BSPC Climate Change and Biodiversity 2024

33BSPCYEARSReport on Climate Change and Biodiversityin the Baltic Sea RegionSeptember 202433BSPCYEARSReport on Climate Change and Biodiversityin the Baltic Sea RegionSeptember 2024The Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) was established in 1991 as a forum for polit-ical dialogue between parliamentarians from the Baltic Sea Region. The BSPC aims toraise awareness and opinion on issues of current political interest and relevance for the Bal-The BSPC Rapporteur’stic Sea Region. It promotes and drives various initiatives and efforts to support the sustain-First Report on Climate Changeable environmental, social and economic development of the Baltic Sea Region. It strives toand Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Regionenhance the visibility of the Baltic Sea Region and its issues in a broader European context.© Schwerin, September 2024 BSPC gathers parliamentarians from 10 national parliaments, 7 regional parliaments and 5parliamentary organisations around the Baltic Sea. The BSPC thus constitutes a unique par-Text: P hilipp da Cunha liamentary bridge between the democratic EU- and non-EU countries of the Baltic Sea Re-gion. BSPC external interfaces include parliamentary, governmental, subregional and otherEditing: E vgeniya Bakalova, Sophia-Kristin Strübing, organisations in the Baltic Sea Region and the Northern Dimension area, among themGeorg Strätker and Bodo Bahr CBSS, HELCOM, the North-ern Dimension Partnership in Health and Social Well-Being(NDPHS), the Baltic Sea Labour Forum (BSLF) and the Baltic Sea States SubregionalPhoto: Landtag Mecklenburg-VorpommernCooperation (BSSSC).Layout: produktionsbüro TINUSThe BSPC shall initiate and guide political activities in the region; support andstrengthen democratic institutions in the participating states; improve dialogue betweenBaltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Bodo Bahr governments, parliaments and civil society; strengthen the common identity of the BalticSecretary General Sea Region by means of close cooperation between national and regional parliaments based+49 171 5512557 on equality; and initiate and guide political activities in the Baltic Sea Region, endowing thembodo.bahr@bspcmail.net www.bspc.net with ad- ditional democratic legitimacy and parliamentary authority.BSPC Secretariat The political recommendations of the annual Parliamentary Conferences are expressed inSchlossgartenallee 15 a Conference Resolution adopted by consensus by the Conference. The adopted Resolution19061 Schwerin shall be submitted to the governments of the Baltic Sea Region, the CBSS and the EU andGermany dissemi-nated to other relevant national, regional and local stakeholders in the Baltic Sea Re-gion and its neighbourhood.3 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportContents1.Introduction ......................................................................52. Political Recommendations of the Working Group on Climate Change and Biodiversity:Main Messages and Outcomes ........................................................83. Excerpts from Statements of the Governments in the Baltic Sea Region to the RelevantRecommendations of the 32nd BSPC Resolution ..........................................10Resolution Item 32 (Coastal Management Plans) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Resolution Item 33 (Marine Protected Areas, MPAs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Resolution Item 34 (BBNJ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Resolution Item 35 (Implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Resolution Item 36 (Research- and Science-Based Sustainable Fishing Quotas) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Climate Change .................................................................17Resolution Item 40 (National Climate Targets Under the Paris Agreement) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Resolution Item 41 (Regional Cooperation and Joint Strategies to Address Climate Change) . . . . . . . . .19Resolution Item 42 (Efforts to Promote the Implementation of Climate Targets by the Largest CO2 emitters) . . . . . . 20Resolution Item 43 (Renewable Energy Development) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Resolution Item 44 (Decreasing Dependence on Raw Materials’ Suppliers and Transitioning TowardsLow-Carbon Energy Systems ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Resolution Item 45 (Raising Awareness on the Implementation of Climate Change Measures) . . . . . . . .25Resolution Item 46 (Research and Innovation in Climate Change Mitigation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Resolution Item 47 (Climate Change Education) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Resolution Item 48 (Cross-Border Cooperation on Regional Climate Initiatives) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Resolution Item 49 (Baltic Sea Climate and Biodiversity Summits) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .314 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportBiodiversity ....................................................................32Resolution Item 50 (Reversing Biodiversity Loss by 2030) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Resolution Item 51 (Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, GBF) . . 33Resolution Item 52 (Ecosystem-Based Management) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Resolution Item 53 (Increasing Carbon Sequestration) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Resolution Item 54 (Plans to Enhance the Resilience of the Baltic Sea Ecosystem) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Resolution Item 55 (Reversing Land Degradation and Promoting Sustainable Forest Management) . . . . 