Introduction 5 Chapter 1: a description of the organisational structure set up for the implementation of the Strategy 6
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Chapter 2: Annotated Action Plan of the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region
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PA 1: To reduce nutrient inputs to the sea to acceptable levels | Coordinated by Poland and Finland |
Brief summary of overall progress:
The importance and relevance of this Priority Area has become even more acute following the publication of the latest pollution load calculation report, which revealed that nutrient inputs to the Baltic Sea have not decreased as expected and that there is still much potential for nutrient reduction, particularly with respect to agriculture but also with regard to municipal waste water treatment. According to HELCOM's assessment of the National Implementation Programmes of the Baltic Sea Action Plan, several countries have undertaken measures to reduce the input of nitrogen and phosphorus, but the overall situation is still unacceptable.
Because of these discouraging findings, the Priority Area has had strong interest from a wide variety of stakeholders, for instance in the form of new project proposals. The Priority Area Coordinators have issued a letter of commitment for a project on cleaner waste water that will be part of an application under the 4th Call of the Baltic Sea Region Programme.
Existing Flagship Projects and Actions are generally progressing well, as testified by the below reports.
The PACs strongly emphasise the importance of establishing lists of national focal points for eutrophication in each EUSBSR country, and of developing clearer guidelines concerning the assessment of Flagship Projects. They are considering the establishment of a Steering Committee for the Priority Area (which it is hoped will strengthen its true macro-regional dimension) and will also work towards strengthening ties especially with Priority Area 9 agriculture.
Both the Finnish and Polish PAC have developed websites for the Priority Area, in Finland: http://www.itameriportaali.fi/en/suojelu/euyhteistyo/en_GB/ensimmainenpainopistealue/ and in Poland: http://www.gios.gov.pl/artykuly/783/The-EU-Strategy-for-the-Baltic-Sea-Region.
Actions:
The PACs point out that the actions of PA 1 are mainly based on EU directives and HELCOM's Baltic Sea Action Plan. Most of the actions are being followed by EU institutions and HELCOM, which is why the PACs have focused on the Flagship Projects. A short contextualisation report is nevertheless provided below.
Strategic actions:
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“Implement actions to reduce nutrients”. In addition to the full implementation of the key directives relating to eutrophication, these actions are in the ‘Baltic Sea Action Plan’ (BSAP) of HELCOM7. This document contains a specific section on eutrophication and was complemented in March 2009 by thematic reports on the Baltic Sea eutrophication8.
Report: This action concerns the full implementation of key directives related to reducing eutrophication and the “Baltic Sea Action Plan” of HELCOM (BSAP) complemented by the HELCOM integrated thematic assessment on eutrophication. HELCOM is currently working on updating and further developing a set of core indicators of the eutrophication status (2010-13). The implementation plan of the HELCOM TARGREV project is to review and revise the ecological targets for eutrophication of the BSAP during the 2010-11 period. In March 2011, during the High Level Segment of the 32nd meeting of the Helsinki Commission, the Ministers of Environment from the countries of the Region published the Communiqué on the implementation of the BSAP (based on conclusions from national implementation programmes). It should be mentioned that significant complementary work on implementing actions to reduce nutrients in Russia and Belarus is being carried out under the Northern Dimension Environmental Partnership.9
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“Promote measures and practices which reduce nutrient losses from farming and address eutrophication”. The aim is to ensure high environmental standards with particular focus on reducing nutrient leakage. To achieve this, in addition to the full implementation of the Nitrates and Water Framework Directives, and the new Common Agricultural Policy Cross-Compliance requirement to establish buffer strips along water courses no later than 1 January 2012, additional rural development measures could be used, for example, to maximise fertiliser efficiency or achieve nutrient recycling. To support this process, it is important to identify all the intensively used agricultural land of the whole catchment area and to focus on these areas first. Should this prove insufficient, consideration could be given to what further measures might be needed through environmental or agricultural policies.
Report: In addition to the implementation of the Nitrates and Water Framework Directives, several major projects contribute to promoting sustainable solutions in agriculture from policy level to farm level. The Baltic COMPASS Project (Comprehensive Policy Actions and Investments in Sustainable Solutions in Agriculture in the Baltic Sea Region) implements large-scale, on-farm pilot investments based on the most feasible and efficient technologies and management measures identified in coordination with the EUSBSR Flagship Projects Baltic Deal and Baltic MANURE. The HELCOM Agricultural/Environmental Forum (AGRI/ENV) was established in 2010 to improve communication and cooperation between the Agriculture and Environment administrations of the HELCOM Contracting States.
