.   #160This brings me to the next, related EU priority: innovation for a sustainable Blue Economy and healthy ecosystems. Innovation has many aspects – it can be related to techniques & products, to processes, but also to governance and knowledge. Innovation in all these areas will provide us with a better understanding and an improved application of the ecosystem based approach and will allow us to achieve the necessary level of sustainable development for the Baltic Sea region to prosper. #160Maritime Spatial Planning will be an important tool in this regard. HELCOM promotes the ecosystem approach as the basis for planning of all economic activity, be it fishing, shipping, energy, or tourism. Co-ordination of these activities, with a full understanding of their impacts on the marine environment, will become more important as it will guide us in how best to achieve our environmental goals and objectives at national, European and international level. Part of this planning will also have to include Marine Protected Areas ecologically coherent as part of a network and well-managed ast but not least: how can we improve regional governance? Strengthening our partnership with other organizations, be it in the fishery, agricultural or transport sector, is already part of the HELCOM process but can still be improved. Especially at a time when the HOLAS II assessment will soon provide information that will allow us – TOGETHER – to identify the challenges for each sector and Party of the Convention. We should take the chance and renew our efforts to align what – at first sight – seem like contradictory objectives and to come to mutually satisfactory solutions. They will not be perfect but we should not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. #160The same will apply to international ocean governance. The question here is how can HELCOM – as one of the Regional Sea Conventions – support the process of reaching the sea-related goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially the Goal number 14 on oceans and the seas et me stop here – you will be able – or had the chance already – to study the EU priorities also in writing. But I will be happy to answer any questions or hear any comments you might have over our lunch xcellencies, Ladies & Gentlemen  he EU’s Chairmanship does not start in a vacuum: Harry Liiv, my predecessor, has set the bar high. There were many achievements under the Estonian chairmanship – let’s hear about them now from Harry for future inspiration ut before that, I would like you to join me for a toast to the continuous successful cooperation for the protection and prosperity of our common Baltic Sea. We have big challenges ahead of us, but together we can make a difference * Outcome of the Previous HELCOM Chairmanship​Speech by Mr Harry Liiv, Estonia, Chair of HELCOM 1.7.201430.6.2016 at the HELCOM Diplomatic Lunch, 12 October 2016, Helsinki #160Your Excellencies, Esteemed Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, ‘d first like to thank the HELCOM Chair, Ms. Marianne Wenning, for her informative and interesting speech, and also for her encouraging words on the previous HELCOM Chairmanship under Estonia. he priorities chosen by the EU for the HELCOM Chairmanship are building strong on the recent efforts and achievements within HELCOM – achievements by us: all the Contracting Parties, the Observers and the extended stakeholder community, working together for common goals here were many important milestones reached during the Estonian Chairmanship from July 2014 until June 2016:HELCOM launched the active stage in preparing the Second Holistic Assessment of the Baltic Sea, or HOLAS II. The Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter was finalized and adopted. Last spring, the Contracting Parties finally adopted the long awaited recommendation on sustainable aquaculture in the Baltic Sea region. This is only one example of all the work invested in promoting sustainable fisheries. >But the biggest and most difficult of the recent achievements have been connected to shipping  major accomplishment was the HELCOM agreement to apply for a NECA status for the Baltic Sea – referring to regulations to limit the Nitrogen Oxide emissions from ships. The application has been submitted this summer to the International Maritime Organization (or IMO). mportantly, the application was sent in parallel with the North Sea, multiplying the potential gains for the marine environment: the nitrogen reductions are likely much larger when both of the neighbouring sea areas are on board. lso the dates for prohibiting discharges of untreated sewage from passenger ships were decided by the IMO this year. This was a result from the joint request by the HELCOM countries and following the earlier designation of the Baltic Sea as a special area for sewage under international law. he ban for sewage will take effect by latest 2021 for most of the IMO registered passenger vessels (for new passenger ships in June 2019) e now have to live up to this new measure on ships’ sewage and make sure that all the further and necessary improvements to facilities in ports to receive sewage of the Baltic Sea are done oth achievements in the shipping sector are a great success of the Baltic Sea countries, of HELCOM and of the region as a whole. They will not only improve the state of the environment, but also boost innovations and development of new technologies. hile we should grab the opportunity for congratulating ourselves for the accomplishments, a lot of work remains to be done. xcellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, let’s raise a glass to the successes we have already achieved! For reducing marine litter, for more sustainable aquaculture, and for much less environmental harm from shipping. Let there be many more victories to come. ​

The diplomatic community of Finland representing the Contracting Parties as well as the catchment area states gathered for the traditional HELCOM lunch on 12 October 2016.

