Report on HELCOM 2018

Reporton the Exercise of theObserver Statusof theBaltic Sea Parliamentary Conference(BSPC) at theBaltic Marine EnvironmentProtection Commission(Helsinki Commission - HELCOM)2018Baltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceBSPCReporton the Exercise of theObserver Statusof theBaltic Sea Parliamentary Conference(BSPC) at theBaltic Marine Environment ProtectionCommission(Helsinki Commission - HELCOM)2018Baltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceBSPC2Report on the Exercise of the Obeserver Statusof the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conferenceat HELCOMT ext: Syvia Bretschneider and Saara-Sofia SirénEditing: Bodo Bahr, Georg Strätker andJulien RadloffLayout: produktionsbüro TINUSPhotos: BSPC SecretariatBaltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceBodo BahrSecretary General+49 171 5512557bodo.bahr@bspcmail.netwww.bspc.netBSPC SecretariatSchlossgartenallee 1519061 SchwerinGermanyThe Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference(BSPC) was established in 1991 as a forum forpolitical dialogue between parliamentariansfrom the Baltic Sea Region. BSPC aims at rais-ing awareness and opinion on issues of currentpolitical interest and relevance for the BalticSea Region. It promotes and drives various in-itiatives and efforts to support a sustainableenvironmental, social and economic develop-ment of the Baltic Sea Region. It strives at en-hancing the visibility of the Baltic Sea Regionand its issues in a wider European context.BSPC gathers parliamentarians from 11national parliaments, 11 regional parliamentsand 5 parliamentary organisations around theBaltic Sea. The BSPC thus constitutes aunique parliamentary bridge between all theEU- and non-EU countries of the Baltic SeaRegion.BSPC external interfaces include parlia-mentary, governmental, sub-regional and oth-er organizations in the Baltic Sea Region andthe Northern Dimension area, among themCBSS, HELCOM, the Northern DimensionPartnership in Health and Social Well-Being(NDPHS), the Baltic Sea Labour Forum(BSLF), the Baltic Sea States Sub-regional Co-operation (BSSSC) and the Baltic Develop-ment Forum.BSPC shall initiate and guide political ac-tivities in the region; support and strengthendemocratic institutions in the participatingstates; improve dialogue between govern-ments, parliaments and civil society; strength-en the common identity of the Baltic Sea Re-gion by means of close co-operation betweennational and regional parliaments on the basisof equality; and initiate and guide political ac-tivities in the Baltic Sea Region, endowingthem with additional democratic legitimacyand parliamentary authority.The political recommendations of the an-nual Parliamentary Conferences are expressedin a Conference Resolution adopted by con-sensus by the Conference. The adopted Reso-lution shall be submitted to the governmentsof the Baltic Sea Region, the CBSS and theEU, and disseminated to other relevant na-tional, regional and local stakeholders in theBaltic Sea Region and its neighbourhood.3ContentsI. Introduction ...................................... 4II. Cooperation between BSPC and HELCOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61. HELCOM Report at the 26th annual BSPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62. Statement of HELCOM at theBSPC Standing Committee Meeting ................. 73. Statement of the BSPC at theHELCOM Ministerial Meeting ...................... 94. BSPC Efforts to Support HELCOM ................. 13III. Main Decisions in 2017-2018 ........................ 141. Status of HOLAS II and theBaltic Sea Action Plan ............................ 142. Ministerial Meeting 2018 ......................... 173. Priorities and Results of the EU Chairmanshipof HELCOM .................................. 194. Cooperation between OSPAR and HELCOM ......... 22IV . Prospects for 2018 and Beyond ....................... 241. Strengthening Cooperation between theBSPC and HELCOM ............................ 242. Finnish HELCOM Chairmanship 2018-2020 .......... 253. Proposed HELCOM work on climate change .......... 264 IntroductionI. IntroductionThe Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HEL-COM) is widely recognized as the main coordinator and imple-menter of actions toward protecting and improving the marine en-vironment in the Baltic Sea. Since its establishment in 1974 andimplementation in 1980, the ten Baltic Sea States that are contract-ing parties of HELCOM have consistently committed themselvesto the goal of achieving a healthy environment in the Baltic Sea. Asthe Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) shares many of theobjectives of HELCOM, it has held an observer status to the com-mission since 2002 and enjoyed a fruitful relationship.In 2017 during the 26th annual conference in Hamburg, the repre-sentatives of the Standing Committee of the BSPC again agreed toextend the mandate of Sylvia Bretschneider and of Saara-Sofia Sirénas a co-observer and co-rapporteur.This report serves as an overview of the significant work done be-tween August 2017 and this year’s 27th Baltic Sea ParliamentaryConference on the 26 – 28 of August in Mariehamn. The reportwill focus on cooperation between BSPC and HELCOM and theprospects for further cooperation between the two, as well as mainSylvia BretschneiderPresident of the LandtagMecklenburg-VorpommernSaara-Sofia SirénMember of theFinnish Parliament5 Introductiondecisions in 2017-2018 and the future work of HELCOM. Addi-tionally, this report provides an update of important processes HEL-COM has been undertaking, as well as a summary of new develop-ments.Furthermore, HELCOM is pleased to announce the Second Holis-tic Assessment of the ecosystem health of the Baltic Sea (HOLASII) has been finalized and approved. This improved assessment pro-vides new tools and standards for the assessment of the environ-mental status of the Baltic Sea and informs directions for movingforward toward the vision of a healthier Baltic Sea. This will helpHELCOM to better