In Russia, backed by local authorities, the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology, the Finnish Ministries of Environment and of Agriculture and Forestry and NEFCO are preparing joint investments to introduce good manure treatment practices within the framework of the Northern Dimension Environmental Partnership. Also, the HELCOM BALTHAZAR Project (2009-11) in the Leningrad and Kaliningrad Regions aims at implementing on-farm pilot projects to the environmental benefit of the Baltic Sea.
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“Full implementation of the Water Framework Directive10 in order to maximize the environmental benefits for the Baltic Sea”. Member States shall take measures to obtain good ecological status in all water bodies, including coastal waters, by 2015. A full implementation (including reporting) of the Water Framework Directive, together with the Nitrate Directive and the Urban Waste Water Directive, will also improve the environment in the open sea, in line with the objectives of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive11 for 2020.
Report: This action should be seen in connection with the objectives of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the River Basin Management Plans relevant for the Baltic Sea catchment area.
Cooperative actions:
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“Establish and restore more wetlands” to recycle the nutrients (to stop the nutrients leaking into the sea) and to mitigate floods (to stop the runoff of fertilisers during floods). The wetlands should be established where long-term effects can be expected, considering the different climatic conditions, the sensitivity for eutrophication, etc.
Report: HELCOM's Joint Comprehensive Programme (JCP) includes four transboundary hot spots which address the management of coastal wetlands. HELCOM’s BSAP also takes into account an endorsed list of examples for reducing nutrient inputs, including the establishment of wetlands. The JCP is expected to be finalised in 2012.
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“Set up the BONUS 185 (formerly 169) scheme” in order to have a sustainable research framework. This action is underway and expected to be implemented from the end of 2011/early 2012.
Report: BONUS will focus on building strong links across communities and sectors within and among the Baltic Sea countries. These activities will also provide valuable guidance to the development of policy-driven strategic research agendas for the programme. From 2012 onwards, BONUS will open calls for proposals and fund research on topics supporting the work of the Strategy with almost €100 million.
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“Facilitate cross-sectoral, policy-oriented dialogue” on integration of agricultural, environmental and rural development issues by supporting the implementation of projects which build capacity based on an integrated approach to mitigation of nutrient losses and policy level adaptation.
Report: This action concerns providing adequate forums for discussion between environmental, agricultural and rural development national authorities. The participation of HELCOM in the Baltic COMPASS Project and the establishment of the AGRI/ENV Forum are facilitating this developing dialogue.
Flagship Projects (as examples):
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1.1. “Remove phosphates in detergents in countries where this is not yet the case as recommended by the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, i.e. to prepare a timetable for phasing out the use of phosphates in detergents". Without prejudice to the ongoing process within the Commission for possible action at EU level, a timetable should be prepared for the early phasing-out of phosphates in detergents in the Baltic Sea Region. (Lead: Sweden; Deadline: 31 December 2012). FAST TRACK
Report: The aim of the project is to support Baltic Sea Region countries in implementing HELCOM Recommendation 28E/7, e.g. national legislative action to limit the use of phosphates in laundry detergents and automatic dishwasher detergents. This is being accomplished by producing information material for policy-makers. So far, an information leaflet has been produced to provide decision-makers with some answers to frequently asked questions that highlight the possibilities and proportionality of implementing the HELCOM Recommendations. The information leaflet has been made available in both English and Russian (see http://www.kemi.se – choose ‘publications’ then ‘brochures and leaflets’). The English version of the document has been published on various websites, such as those of HELCOM, Priority Area 1 and the Swedish Chemicals Agency. The Russian version will also be published on various websites and distributed to decision-makers around the Baltic Sea. Additional material may be produced upon request from the different MS.
On 4 November 2010, a draft proposal for a harmonised regulation regarding the use of phosphates and other phosphorous compounds in household laundry detergents was presented by the Commission.
The expected finalisation of the project is June 2011.
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1.2. “Cleaner waste water” by identifying and building/upgrading priority Waste Water Treatment Plants around the Baltic Sea (for example in Neman and Sovetsk), taking into account the HELCOM requirements to remove phosphorous and nitrogen (including reaching 0.5 mgP/l treatment efficiency). In addition, the functioning of existing Waste Water Treatment Plants should be improved, taking into account the ongoing HELCOM process, and its requirements and timetable. (Lead: Sweden; Deadline for progress review: to be determined).