38Resolution Item 56 (Improving Nutrient Management) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Resolution Item 57 (Regional Strategies for Transboundary Emergencies) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414. Projects on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region .........................435 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final Report1. IntroductionIn my capacity as the newly appointed BSPC Rapporteur on Cli-mate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea region, I have beentasked with providing a follow-up on the respective political devel-opments following the conclusion of the mandate of the BSPCWorking Group on Climate Change and Biodiversity. This is thefirst report of this kind. For this reason, it is concentrated on thegovernment statements to the BSPC working group recommenda-tions. This means, it is very comprehensive and extensive. Mr Philipp da CunhaThe triple crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity lossposes the risk of disrupting human health and wellbeing on a glob-al scale, according to the recent global foresight report prepared bythe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collab-oration with the International Science Council (ISC).1 At the be-ginning of the year, the World Meteorological Organisation(WMO) has confirmed that 2023 was the warmest year on record,with the global average near-surface temperature at 1.45 °Celsiusabove the pre-industrial baseline.2 Furthermore, July 2024 was thehottest month on record globally and broke several records withinthe month, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate ChangeService (C3S) data.31 United Nations Environment Programme and International Science Council . 2024 . Nav-igating New Horizons: A global foresight report on planetary health and human wellbeing,https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/4589 .2 World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Press Release: Climate change indicatorsreached record levels in 2023: WMO, 19 March 2024, https://wmo.int/news/me-dia-centre/climate-change-indicators-reached-record-levels-2023-wmo .3 Copernicus, July 2023 sees multiple global temperature records broken, 8 August 2024,https://climate.copernicus.eu/july-2023-sees-multiple-global-temperature-records-bro-ken .6 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportClimate change is already affecting the Baltic Sea and its vulnerable ecosystems.4 The third holistic as-sessment (HOLAS 3) of the state of the Baltic Sea concluded by the Baltic Marine Environment Pro-tection Commission (HELCOM) in October 2023 has shown little or no improvement in the stateof the Baltic Sea environment in 2016–2021.5 The 2023 State of the Baltic Sea report summarisingthe results of HELCOM’s holistic assessment underlined that the marine ecosystems suffered underincreasing impacts from climate change and biodiversity degradation. The report highlighted the ur-gency of implementing the updated 2021 Baltic Sea Action Plan and mitigating the pressures and im-pacts, including those from climate change.Acknowledging the transboundary nature of the challenges posed by climate change and biodiversityloss in the Baltic Sea region, the 29th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference6 (BSPC) established a the-matic Working Group on Climate Change and Biodiversity (WG CCB) in August 2020. The Work-ing Group completed its mandate with the publication of the Final Report7 ahead of the 32nd BSPCin August 2023. The Working Group’s main aim was to prepare comprehensive, ambitious, yet real-istic recommendations on climate change mitigation and adaptation and biodiversity protection forthe governments in the Baltic Sea region. To fulfil this goal, the Working Group conducted regularmeetings with officials, entrepreneurs, researchers, civil society and youth representatives from allacross the region. The Working Group’s final recommendations were integrated into the resolution ofthe 32nd BSPC,8 unanimously adopted by last year’s BSPC annual conference in Berlin.The first report on climate change and biodiversity at hand takes stock of the measures and actionstaken by the governments of the Baltic Sea region in response to the demands and recommendationsof the BSPC Working Group on Climate Change and Biodiversity. Accordingly, it is structuredaround the Working Group’s final climate and biodiversity protection recommendations.4 Climate Change in the Baltic Sea . 2021 Fact Sheet . Baltic Sea Environment Proceedings n°180 . HELCOM/Baltic Earth 2021, https://helcom.fi/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Baltic-Sea-Climate-Change-Fact-Sheet-2021.pdf .5 HELCOM (2023): State of the Baltic Sea . Third HELCOM holistic assessment 2016-2021 . Baltic Sea Environment Proceedings n°194, p .7, https://helcom.fi/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/State-of-the-Baltic-Sea-2023.pdf .6 Conference Resolution Adopted by the Digital 29th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) on 24 August 2020, https://www.bspc.net/29th-bspc-resolution-final-adopted/ .7 BSPC Working Group on Climate Change and Biodiversity (CCB), Final Report, August 2023, https://www.bspc.net/wp-content/up-loads/2023/08/BSPC_Climate-Change-and-Biodiversity_22_23.pdf .8 Conference Resolution Adopted by the 32nd Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) on 29 August 2023, https://www.bspc.