determine the current state of the Baltic Seaand to identify next steps to achieve the healthiest status possible.Contracting parties have undergone intense negotiation to developand agree on core indicators, which will be used as the main tools ofthe assessment.This report is primarily based on the 2018 Ministerial Meeting, the39th Helsinki Comission Meeting held in March 2018 and the 53rdand 54th Heads of Delegation meetings. It highlights the most im-portant developments during the 2017-2018 time period.23 August 2018Schwerin, T urku,Sylvia Bretschneider Saara-Sofia SirénBSPC Observer at HELCOM BSPC Observer at HELCOM6 IntroductionII. Cooperation betweenBSPC and HELCOM1. HELCOM Report at the 26th annual BSPCIn this period, the cooperation between BSPC and HELCOM be-gins with HELCOM’s participation in the 26th annual Baltic SeaParliamentary Conference, which took place in Hamburg, Germa-ny on the 3 – 5 of September 2017. Ms. Monika Stankiewicz, theExecutive Secretary of HELCOM, gave a presentation on the Stateof the Baltic Sea Report and the updated Holistic Assessment (HO-LAS II). In her speech, Ms. Stankiewicz first expressed gratitude tothe BSPC for its supportive role in the HELCOM work for the Bal-tic Sea marine environment. She outlined concrete achievements ofHELCOM, especially in reducing inputs of excessive nutrients - ni-trogen and phosphorus - which are responsible for eutrophicationand algal blooms.Ms. Stankiewicz confirmed the reduction of nitrogen and phospho-rus is closely related to improve the treatment of wastewater in thecities around the Baltic Sea according to the regional HELCOMstandards and European directives. She added that EuropeanMonika Stankiewicz, Executive Secretary of HELCOMat the 26th BSPC in Hamburg7 II. Cooperation between BSPC and HELCOMrequirements are not sufficient for the BSR, and with HELCOMstandards being much higher, she expects Europe as a whole tomake efforts toward intensifying their actions. Another importantinitiative was establishing nontoxic areas for shipping in the BalticSea. The initiative, which would result in a reduction of 7 tons ofnitrogen annually, had been taken by the region as the localized re-sponse to the MARPOL convention by IMO. Ms. Stankiewiczstressed the fact that because the Baltic Sea has a large catchmentarea, it requires specific solutions to cater to its size. Therefore, al-though it might be a challenging, lengthy process to achieve thesame rules at the European level, only Baltic actors have the poten-tial to make this change. Stankiewicz added that fortunately Sus-tainable Goals have been gathering political momentum and theBaltic Sea Region should make an effort for the sake of present andfuture generations. Ms. Stankiewicz also highlighted the economicbenefits of protecting the marine environment. Annual losses fromeutrophication amount to 3800 – 4000 million Euro, and annuallosses of recreation value from 1000 – 2200 million Euro. Thereforepromoting the sustainable holistic preservation of the Baltic Sea isin both the people’s and the environment’s best interest.2. Statement of HELCOM at the BSPC StandingCommittee MeetingOne great example of the strong cooperation between BSPC andHELCOM was demonstrated through HELCOM’s participationin the Standing Committee meeting of BSPC in February 2018.Under the Chairmanship of BSPC President Jörgen Pettersson, theChair of HELCOM Ms Marianne Wenning was invited to discussthe developments and activities of HELCOM.Ms Marianne Wenning, Chairlady of HELCOM, presented thecurrent state of the implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan2021 and pointed out that not much time was left for completingthe plan. The Action Plan had been structured around a set of Eco-logical Objectives used to define indicators and targets, includingeffect-based nutrient input ceilings, and to monitor implementa-tion. To the four main objectives of the BSAP – 1) a Baltic Sea un-affected by eutrophication 2) a Baltic Sea undisturbed by hazardoussubstances 3) a Baltic Sea with environmentally friendly maritimeactivities and 4) a favourable conservation status of Baltic Sea biodi-versity –, three new issues were added: seabed disturbance, under-water noise and marine litter. Ms Wenning noted that during the8 II. Cooperation between BSPC and HELCOMEuropean Union Chairmanship of HELCOM, the State of the Bal-tic Sea 2017 Report had been presented. This holistic assessment,covering and linking within one conceptual framework all impor-tant ecosystem components and pressures from human activities, aswell as social and economic analysis, was based on over 30 core in-dicators. Various ecosystem components had been analysed: pelagicand benthic habitats, fish, seals, birds which had been subjected tovarious pressures: eutrophication, hazardous substances, alien spe-cies, extraction of fish through commercial fishing, marine litter,underwater sound, and seabed disturbance. Regrettably, the graphshown by Ms Wenning indicated mainly a poor state of the BalticSea. For instance, the Baltic Sea was still highly affected by eutroph-ication, even though phosphorous and nitrogen inputs – causingeutrophication – had been reduced significantly. There were somepositive signs regarding the status, though, such as a decrease in nu-trient concentrations and improved water clarity in parts of the Bal-tic Sea. That would indicate that several measures to improve thestatus of the Baltic Sea were operating but might not be sufficientlycomprehensive or had not been in place long enough to have an ef-fect. Furthermore, she admitted that the Baltic Sea Action Plan hadnot yet been fully implemented. About 70% of the agreed joint re-gional actions in the Plan had been carried out. Regarding actionsto be implemented on a national level, the corresponding numberwas between 35% and 60% depending on the country. If all agreedactions of the Baltic Sea Action Plan were to be taken, this wouldbring about increased human welfare and economic benefits to cit-izens in the coastal countries, as evidenced