​​​​​​​​​​Reaching a healthy Baltic Sea ecosystem by 2021, promoting innovation for a sustainable Blue Economy and tackling the challenge of regional governance are the main priorities for the European Union now chairing HELCOM until 30 June 2018. The Chairmanship of the Helsinki Commission rotates between all the Contracting Parties every two years according to their alphabetical order in English.​Ms Marianne Wenning, Director for Quality of Life, Water and Air in the European Commission, and Mr. Matjaž Malgaj, Head of the Unit that deals with Marine Environment and Water Industry, also in the European Commission, are nominated as Chair and Vice-Chair of HELCOM on behalf of the EU.  “It is an honour to take over the responsibilities of HELCOM Chair and also rather exciting at this point in time, as there are major deliverables expected in the next two years, including the first results of the HELCOM holistic assessment in mid-2017”, says Ms Wenning.  “The assessment will reveal the changes in the Baltic Sea ecosystem health since 2010 and provide a lot of new information about the pressures affecting the sea, as well as analysing the measures and economic impact”, she continues. The priorities of the EU Chairmanship also include responding effectively to key pressures by implementing the regional action plan for marine litter and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, among others. The EU intends to promote knowledge and innovation in the Baltic Sea, in particular by the use of the BONUS programme[1], and also foster a well-managed network of marine protected areas. In addition, the priorities lift up regional governance, more specifically securing cooperation with Regional Fisheries Bodies and contributing to international ocean governance. All the priorities of the EU Chairmanship of HELCOM have been summarized in a also available in print format. Estonia held the Chairmanship until 30 June 2016.  reflecting the accomplishments during that time have been prepared by the receding Chair, Harry Liiv, Estonia.[1] Joint Baltic Sea Research and Development Programme (BONUS), >> * * * Note for editors  is an intergovernmental organization made up of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union. Founded in 1974, its primary aims as a governing body are to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution, as well as to ensure safe maritime navigation. The official name of HELCOM is the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission; it is the governing body of the Helsinki Convention. * * * For more information, please contact:Johanna LaurilaInformation SecretaryHELCOMTel: +358 40 523 8988Skype: helcom70E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi Katarzyna WolosCommunications officeEnvironment Directorate-General (DG ENV) of the European CommissionTel: +32 229-97981E-mail: katarzyna.wolos(at)ec.europa.eu

Read the new priorities. The Chairmanship of the Helsinki Commission rotates between all the Contracting Parties every two years according to their alphabetical order in English.

​​​On 30 June 2016, by Harry Liiv, Chair of HELCOM 2014-16 Estonian chairmanship in HELCOM focused on pollution management, management and planning of marine protected areas as well as on information that we use to assess the status of the sea.  During the Estonian chairmanship the Baltic Sea countries reached important milestones. HELCOM launched and has progressed on a major project to prepare the Second Holistic Assessment of the Baltic Sea and the Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter was adopted. One of the biggest and most difficult achievements was the HELCOM agreement to apply for a NECA status for the Baltic Sea in IMO despite the numerous socio-economic and technical constraints on the way.  Also the ban on discharges of untreated sewage from passenger ships was formalised by IMO in the spring 2016, upon joint request by the HECOM countries to designate the Baltic Sea as a special area for this type of pollution under international law. In March 2016 the Contracting Parties for the Helsinki Convention finally adopted the long waited recommendation on sustainable aquaculture in the Baltic Sea region. HELCOM’s work was also useful for the EU member states which had to update the existing river basin management plans and establish programs of measures to implement the national marine strategies. As the HELCOM chairman I would like to congratulate all the HELCOM members our, partners and the HELCOM Secretariat on the successful completion of the Estonian chairmanship.

Summary notes on the accomplishments of the Estonian Chairmanship of HELCOM 2014-16, by Harry Liiv, Estonia.

​​​​High level politicians and professionals on Baltic environmental policy will debate next week about strategic directions for future HELCOM cooperation in protecting the Baltic Sea. The seats are limited so please and ensure your place in the unique session—usually HELCOM high level sessions are not open to all public. The session on
18 May 2016 at 13-15 in Turku, Finland will also be streamed live and can be watched via the . The participants from the Baltic sea countries and EU, including the European Commissioner Karmenu Vella and Minister of the Environment of Finland Kimmo Tiilikainen, are invited to discuss about how to protect the marine environment while enabling sustainable use and blue economy. They are expected to present the best cases of successful cross-sectoral cooperation that benefit the marine environment and bring up new ideas for improving the governance of the seas. Efforts are already underway both at HELCOM and elsewhere to reach out to sectors and jointly discuss possible solutions and measures for marine environmental protection. Some attempts are more successful than others; one reason is the mismatch of scales. The regional level is the most suitable scale to address marine environment problems in the Baltic Sea due to special characteristics of the sea and transboundary effects. This, however, does not necessarily hold true for sectoral policies. The role of the Regional Seas Conventions in marine governance has been a successful one in many regions of the globe, as they engage neighbouring countries in specific actions to protect their shared marine environment. A healthy marine environment underpins sustainable blue growth. An important part of the debate, attended also by HELCOM Chair, will be looking into the future, as the session will initiate a series of high level gatherings prior to the next HELCOM Ministerial Meeting in 2018.    * * * Note for editors​The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as , is an intergovernmental organization 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.  * * * For more information, please contact:Johanna LaurilaInformation SecretaryHELCOMTel: +358 40 523 8988Skype: helcom70E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi

New inspiration for the Baltic Sea environmental cooperation sought after in Ministerial session on 18 May-