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 WHOPresident Tarja Halonen;Ville Niinistö, Minister of Environment of Finland;Jacqueline Alder, Head, Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems Branch, Division of Environmental Policy Implementation of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP);Helle Pilsgaard, Chair of HELCOM WHAT40th anniversary jubilee session of HELCOM, including expert presentations on ‘Baltic Sea: ecosystem and prosperity’ and a future-orientated dialogue panel – full programme enclosedWHENWednesday 5 March 2014, 10:00 – 12:30 WHERE                                 Marina Congress Center (Europaea Hall, ground floor), Katajanokanlaituri 6, 00160 Helsinki WHYThe Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM) celebrates its first 40 years since the historical signing of the Helsinki Convention on the protection of the marine environment of the Baltic Sea. Note that the Jubilee session can also be followed live through video stream on . Best of the special Jubilee exhibition, showcasing highlights from the rich history of HELCOM, will also be set up in the dedicated webpages.The Jubilee will be followed on 5–6 March 2014 by HELCOM Annual Meeting, the highest decision-making body of HELCOM.  Any interested media: please contact Johanna Laurila by Tuesday 4 March 2014 for accreditation. See contact details below* * *The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as , is an intergovernmental organisation 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 Laurila Information Secretary HELCOM Tel: +358 40 523 8988 Skype: helcom70 E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi 

MEDIA ADVISORY – President Tarja Halonen and Ville Niinistö, Minister of Environment of Finland will open the festivities on 5 March 2014 at 10am.

Statement by HELCOM Chair at today’s plenary, on Macro-regional strategies – to boost smart and sustainable growth.

Underestimated potential of the Baltic Sea explored by science and policy experts The many benefits of ecosystems and wise marine management in the Baltic Sea area top the agenda of a workshop starting today, bringing together regional, European and global science and policy experts to share knowledge, experiences and forward-looking ideas.  The general understanding of values and benefits that the ecosystem services bring to human societies is still limited and mainly focuses on terrestrial ecosystems. The presents examples and practical guidance on how this can be changed in the future to support marine management and decision-making. The 2-day workshop is organized by Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (), ,   and , and co-funded by the .   “The potential of well-maintained marine environment is not acknowledged to its full by economic sectors and in maritime spatial planning,” says Monika Stankiewicz, HELCOM’s Executive Secretary. “The Baltic Sea supplies many ecosystem services that contribute to human well-being, ranging from fish resources and regulation of climate conditions to biogeochemical nutrient cycling, which in turn impact various sectors of regional economy, e.g. fisheries, shipping and tourism. As benefits provided by nature are not sufficiently recognized, political and management decisions regulating these and other sectors may not be optimal in terms of sustainable use of the Baltic Sea resources.”    Knowledge on the benefits provided by marine and coastal ecosystems can support reaching the objectives of the , and also assist in the implementation of other requirements such as the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Valuation of ecosystem services draws attention to the trade-offs between the protection of the marine environment and other economic activities, and might, therefore, assist in designing and executing policies more efficiently. It also allows for comparing the estimated benefits of environmental protection measures with their costs to assess the economic efficiency of environmental projects and programmes.  The cost-benefit analyses can be also useful in setting environmental targets and in deciding how to allocate public spending. In addition, valuation is one of the ways to take into account public values of favourable environmental condition and encourage public participation in decision-making. The latter process still underutilises the role of ecosystem values and benefits as a supporting tool, due to lacking coherent methodology.  The Workshop in Stockholm will pave the way for better use of the instrument of evaluating ecosystems in both national as well as regional decision-making, for reaching good environmental status of the Baltic Sea.        * * * 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 governed the ‘Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area’, more commonly known as the Helsinki Convention. * * *For further information, please contact:Ms. Heini AhtiainenProject ResearcherHELCOMSkype: helcom62E-mail: heini.ahtiainen@helcom.fi Ms. Johanna LaurilaInformation SecretaryHELCOMTel: +358 40 523 8988Skype: helcom70E-mail: johanna.laurila@helcom.fi

The many benefits of ecosystems, their underestimated potential and wise marine management top the agenda of a workshop starting today in Stockholm.