in the State of the BalticSea report. Ms Wenning emphasized that total losses due to eu-trophication had been estimated at 3.8 – 4.4 billion euros annuallyfor the Baltic Sea region. In other words, citizens’ welfare would in-crease by this much each year if a good eutrophication status wasachieved. Similarly, recreation values would increase by 1 – 2 billioneuros each year in a good state of the environment. The speaker not-ed that HELCOM had been considering the results of the assess-ment in order to plan further steps.9 II. Cooperation between BSPC and HELCOM3. Statement of the BSPC at the HELCOMMinisterial MeetingBSPC President Jörgen Pettersson in attendance at the MinisterialMeeting made a statement to reiterate his support of the HELCOMBaltic Sea Action Plan’s progress. Foremost in his speech, he calledupon the participating governments to make sure Baltic Sea objec-tives are completed on schedule so that the projects do not becomemore expensive and challenging in the future. In this regard, he addi-tionally called for more regular HELCOM Ministerial Meetings inorder to bring the issues of a clean Baltic Sea more deeply into the po-litical debate and to ensure the schedule for certain projects is beingmet. The BSPC, he said, fully supports HELCOM as the coordinatorof the regional implementation of the UN Agenda 2030 throughstrengthened implementation of the HELCOM BSAP .The BSPC President also discussed the climate debate as an overar-ching issue which needs to be addressed at multiple levels. If climatechange is not addressed properly in future, policies and projects re-garding the Baltic Sea, Mr. Pettersson noted there would be a muchhigher risk of projects becoming more complicated through prob-lems such as cost increase and having to cut down on objectives,which would be detrimental to the environment as well as citizensof the Baltic region and beyond.BSPC President Jörgen Pettersson at theHELCOM Ministerial Meeting10 II. Cooperation between BSPC and HELCOMThe BSPC President is committed to support HELCOM strengthenactions for a healthy Baltic Sea and meet its goals in a timely manner.In his statement, Mr. Pettersson commented: “Apart from all the pro-gress achieved by HELCOM in the meantime, the current situationshows us that appeals alone are not enough. We must act more wide-ly and rigorously and make greater efforts. At this point, it may notbe impossible but certainly a particular challenge to implement therequirements of the action plan on time by 2021 and the furthergoals of HELCOM. If we want to achieve these goals, we have toforce ourselves to act more stringently than before.“ BSPC President Jörgen Pettersson and EU CommissionerKarmenu Vella at the HELCOM Ministerial MeetingEU Commissioner Karmenu Vella, Jörgen Petterssonand Bodo Bahr11 II. Cooperation between BSPC and HELCOMMr. Pettersson also thanked and congratulated different people andorganizations who have contributed to the success of HELCOM.He specifically thanked the HELCOM Chairs and Executive Secre-taries for keeping the BSPC regularly informed on the continueddevelopment.Pettersson restated the common priorities and regional strategies ofaction of Baltic Sea governments which were discussed at the 26thAnnual Conference last year in Hamburg. He considers these re-sponsibilities crucial to the health of the Baltic Sea and the sustain-ability of its resources. In summary, these priorities include:1. continuing to intensify the cooperation of governments and or-ganizations in the Baltic Sea Region on common priorities anddeveloping respective regional strategies and action plans;2. further strengthening HELCOM as the coordinator of the re-gional implementation of ocean-related goals of the 2030 Sus-tainable Development Agenda of the United Nations;3. supporting HELCOM in elaborating a regional action plan onunderwater noise as well as in implementing the marine litterregional action plan and in its battle against eutrophication.In his closing statement, Petterrsson assured the Meeting: “The Bal-tic Sea Parliamentary Conference in Åland on 26-28 August 2018will continue on this path, and also offer dialogue, debate, solu-tions, friendship and a strong will to increase cooperation, Jörgen Pettersson and Monika Stankiewicz at theHELCOM Ministerial Meeting12 III. Main Decisions in 2016-2017prosperity and a healthy environment in the region. We are the Is-lands of Peace in the midst of the Baltic Sea, and we want the wholeof the Baltic Sea Region to follow our example.“As President of the BSPC and close partner to HELCOM, Petters-son hopes to see HELCOM continue to thrive and grow as a guard-ian of the Baltic Sea, the body of water which has become a com-mon cause of diplomacy for connecting many diverse countries. Jörgen Pettersson, HELCOM Chairlady Marianne Wenning, Bodo Bahrand Deputy Prime Minister of the Åland Islands, Camilla Gunnell13 III. Main Decisions in 2016-20174. BSPC Efforts to Support HELCOMThe cooperation between HELCOM and BSPC this year was notonly demonstrated through HELCOM participation at BSPC events,but also through BSPC taking actions to lend its support in HEL-COM’s work. Part of this effort can be seen in the in points 2 and 3of the 26th BSPC resolution in regard to cooperation in the region inwhich the BSPC has committed to further strengthen and developHELCOM as the coordinator of the regional implementation ofocean-related goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda ofthe United Nations. This will be achieved through the strengthenedimplementation of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan and furtherdedication to achieve a Baltic Sea in good environmental status by2021 and if applicable, by renewing the Baltic Sea Action Plan in linewith the UN Sustainable Development Agenda with a time perspec-tive until 2030. The resolution further supports HELCOM in elabo-rating a regional action plan on underwater noise, implementing themarine litter regional action plan, and fighting eutrophication. Fur-thermore, the BSPC welcomes concrete