HELCOM Priorities under the EU Chairmanship 2016-2018 – Marianne Wenning

HELCOM Priorities under the EU Chairmanship 2016-2018Marianne Wenning, Chair of HELCOMBSPC Standing Committee, 22 February, BrusselsMarianne WenningHelsinki Convention•1974 Convention & 1992 ConventionMarianne WenningHELCOM's VISION: a healthyBaltic Sea environment with diverse biological components functioning in balance, resulting in a good ecological status and supporting a wide range of sustainable economic and social activities.HELCOM -Governing bodyInfluencing decision-makersSupervising implementationDeveloping recommendationsCoordinating plans and strategiesLinking countries, organisations scientistsProviding informationMaking environmental policiesMarianne WenningMonitoring and assessmentAgricultureResponse to spillsFisheriesShippingIndustrial releasesMaritime Spatial PlanningMarine Protected AreasWastewater and marine litterSpecies and habitatsaction areasHELCOM Baltic Sea Action Planto be implemented by 2021Eutrophication:The Baltic Sea unaffected by eutrophicationHazardous substances:The Baltic Sea life undisturbed by hazardous substancesMaritime Activities: Carried out in an environmentally friendly wayBiodiversity:Favourable conservation status of the Baltic SeaMarianne WenningNEW: Marine LitterNEW: Underwater NoiseNEW: Seabed disturbanceEUROPEAN UNION CHAIRMANSHIP OF HELCOMPriority I. Healthy Ecosystem in the Baltic Sea by 2021•Assessing Good Environmental Status (GES) with quantitative indicators–“State of the Baltic Sea” report and Pollution Load Compilation•Responding effectively to key pressures to reach GES e.g.–Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter–Special regulations for shipping under International Maritime Organization–Regional policy on nutrient recycling–Oil response capacityMarianne WenningSummary resultsMarianne WenningStatus of implementation of the Baltic Sea Action PlanIn the figure:Each block represents one actionMarianne Wenningactivities•70% of the joint actions accpmplished, e.g.:-Designation of the Baltic Sea as a special area for sewage discharges from passenger ships inder international law,-A new HELCOM Recommendation on sustainable aquaculture in the Baltic Sea region, -Development of a regional action plan on marine litter•Between 23% and 60% of the national actions have been completed by all or some Contracting Parties, e.g.:-Conservation of at least ten wild salmon river populations, -Implementation of national management plans for harbour seals,-Ratification of the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships Marianne WenningStatus of implementation of the Baltic Sea Action PlanEUROPEAN UNION CHAIRMANSHIP OF HELCOMPriority II. Innovation for Sustainable Blue Economy and healthy ecosystems•Promoting knowledge and innovation –Strengtheningworkon social and economic analysis–Fostering ecosystem-approach in Maritime Spatial Planning–Supporting innovationwith BONUS and EUSBSR •ManagingMarine Protected Areas more efficientlyMarianne WenningEUROPEAN UNION CHAIRMANSHIP OF HELCOMPriority III. Tackling the challenge of regional governance•Cooperation with regional fisheries bodies–Cooperationwith BALTFISH•Contribution to international ocean governance–Linking HELCOM commitments and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development –Further synergies with the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR)–Cooperation with other Regional Sea Conventions and UNEPMarianne Wenning2017 HELCOM High-Level Session: A Roadmap to Agenda 2030 •HELCOM will –coordinate the regional implementation of ocean-related SDGs in the Baltic Sea–Use its indicators to measure and compare progress towards reaching ocean-related SDGs–intensify and focus its efforts towards SDGs addressing issues of regional concern and interest•HELCOM Report "Measuring progress for the same targets" shows HELCOM work contribution to SDGs (Spring 2017)Marianne Wenning1.Taking new action to meet the Sustainable Development Goals in the Baltic Sea2.Strengthening implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan by 2021 as a top priority3.Adjusting the Baltic Sea Action Plan based on new knowledge and future challengeswww.helcom.fi/ministerial2018Marianne WenningMarianne Wenning3/2/1813Thankyoufor yourattention