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Final-Version-32-BSPC-resolution-V-28082023_v1-.pdf .7 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportThe section dedicated to the government’s statements on implementing the proposed measures pro-vides a systematic overview of policies and actions undertaken by individual states and regions incompliance with the relevant resolution items. These responses (as of July 2024) underscore the BSPCgovernments’ strong commitment to international climate and biodiversity protection targets in ac-cordance with the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and,most significantly, HELCOM’s updated Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP). They show widespread sup-port for expanding the network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in line with the 10 percent targetof the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the ambitious goal of the BSAP aiming at 30percent MPAs with 10 percent strictly protected areas. There is also strong consensus among theBSPC states and regions about the need to step up efforts to decrease dependence on raw materialssuppliers and transition to low-carbon energy systems, to increase investments in climate research andeducation and to promote cross-border regional cooperation on climate initiatives. In addition, widesupport is provided to reducing land degradation and improving nutrient management in order tocombat eutrophication and protect biodiversity.The 2023 State of the Baltic Sea report has shown that measures to reduce pressures on the marine en-vironment are working – when these are duly implemented. The updated science-based BSAP pro-vides all the necessary tools to enable the recovery of the Baltic Sea environment and to enhance itsresilience against climate change. The most important task now is to ensure its consequent and time-ly implementation. The Baltic Sea region possesses enormous innovative and technological potential,which is further explicated by the plethora of relevant projects outlined at the end of the report athand. The decision- and policy-makers of today bear full responsibility for the state in which we willleave our shared Baltic Sea for future generations – and the time to act is now.Philipp da CunhaMember of the State Parliament of Mecklenburg-VorpommernBSPC Rapporteur on Climate Change and Biodiversity8 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final Report2. Political Recommendations of the WorkingGroup on Climate Change and Biodiversity: MainMessages and OutcomesDuring its extended three-year mandate, the BSPC Working Group on Climate Change and Biodi-versity has prepared a comprehensive list of suggestions and propositions for the governments of theBaltic Sea region. The Working Group’s interim proposals and calls for action have been integratedinto the resolutions passed by the 30th and 31st BSPC.The interim proposals for the 30th BSPC9 concentrated on reaffirming the international commitmentsof the UN Agenda 2030, the Paris Agreement, and the Baltic 2030 Action Plan to achieve climate re-silience. Special attention was dedicated to supporting local stakeholders in order to promote broadsocietal awareness and ownership “on the ground”. In addition, the recommendations highlighted theneed for further action to reduce plastic pollution and shipping emissions.The recommendations prepared for the 31st BSPC10 underscored the parliamentarians’ support for theupdated Baltic Sea Action Plan adopted by the HELCOM Ministerial Meeting in October 2021 andtook special note of the 2021 Climate Change in the Baltic Sea Fact Sheet. With a view to reducingeutrophication, which is further catalysed by climate change, the proposals focussed on the importanceof continuing the work on decreasing outlets of nitrogen and phosphorus into the Baltic Sea. In addi-tion, the recommendations supported the implementation of methods of nature-friendly farming andcalled for integrating rural areas into the green and sustainable transition. Against the backdrop of Rus-sia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Working Group highlighted the need to push forward theuse of zero and low-emission renewable energies from domestic sources and widely deploy the exten-sive existing low-cost and efficient renewable energy generation technologies. Underscoring the inter-nationally binding targets of the Paris Agreement, the Working Group called for the development andimplementation of policies and regulations around fishing, shipping, and other industries, togetherwith all relevant stakeholders, that harm the biodiversity in the Baltic Sea and the global climate.Thus, the interim recommendations, as reflected in the respective items of the resolutions of the 30thand 31st BSPC, closely followed the mandate defined by the resolution of the 29th BSPC and concen-trated on the environmental side of climate change and biodiversity as well as on innovation, technol-ogy, and further economic aspects. At its regular meetings, the Working Group closely considered lo-cal best practices and benefitted from an intensive exchange with local experts and stakeholders fromacross the Baltic Sea region. These valuable inputs, combined with local best practice examples, servedas important food-for-thought and contributed to the formulation of the final recommendations.9 Conference Resolution Adopted by the 30th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) on 30 August 2021, https://www.bspc.net/30-bspc-resolution-2021-adopted/ .10 Conference Resolution Adopted by the 31st Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) on 14 June 2022, https://www.bspc.net/wp-con-tent/uploads/2022/06/Conference-Resolution-31-BSPC.pdf .9 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportThe Working Group’s core outcomes – a comprehensive list of 25 far-reaching proposals11 – wereunanimously adopted at the Working Group’s final meeting in Gdańsk, Poland. Subsequently, theywere included in the resolution of the 32nd BSPC as calls for governments and intergovernmental or-ganisations in the Baltic Sea region.These focussed, far-reaching, and pragmatic proposals are designed to be