measures from HELCOMto reduce the input of plastics into the marine environment.Finally, Jörgen Pettersson also discussed BSPC relations with HEL-COM during an intensive conversation with the European Com-missioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries,Karmenu Vella at the Minsterial Meeting in Brussels. In this con-versation, the BSPC President called for more action rather thanjust discussions and debates.14 III. Main Decisions in 2016-2017III. Main Decisions in2017-20181. Status of HOLAS II and theBaltic Sea Action PlanIn 2010, HELCOM performed the initial Holistic Assessment ofthe Ecosystem Health of the Baltic Sea (HOLAS I). From 2014 tothe present, HELCOM has been developing an updated assessment(HOLAS II) which is based on the results of HOLAS I. The goal ofa second HOLAS is to determine what needs to be done for the Bal-tic Sea to reach healthier status and how to pursue these actions sus-tainably. This is done through the identification of key indicators,which indicate the status of specific elements of biodiversity andhuman-induced pressures on the Baltic Sea against regionally agreedthreshold values, based on current knowledge and available data forthe assessment. This assessment influences and tracks the progressin achieving the Baltic Sea Action Plan’s objectives, but may also beable to help EU member States in their reporting for the EU Ma-rine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Contracting partieshave overcome many challenges to agree on core indicators, whichare the primary assessment tools of HOLAS II, as well as other as-sessment measures.The final version of the second Holistic Assessment (HOLAS II)was approved at the 54th Heads of Delegation meeting in Helsinki,Finland in mid June 2018. The assessment has been well received,as many respondents have highlighted the usefulness of such a com-prehensive report as the main point of reference to the state of theBaltic Sea. Eighty percent of the respondents agreed the updated as-sessment provides sufficient direction for the protection and sus-tainable use of the Baltic Sea, and eighty seven percent found the as-sessment results specifically relevant to their work.The main strength of the report is its holistic approach, the diversi-ty and scope of its topics, and the large amount of data and infor-mation that is used to support the assessments. Many respondentsalso recognized and appreciated that the assessments are based onup to date knowledge, technology, and research, which is helpful inmaking sure projects and programs are being carried out with thebest resources available. The HOLAS II project has involved morethan three hundred topical experts and national representativesfrom marine management authorities around the Baltic Sea, andtheir participation in the creation of the new assessment along with15 III. Main Decisions in 2016-2017their consultation and experience have significantly helped to fur-ther strengthen the report. Other elements worth recognition in-clude the expansion of social and economic analyses compared tothe initial HELCOM holistic assessment, the focus on additionalpressures such as marine litter and underwater sound, and the in-clusion of an evaluation of confidence status.In addition to the current objectives on eutrophication, biodiversi-ty, maritime activities and hazardous substances, the BSAP incorpo-rates new perspectives beyond 2021. For example, the report focus-es on an ecosystem approach and giving due consideration to theeconomic and social aspects of its measures. The report addressesemerging pressures such as underwater noise, pharmaceuticals andmicro-plastics. It also takes note of trends over time and spatial as-pects, as far as data are available, in order to predict potential futuredevelopments and identify geographic areas of major importancefor the assessed themes. The update of the BSAP particularly reso-nates with the region’s desire to intensify its efforts for a healthy Bal-tic Sea and to better adhere to its timely schedule of goals.In short, the main components of the assessment are:a. Distribution of human activities and pressures in the Baltic Sea.Cumulative impacts are assessed using the Baltic Sea Pressureand Impact Index;b. Assessment of good environmental status using core indicators,and integrated assessments of Biodiversity, Eutrophication,Hazardous substances;c. Economic and social analyses to support regional assessmentsof the use of marine waters and cost of degradation.There remains the question of how this new assessment can contin-ue to be updated and improved going into the future. There havebeen numerous proposals on what to include in the drafting of aHOLAS III. One of the main weaknesses addressed in HOLAS IIwas the lack of availability of data, which has been noted as an ob-vious task for future. Other proposals for a future assessment in-clude to:• ensure comparability of results between assessment periods sothat improvements can be assessed,• put more emphasis on implementation of necessary measures,16 III. Main Decisions in 2016-2017• relate results to the delivery of SDG objectives and describethe extent to which the region, contributes to SDG14 andother relevant goals,• provide linkages to EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region,• rank pressures and impacts clearly,• focus on pressures and impacts of climate change on biodiver-sity and the marine environment that could prevent achieve-ment of a good environmental status of the Baltic Sea,• focus more on the results and leave out some of the back-ground/enrichment information and highlight even more thekey findings,• regional reporting of relevant indicators from the ContractingParties to UN custodian agencies and facilitate joint imple-mentation of the Sustainable Development Goals.Because data quickly becomes old and irrelevant, it is also proposedto set up a supplementary website, in which indicator evaluationsand associated information are provided in live tables, updated fre-quently during the years between Holistic