Report: The aim of the project is to identify, build or upgrade prioritised Urban Waste Water Treatment Plants (UWWTP) around the Baltic Sea, taking into account the HELCOM requirements to remove phosphorous and nitrogen. The project is so far in its beginning. The first part aims to:
1. Gather information and make a compilation of ongoing projects regarding cleaner waste water within the Baltic Sea Region.
2. Compile existing statistics and make a list of treatment plants and cities to be prioritised in the work of building/upgrading Waste Water Treatment Plants.
3. Identify different countries' difficulties in carrying out the HELCOM Recommendation.
A project group has been established with participants from the countries around the Baltic Sea and HELCOM. One challenge has been to identify people willing to join the project group. Once this has been done, the next steps include action to include Belarus, Russia and Ukraine in the work and the development of a list of necessary actions to help everyone reach the targets. Since the goals of the project are ambitious (to plan, build and have a treatment plant in place take years), it is not possible at this stage to estimate when the Flagship will be finalised.
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1.3. “Analyse results of pilot actions” funded by the Baltic Sea Region programme (under the European Regional Development Fund), LIFE and Baltic 21 on prevention of eutrophication, and recommend best practices for municipalities, agencies and advisory bodies. (Lead: tbc, DG Regional Policy to follow up; Deadline for progress review: 30 June 2010) FAST TRACK.
Report: The PACs have suggested that this Flagship should be transferred, with the Commission monitoring the transfer. The Commission is currently looking into this.
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1.4. “Baltic Deal – Putting best agricultural practices to work”. The eutrophication status of the Baltic Sea is still unsatisfactory, despite decreased nutrient loads in recent decades. The challenge of stopping farm nutrient run-off and leakage entering the Baltic Sea is recognised by the farming community. The Baltic Deal was initiated by five farmers federations as a voluntary sector response. It is now a funded Flagship Project of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region with seven partners, part-funded by the Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-13 and the NEFCO/NIB BSAP Trust Fund, respectively. The strategic project objective is to cost-effectively improve the environmental status of the Baltic Sea, without impairing competitiveness or production. The specific project objective is to develop a joint, transnational Baltic Sea Region approach with national adaptation to advance and strengthen agricultural advisory services and related demonstration activities. (Lead: Federation of Swedish Farmers and Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre; Deadline: 31 December 2013).
Report: The project "Baltic Deal – Putting best agricultural practices to work" officially started in September 2010 following the successful contract negotiation with the Joint Technical Secretariat of the Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007–13. The Baltic Deal's strategic objective is to further reduce agriculture’s contribution of nutrients to the Baltic Sea without hampering competitiveness or production through a strengthened focus on improved agricultural advisory services and demonstration farms. The project consortium involves seven advisory organisations for farmers and agriculture, and together with around 30 associated partners, it covers all Baltic Sea Region countries, including Norway and Russia. Operationally, the focus is primarily to support the countries in their efforts to further strengthen the agricultural advisory services for the effective transfer of knowledge on practices and measures that ensure smarter use of nutrients and thus contribute to reducing nutrient inputs to the Baltic Sea to acceptable levels.
The project is still in an initial phase, but milestones so far include: i) the conference A greener agriculture for a bluer Baltic Sea in November 2010, organised by the two projects Baltic Compass and Baltic Deal, attended by over 140 professionals from 10 Baltic Sea Region countries, and including the award ceremony for the 2010 WWF Baltic Farmers’ Award; ii) a workshop on “similarities and differences among Baltic Sea Region countries with respect to nutrient management, legislation and agricultural advisory services” in January 2011, which will result in a report on the current state-of-the-art; and iii) a pre-planning meeting, also in January, for the pilot project South Baltic Deal – a similar sub-project is planned for the B7 Islands, and a dialogue with the relevant B7 bodies has started on this.
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1.5. “Assessment of regional nutrient pollution load and identification of priority projects to reduce nutrient inputs from Belarus to the Baltic Sea”, in particular in the context of the Northern Dimension Environmental Partnership (Lead: Finland; Deadline: 31 December 2011).
Report: The aim of this project is to reduce the nutrient inputs from Belarus to the Baltic Sea in the context of the Northern Dimension Environmental Partnership, with particular consideration given to such key sectors and areas as agriculture, municipal waste water, industry, and the production and use of detergents containing phosphorus. So far, the terms of reference for an assessment and identification study have been developed by the Central Research Institute for Complex Use of Water Resources, the Ministry of the Environment, Finland, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and HELCOM, and agreed with the Belarusian Ministries of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Housing and Communal Services. The project now awaits the EBRD's financing decision. It is possible that the political situation in Belarus may affect the launch of the project.