​ Marta Ruiz and Manuel Frias from HELCOM with Ms. María Jesús Figa López-Palop, the Spanish Ambassador.At the invitation of the Spanish ambassador in Finland, Ms. María Jesús Figa López-Palop, Marta Ruiz and Manuel Frias from HELCOM, visited the located in Helsinki on 29 October 2013. The interest of the Embassy in HELCOM activities was due to the Spanish membership in the European Union, one of the Contracting Parties to the Helsinki Convention. The influence of HELCOM recommendations on all the Contracting Parties was, therefore, among the main topics discussed in the meeting.The HELCOM representatives had the opportunity to explain the foundation of the Helsinki Convention, its management and operational structure as well as main activities towards achieving the environmental sustainability of the Baltic Sea. The ambassador was especially interested in the main threats to the Baltic, ranging from the eutrophication to the fishing regulation. The ambassador, who has been living in Finland for more than a year, in turn, introduced the HELCOM delegation to her main duties and responsibilities towards the Spanish community living in Finland and the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs back in Spain, both from the human and the economical perspective. The ambassador indicated keen interest in HELCOM’s activities in the protection of the marine environment.

At the invitation of the Spanish ambassador in Finland, Ms. María Jesús Figa López-Palop, Marta Ruiz and Manuel Frias from HELCOM, visited the Embassy located in Helsinki on 29 October 2013.

​01.10.2013Note new time at 11:45 – MEDIA ADVISORYHELCOM Ministerial Meeting 2013 in CopenhagenNine Environment Ministers and EU Commissioner gather for Baltic Sea health checkWHAT Press conference
following the HELCOM 2013 Ministerial MeetingWHEN Thursday 3 October
2013, at 11.45 – 12.30 (local time)WHERE Eigtveds Pakhus,
Asiatisk Plads 2G, Copenhagen, DenmarkWHYThe high-level representatives from all nine Baltic coastal
states and EU will gather to discuss priorities and agree on actions for
improving the Baltic Sea marine environment. HELCOM Contracting Parties have
committed to implement the Baltic Sea Action Plan (2007–2021), and now the
progress will be reviewed. The outcome – 2013 Ministerial Declaration – is the
master blueprint for stronger efforts for a healthier Baltic Sea, following the
long tradition of regional HELCOM cooperation. Any interested media are invited to apply for
accreditation by sending name, media represented, and contact information to
HELCOM Secretariat (johanna.laurila@helcom.fi), by Tuesday 1 October
2013.Dedicated webpages: ( Temporary
disruptions possible on 1 October)New documents uploaded today
and tomorrow:
(or, visit ;
folder: Commission Meetings (HELCOM) / HELCOM Ministerial 2013. No log-in
required)* * *For further information, please
contact Johanna LaurilaInformation
SecretaryHELCOMHelsinki, FinlandE-mail:
johanna.laurila@helcom.fiTel: +358 40 523 8988Jonatan Lykke-OlesenPress and Communication
DepartmentNature Agency, Ministry of the EnvironmentCopenhagen,
DenmarkE-mail: jolyk@nst.dkTel: +45 41 11 22 84  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,
including response to spills and clean and safe shipping. HELCOM governs a legal
treaty from 1974, “Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the
Baltic Sea Area,” aka the Helsinki Convention High-level representatives attending the press
conference:Ms. Ida AukenMinister of the Environment, DenmarkMs. Keit Pentus-RosimannusMinister of the Environment,
EstoniaMr. Karl FalkenbergDirector General, DG Environment,
European CommissionMr. Ville NiinistöMinister of the Environment,
FinlandMr. Fritz HolzwarthDeputy Director-General, Federal
Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety,
GermanyMr. Edmunds SprūdžsMinister of Environmental
Protection and Regional Development, LatviaMr. Almantas PetkusVice-Minister of the Environment,
LithuaniaMr. Stanisław GawłowskiVice-Minister of the
Environment, PolandMr. Nuritdin Inamov Director of International
Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Russian
FederationMs. Lena EkMinister of the Environment, Sweden

The high-level representatives from all nine Baltic coastal states and EU will gather to discuss priorities and agree on actions for improving the Baltic Sea marine environment, along with observer organizations, financing institutes and other stakeholder