Assessments.HELCOM and Contracting Parties have pledged to strengthen theimplementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan at the UN OceanConference, 5-9 June 2017, New York. The commitment is to con-tinue implementation of the agreed actions that will contribute tothe implementation of SDG 14, and for instance, includes:a. speeding up the implementation of the marine litter regionalaction plan, continuing its battle against eutrophication andplanning towards the elaboration of a regional action plan onunderwater noise, to fulfil SDG 14.1,b. ensuring close cooperation on any maritime spatial planning inthe Baltic Sea area and management plans for all marine pro-tected areas, to fulfil SDG 14.2 and 14.5,c. supporting sustainable agricultural practices, to contribute toSDG 2.4, and ecosystem-related fishery measures, towardsSDG 14.4 and 14.6.Through these assessments and strategies, HELCOM will strive formore resilient marine ecosystems to be better prepared for human-17 IV . Prospects for 2018 and Beyondinduced climate change challenges. It will also promote further re -gional development of socio-economic analyses to create tailor-madeconnecting points between implementation of different SDGs.2. Ministerial Meeting 2018On the 6th of March 2018, the Ministerial Meeting of the HEL-COM took place in Brussels, Belgium. This important meetingserves as a response to the call for action in the Baltic Sea based onthe United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development(SDGs). During this event, the environment ministers of countriesbordering on the Baltic Sea, along with EU Commissioner for En-vironment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, assessedthe environmental status of the Baltic Sea as well as the degree ofprogress made to restore the good environmental status of the Bal-tic marine environment by 2021. Setting an ambitious path to-wards achieving a healthy marine environment, the parties focusedon the following issues:I. Taking new action to meet the SustainableDevelopment Goals in the Baltic SeaThe countries around the Baltic Sea have agreed to use HELCOM asthe regional arena for coordinating work on those SDGs that relate tomarine and water issues. The main issues discussed in the meeting in-clude eutrophication, nutrient recycling, marine litter, hazardoussubstances, underwater noise, biodiversity, climate change, ecosystemapproach, and improving regional ocean governance.II. Strengthening implementation of the Baltic SeaAction Plan by 2021 as a top priorityThe Baltic Sea Action Plan, which strives for a healthy Baltic Sea by2021, depends largely on timely executed, cooperative strategies.HELCOM’s evaluation on the fulfilment of BSAP actions as well asthe assessments of the state of the marine environment show thatwhile much has been accomplished and positive signs of improve-ment have been shown, the efforts have not yet led to the recoveryof the Baltic Sea. The Meeting calls for intensified efforts to reach18 IV . Prospects for 2018 and Beyondcommon goals in order to achieve more progress on the BSAP andtherefore complete the goals of Agenda 2030 in the region.III. Adjusting the Baltic Sea Action Plan based on newknowledge and future challengesAs scientific knowledge and technologic innovation grows and newissues emerge, the BSAP must undergo reforms to reflect the chang-ing situation and to meet the relevant Sustainable DevelopmentGoals. Supported by up to date information, the Meeting plans thenext steps to focus on the issues that are most widely distributedand pose the greatest threat, along with climate change and any sit-uations that will develop in the future.The results of the meeting were laid down in a common declaration,which adapts the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan based on newknowledge and challenges acknowledges the BSAP will be built offthe framework of the SDGs as it continues to be updated. The Dec-laration also enhances efforts made to reach the existing goals whiledeveloping a regional strategy on the recycling of nutrients. Theparties welcomed the progress which has been made in reducingtheir nutrient input to the Baltic Sea from land-based sources. Theyalso addressed inputs from ships by designating the Baltic Sea as aspecial area under MARPOL Annexes IV and as a NOx EmissionControl Area (NECA) under MARPOL Annex VI. Furthermore,the parties appreciated the HELCOM commitment at the UNOcean Conference on NECA to promote green shipping technolo-gy and use of alternative fuels, including LNG. They also supportedthe recent International Maritime Organization (IMO) decision onthe date of enforcement of the Baltic Sea as a special area underMARPOL Annex IV.During the meeting, OSPAR highlighted the shared vision by HEL-COM and OSPAR on the ecosystem approach as well as sharing thetransition area between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea as a palpa-ble basis for cooperation. Ms. Salvador, Executive Secretary ofOSPAR, stated regional collaboration will play a substantive role insupporting the implementation of the UN Agenda 2030.As rising HELCOM Chair, Finland made it clear that with onlythree years left to reach the goals of the BSAP , HELCOM is laggingbehind in the implementation and needs to take appropriate19 IV . Prospects for 2018 and Beyondactions to meet deadlines. Finland has committed to focus on theimplementation of remaining national actions will facilitate the im-plementation of the joint actions. It is also important to note theMeeting shared information from Finland that the UN Environ-ment Assembly has made resolutions regarding marine litter andhas established an expert group on marine litter and microplastics.One highlight of the meeting was a letter sent by the HELCOMChair to the current Chair of BALTFISH (Denmark), the upcom-ing HELCOM Chair (Finland) and the upcoming BALTFISHChair (Sweden) suggesting a meeting between HELCOM andBALTFISH to discuss closer cooperation between management offisheries and marine environment. This is a huge step forward as theEU Chairmanship has been striving toward more communicationand synergy between different organizations in order to preserve thehealth of the Baltic as a unified team.3. Priorities and Results of the EU Chairmanshipof HELCOMAs the EU’s HELCOM Chairmanship ends, it is important to rec-ognize the progress of the goals and priorities they had set undertheir leadership. Information to and results of the three main prior-ities of the EU Chairmanship can be found below:I. Reaching a healthy ecosystem in the Baltic Sea by2021The first priority was to assess good environmental status with quan-titative indicators to thereby be able to reflect on the current state,pressures, and impacts on the Baltic Sea. The Chairmanship hassucceeded in delivering the results of the HOLAS II assessment inJuly 2017, as well as updating and finalizing HOLAS II and havingit approved by the 54th Heads of Delegation meeting in June 2018.The Chairmanship has also been able to quantify pressures and ef-fects with the latest Pollution Load Compilation (PLC), which wasbased on the report on sources and pathways of nutrient inputs byHELCOM presented at the 53rd Heads of Delegations meeting in2017. This measure illustrates the contribution of various sources ofnitrogen and phosphorus to total loads in 2014 and has helpedmake progress in reducing pressures on the marine environment to20 IV . Prospects for 2018 and Beyondreach a healthier ecosystem. Furthermore, the Chairmanship hasaccomplished the development and adoption of core indicators formarine litter and underwater noise as proposed by HELCOM’sguidelines in May 2018. However, core indicators for seafloor in-tegrity have only been partly accomplished, and therefore will re-quire efforts from the new Chairmanship to be completed.The EU Chairmanship has also succeeded in making a stronger andmore effective response to nutrient enrichment through appropriatemeasures. This has been done through programs and agreements suchas the HELCOM recommendation on sewage sludge, a new regionalproject on manure nutrient content, and the Brussels MinisterialDeclaration to elaborate a nutrient recycling strategy by 2020. Theseeffective responses have accomplished a NOx Emission Control Areain the Baltic Sea, adequate port reception facilities, and the accept-ance of more sustainable agricultural practices. The EU Chairman-ship also met its priority to encourage strategic engagement with oth-er sectors in order to deliver innovative solutions to marine issues.One of these important solutions to take note of is the effort towardnutrient removal, which took place through the HELCOM lead pro-ject (OPENRISK) on open tools for assessing the risk of maritime ac-cidents and spills and can also be seen in the Brussel Ministerial nu-trient recycling strategy elaboration. The EU was only partially ableto build a stronger response to marine litter, which they have beenstriving toward with appropriate measures and regional action plans.However, the EU Chairmanship has set a foundation to improve ac-tions against marine litter, and the Finnish Chairmanship will be ableto take over this responsibility with confidence.II. Innovation for a sustainable Blue Economy andhealthy ecosystemsThe second major priority of the EU Chairmanship was to promoteknowledge and innovation in the Baltic Sea. Spreading informationand encouraging scientific and technological progress brings invest-ment in Blue Growth sectors with strong potential, which keeps theecosystem in the Baltic healthy. Such a system is known as the sus-tainable Blue Economy. This has been achieved through actionssuch as publishing the HOLAS II results and BONUS projects’ re-sults, ecosystem service mapping and the assessment of their socialand economic values, and fostering the application of the ecosys-tem-based approach in maritime spatial planning. In terms of mar-itime spatial planning, HELCOM, in partnership with 12 other na-tional authorities, has launched a new project on ecosystem21 IV . Prospects for 2018 and Beyondapproaches known as “Pan Baltic Scope,” scheduled to take placebetween January 2018 and December 2019. The goal of this projectis to promote coherent Baltic Sea maritime spatial planning and toconstruct sustainable macro-region mechanisms for MSP coopera-tion across borders.Another aspect of this priority is to maintain a well-managed net-work of marine protected areas. HELCOM recognizes marine pro-tected areas (MPA) as a key factor in establishing a sustainable blueeconomy because they help rebuild fish stocks and preserve coastalareas, while also contributing to coastal and marine tourism. Forthis HELCOM-directed responsibility, the EU Chairmanship willbe handing the strategies over to Finland. These include monitoringthe MPA network and implementing the guidelines on manage-ment of seafloor integrity and fisheries in protected areas, improv-ing the enforcement and coordination of management measures tominimise pressures and impacts on MPAs (in particular for transna-tional ones), and assessing the effectiveness of management meas-ures both for individual sites and at network level. Environmentaltargets can be coordinated with economic and social goals and sup-port each other using the HOLAS II results.III: Tackling the challenge of regional governanceUnder the subject of regional governance, the EU Chairmanshipfound it important to increase exchange of information and bettercooperation between HELCOM and the relevant Regional Fisher-ies Bodies. This was exemplified through agreements such as theBrussel Ministerial Declaration on a nutrient recycling program by2020, in which HELCOM agreed to use the Baltic Sea 2030 Actionto strengthen regional governance. The Declaration also agreed tostrengthen cooperation with BALTFISH and the Baltic Sea Adviso-ry Council in order to sustain a coherent communication networkbetween marine and fishery management measures. Such an ex-change is beneficial to create synergy between the specific goals ofthe different groups and prevent overlapping. Furthermore, in