​23 September 2013, Copenhagen, Denmark – Today and tomorrow, more details for the 2013 HELCOM Ministerial Declaration will be put into place during the 43rd Heads of Delegation Meeting. For smoother follow-up for anyone interested in stronger commitments for a healthier Baltic Sea, several key documents have been collected since June in a , related to the regional Ministers’ negotiations which will climax in the HELCOM Ministerial Meeting on 3 October 2013 in Copenhagen, Denmark.In the Meeting, the members of the Baltic Sea Marine Environment Protection Commission (), formed by the nine coastal countries and the EU, will continue to finalize the proposed text of the , to be as concise and clear as possible. The Declaration will cover a wide selection of topics covering biodiversity and ecosystem services, eutrophication, hazardous substances, clean and safer shipping, preparedness and response to pollution at sea and on the shore, along with monitoring, assessment and marine knowledge. Status of the implementation of the 2007 HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan has been the basis for proposing any issues to be addressed by the Ministerial Meeting.The new, updated targets for reducing nutrient inputs to the Baltic Sea, and their country-wise allocations, continue to be a major issue in the negotiations. Progress has been made in addressing the complex issue on transboundary pollution inputs, while aiming to share the burden of the needed pollution reduction in a fair and mutually agreed manner, both within the Baltic Sea countries and from sources outside the HELCOM area. The new proposed limits for nutrient inputs result from several years’ work supported significantly by the Baltic Nest Institute in Sweden and involving national experts in the HELCOM countries.After the Meeting, every document, unless unusual exceptions occur, can be accessed at the [Heads of Delegation (HELCOM HOD) > Heads Of Delegation (HODS) > HOD 43, 2013]. No log-in is needed. * * *Note for editors: will be held on 3 October 2013 in Copenhagen, Denmark. 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 – reviewing the progress in implementing the Baltic Sea Action Plan (2007–2021), and setting priorities for action. The outcome of the 2013 Meeting is expected to revolve around the still unsatisfactory status of the Baltic Sea; the ecosystem approach as the basis for blue and green growth, the opportunities for more coherent policies and implementation, as well as committing to do more for a healthier Baltic Sea.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. HELCOM has worked since 1974 to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution, including response to spills and clean and safe shipping 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.* * *For further information, please contact:Johanna Laurila Information Secretary HELCOM Tel: +358 40 523 8988 E-mail: johanna.laurila@helcom.fi Skype: helcom70 

Today and tomorrow, more details for the 2013 HELCOM Ministerial Declaration will be put into place during the 43rd Heads of Delegation Meeting.

​Regional Ministers will discuss the status and future of the Baltic Sea marine
environment in Octobe30 August 2013 (HELCOM Information Services) – Close
follow-up of the intensifying negotiations leading to the 2013 HELCOM
Ministerial Declaration is now easy for any member of the public through the
dedicated webpages at .
The Declaration will be the outcome of the gathering of all HELCOM Ministers to
review the progress in implementing the Baltic Sea Action Plan and set
priorities for action. Secretariat of the Baltic Sea Marine Environment
Protection Commission () uploads new as soon as they are formally agreed on by all the Contracting
Parties, consisting of all the nine Baltic coastal nations and the EU. The 2013
Ministerial Declaration will be adopted in the high-level Meeting in Copenhagen
on 3 October ll relevant information is found in the Ministerial Meeting
webpages. The associated documents are divided into three sections for easier
reference: the ones for adoption by the Ministers; major outcome documents
which are decided on by every HELCOM member; and other relevant recent reports
which are closely linked to the Declaration under negotiation ore detailed information will be added to the Ministerial
Meeting webpages as soon as confirmed and available. The pages provide the best
available information, to assist the HELCOM members in comprehensive evaluation
of the progress in the implementation of , and reaching the commonly
agreed goals for a healthier Baltic Sea ELCOM Ministerial Meeting will be held on 3 October 2013 in
Copenhagen, Denmark. 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 – reviewing the progress in
implementing the Baltic Sea Action Plan (2007– 2021), and setting priorities for
action. The outcome of the 2013 Meeting is expected to revolve around the still
unsatisfactory status of the Baltic Sea; the ecosystem approach as the basis for
blue and green growth, the opportunities for more coherent policies and
implementation, as well as committing to do more for a healthier Baltic Sea  * *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. 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* * For further information:Johanna LaurilaInformation SecretaryHELCOMTel:
+358 40 523 8988E-mail: Skype:
helcom70

Regional Ministers will discuss the status and future of the Baltic Sea marine environment in October