con-tribution to international ocean governance, the EU Chairmanshiphas developed synergies with regional or European governanceframeworks, for instance with the EUSBSR. The EU has also main-tained HELCOM’s crucial role in the implementation of SDG 14on oceans and seas, which can be seen in the decision to update theBSAP and the local implementation of ocean-related SDGs in theBaltic Sea.22 IV . Prospects for 2018 and Beyond4. Cooperation between OSPAR and HELCOMFor many years, HELCOM and OSPAR, The Convention for theProtection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic,have collaborated closely on a wide range of topics, and their cooper-ation has led to significant efficiency and the implementation of cer-tain effective measures. Among the efficiency gains are joint requeststo ICES, joint work on indicators, sharing databases, and jointly de-veloping measures under both Conventions on the Regional ActionPlan on Marine Litter. In the development of effective measures re-garding invasive species, underwater noise and migratory birds, coop-eration is always an advantage. OSPAR welcomes further discussionswith HELCOM to identify new issues of common concern that willcontribute to support the implementation of SDG 14 and in this re-gard welcomes further cooperation in existing work.During the HELCOM Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, the OsparCommission (OSPAR), represented by Chair Laura Piriz, reiterat-ed its support to HELCOM’s monumental efforts for protectionof the marine environment as well as healthy and productiveoceans and seas. OSPAR also welcomed the possibility to submitviews and suggestion on areas of further cooperation betweenHELCOM and OSPAR in preparation of the HELCOM Minis-terial Meeting in March 2018. HELCOM and OSPAR have acommon vision of an ecosystem approach to managing human ac-tivities impacting on the marine environment as reflected by thejoint adoption of the “Statement on the Ecosystem Approach tothe Management of Human Activities” at the joint MinisterialMeeting held in Bremen in June 2003.OSPAR congratulated HELCOM for the State of the Baltic Sea re-port HOLAS II and acknowledged the cooperation in relation tocommon indicators in both HOLAS II and the OSPAR Intermedi-ate Assessment 2017. It also welcomed HELCOM’s engagement inthe global process of fulfilling the UN Sustainable DevelopmentGoals, especially goal 14 ‘Conserve and sustainably use the oceans,seas and marine resources for sustainable development’.HELCOM and OSPAR depend on the influence of countries(Denmark, Finland, Germany and Sweden) that are ContractingParties to both Conventions and have contributed towards the en-hancement of common knowledge and experiences. Furthermore,the two Conventions share a particular transition area with the Kat-tegat region where the North Sea and the Baltic Sea connect. It is inthis transition area and the North Sea/Baltic Sea that the most op-portunities for enhanced collaboration and cooperation exist.23 IV . Prospects for 2018 and BeyondAmongst a wider scope of opportunities for HELCOM and OSPARto join efforts in the future, some of the steps already taken on spe-cific areas of work can be further developed through cooperation atthematic, regional, European and global levels, along with opportu-nities for collaborative activities. OSPAR proposed joint researchand action on the topics of Biodiversity, Environmental Impact ofHuman Activities, Hazardous substances, European Union MarineStrategy Framework Directive, Emerging and horizontal issues.In conclusion and bearing in mind OSPAR’s example of good col-laboration between Regional Sea Conventions, OSPAR will en-deavour to collaborate with HELCOM, and to draw from each oth-er’s relevant experience and support our Contracting Parties on theimplementation of the United Nations Agenda 2030 and the Sus-tainable Development Goal issues, addressing subjects of regionalconcern and common interest.24Opening of the ConferenceIV. Prospects for 2018 andBeyond1. Strengthening Cooperation between the BSPCand HELCOMMoving forward, the BSPC strives to continue and strengthen itsrelationship with its partner HELCOM. Regarding this, the BSPChas again devoted language in its resolution of the 26th annual Bal-tic Sea Parliamentary Conference to build upon its support of thework of HELCOM. Acknowledging that regional implementationof ocean-related goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agen-da of the United Nations should be a major objective of the region,the BSPC parties have committed to further strengthening and de-veloping HELCOM’s role as the major coordinator of this goal inthe region. In order to do this, it will be necessary for the BSPC tosupport and strengthen the implementation of the Baltic Sea ActionPlan by the governments and make an even stronger commitmentto achieve a suitable environmental status for the Baltic Sea by2021. If applicable, it is also important that the Baltic Sea ActionPlan will be renewed in line with the UN Sustainable DevelopmentAgenda with commitments extending to 2030.Additionally, the parties expressed their commitment to supportHELCOM in some of their major objectives by helping to developa regional action plans on underwater noise and beach litter, andproviding support in implementing the Marine Litter Regional Ac-tion Plan.To support the implementation and realization of the work, it is im-portant to strengthen the cooperation between the BSPC and HEL-COM. Therefore a closer partnership and possibilities for a moreactive participation of observers in future HELCOM work wouldbe useful.25Opening of the Conference2. Finnish HELCOM Chairmanship 2018-2020As Finland assumes the HELCOM Chairmanship from 2018 to2020, the new Chair Ms. Saara Bäck and Vice Chair Ms. TarjaHaaranen from the Ministry of Environment have committed theirChairmanship team to the following four top priorities:I. Updating the Baltic Sea Action PlanThe HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) is HELCOM’sroadmap for achieving a healthy Baltic Sea. Many of the measuresand actions of the 2007 Action Plan have been accomplished;however, favorable environmental status remains to be achieved.The Ministerial Meeting in 2018 agreed to embark on updatingthe Action Plan by 2021. This will necessitate a solid scientif-ic-technical background, involvement of the stakeholders,cross-sectorial working mode of the policy-makers and mobiliza-tion of funding for measures and actions. The Chair of HELCOMis therefore committed to lead the updating the Baltic Sea ActionPlan and to find common solutions to formulate an ambitiousand realistic updated Plan.II. Reduction of nutrient inputs and nutrient recyclingEutrophication, which is the excess input of nutrients to the BalticSea, is still a main environmental problem. HELCOM has been aglobal forerunner with its regional science-based nutrient input re-duction targets and burden-sharing system. Inputs of nutrients havedeclined in parts of the sea, but further work is still needed to pre-vent losses of nutrients to the sea. An important measure to securethe balance of ocean nutrients is the recycling of nutrients. TheHELCOM Chair is committed to facilitating the fine-tuning of thenutrient input reduction system based on the agreed Maximum Al-lowable Inputs and to developing an effective follow-up system. TheChair is also ready to dedicate significant effort to formulate BalticSea regional strategy on nutrient recycling and related actions forinclusion in the updated BSAP .26Opening of the ConferenceIII. Baltic Sea and Climate ChangeClimate change causes multiple impacts on the Baltic Sea and itsmarine flora and fauna. This change happens fast and, as a response,policies and strategies need to adjust accordingly. The Baltic Sea ispart of the carbon cycle, but our understanding of its role in the car-bon cycle, e.g. its carbon storage services, is still meager. HELCOMcould play a role in climate change mitigation by working to reducethe load of organic carbon to the Baltic and by maximizing storageof carbon in the Baltic Sea. The Chair wants to ensure consequenc-es of climate change, such as warming, sea ice decline, anoxia andshifting species ranges will be taken into account when the BSAPwill be updated. It also aims to work towards a better understandingof the role of the Baltic Sea in the global carbon cycle.IV . Synergy between Agenda 2030 and HELCOM workAgenda 2030 provides a global framework for HELCOM’s worktowards sustainable development in the Baltic Sea region. It alsoplaces HELCOM on the global ocean agenda as the major BalticSea regional organisation. The Chair strives to create and maintainstrong synergistic links between the Agenda 2030 process and HEL-COM work.3. Proposed HELCOM work on climate changeThe ultimate aim of HELCOM work on climate change has beenidentified as increasing the resilience of the system about climatechange impacts. From a HELCOM perspective, the following stepshave been identified as possible ways to support the process towardsreaching this aim:1. the provisioning of robust, policy relevant, research-basedknowledge on the impacts and vulnerabilities to climate change;2. ensuring a platform for a policy/stakeholder-science dialogueand3. reviewing policies in the light of climate adaptation.27Opening of the ConferenceTo achieve this, the primary climate change objective of HELCOMis to provide a coordinating framework to centralize and synthesizethe latest knowledge on the effects of climate change for the BalticSea region through e.g. the development of a Baltic Sea climatechange report card. Such an approach would provide a clear path-way from science to policy, with clear guidance on the level of con-fidence in information being presented, and facilitate the develop-ment of appropriate advisory approaches to support the update andimplementation of the BSAP .To achieve the goals laid out by HELCOM, there is a need for sci-entific expertise on both direct and indirect effects of climate changeon the Baltic Sea environment. This coordinating framework andsubsequent platform is suggested to take the form of a HELCOMExpert Network on Climate Change (EN CLIME), to be housedunder and guided by the State and Conservation group. However,as climate change is a cross-cutting issue the proposed EN CLIMEwould need to have an inclusive working structure and prioritizeclose cooperation with both internal (e.g. Expert Networks) and ex-ternal partners (e.g. Baltic Earth). This would also help ensure thatthe standard and usability of the work is high, and avoid differentorganizations from repeating the work of others.The work of EN CLIME, through products such as the report card,would reduce the lag time for transferring quality assured science toend users with clear guidance on the level of confidence in the sci-ence. The work could also support the assessment of knowledgegaps and future research priorities and ensure that new scientificfindings on climate change and its impacts on oceans and seasshould be visible in HELCOM, as well as find their way into HEL-COM decision-making and the day to day work.The main product of the EN CLIME work would be a concise andeasily accessible report card synthesizing the latest climate changescience to assist decision-makers in their understanding of whatchanges have already taken place, and what may occur in the future.The confidence of the research results presented in the report cardsshould be supported by showing climate change results predomi-nantly based on commonly agreed modelling. To account for this,and to provide the highest possible standards of transparency, thereport cards would be accompanied by associated reports providingmore in depth information on the process and background behindthe work. The fully-citable report cards and associated reportswould draw on the best of regional and international science, utiliz-ing already available results and information.Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conferencewww.bspc.netBSPC SecretariatSchlossgartenallee 1519061 SchwerinGermany