implementable and effective.They touch upon various aspects of climate change adaptation and mitigation as well as prevention ofbiodiversity loss and restoration. Five of these aimed at strengthening the resilience of maritime eco-systems and concentrated on the implementation of coastal management plans, expanding the exist-ing network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and introducing research- and science-based fishingquotas. In addition, the Working Group called for contributing to the rapid entry into force of theAgreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation andSustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agree-ment). Following the established BSPC tradition, the Working Group appealed to implement the up-dated Baltic Sea Action Plan and its associated action documents within the agreed timelines and tookspecial note of the 2021 Climate Change in the Baltic Sea Fact Sheet.Concerning strengthening climate resilience, the final recommendations highlighted the urgent needfor the implementation of national climate targets under the Paris Agreement. These measures arecrucial for the development of renewable energies, decreasing dependencies on raw materials’ suppli-ers and transitioning towards low-carbon energy systems. Special attention was given to raising aware-ness and sensibility to the implementation of climate measures and promoting climate education.Regarding strengthening biodiversity resilience, the Working Group insisted on the full implementa-tion of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and on paying special atten-tion to ecosystem-based management when revising action plans. The recommendations focussed onmeasures to increase carbon sequestration and reverse land degradation through sustainable forest andpeatland management. In addition, the Working group called upon the governments to significantlyincrease efforts to fundamentally improve nutrient management in agriculture, industry, and waste-water treatment plants in order to reduce nutrient runoff into the Baltic Sea and combat eutrophica-tion.11 Please note that slight changes to the ordering, numbering and individual formulations have been made at the Drafting Committee ahead ofthe adoption of the final resolution draft .10 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final Report3. Excerpts from Statements of the Governmentsin the Baltic Sea Region to the RelevantRecommendations of the 32nd BSPC ResolutionGovernments from across the Baltic Sea region submitted their statements on the implementation ofthe resolution of the 32nd BSPC.12 The following section provides an overview of measures and actionstaken by national and regional governments in response to the corresponding political recommenda-tions of the BSPC Working Group on Climate Change and Biodiversity. The section is structuredalong the relevant resolution items and summarises excerpts from the statements submitted by na-tional and regional governments to provide a comprehensive, systematic, and ordered summary of po-litical priorities and developments in the field of climate and biodiversity protection.The participants, elected representatives from [the Baltic Sea region] assembling in Berlin on 29August 2023, [...]Call on the Governments in the Baltic Sea Region, the CBSS, and the EU [...]Regarding strengthening the resilience of maritime ecosystems to [...]Resolution Item 32 (Coastal Management Plans)implement coastal management plans to protect and restore coastal ecosystems, which can act ascarbon sinks and buffer zones against sea-level rise;Åland: Coastal management plans have been developed through previous EU projects and EU funds, butthe work needs to be continued and reinforced. The work will continue through the planned EU projects“ACWA-LIFE” (cooperation with the mainland of Finland starting in 2025 if approved) and “MarineWaterways” (cooperation between Finland, Åland and Sweden that will start in 2024 if approved). Workis also being done through the government’s own budget in the “Clean Water 2030” project.Estonia: Estonia integrates BSAP actions into its national Marine Strategy and conducts projects tomonitor nutrient loads and phosphorus compounds in marine areas to protect coastal ecosystems.Finland: implemented several directives, strategies, and policies that contribute to the protection and restorationof coastal ecosystems. Such as the Programme of Measures of Finland’s Marine Strategy, which includes measuresthat focus on marine and coastal protection and restoration. As well as Finland’s Maritime Spatial Plan (MSP)and Coastal Strategy contributing towards maintaining a healthy state of the marine and coastal waters.12 BSPC, Statements of the Governments in the Baltic Sea Region to the 32nd BSPC Resolution (June 2024), https://www.bspc.net/wp-con-tent/uploads/2024/06/BSPC_Statements_32thBSPC_Resolution.pdf .11 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportGerman Bundestag: The German cabinet adopted the Action Plan on Nature-based Solutions forClimate and Biodiversity on 29 March 2023. The federal government is providing 3.5 billion eurosfor nature-based climate action under the plan until 2027. The main goals of the action plan are toprotect, strengthen and restore natural ecosystems, with the seas and coasts as their own field of actiondue to their major role in nature-based climate action. To preserve and, if possible, restore these hab-itats, a development programme for salt marshes and seagrass beds is being drawn up in cooperationwith the coastal federal states to increase resilience to climate-related changes.Hamburg: The Ministry for the Environment, Climate, and Agriculture (Behörde für Umwelt,Klima, Energie und Agrarwirtschaft, BUKEA) agrees with the call to implement coastal managementplans to protect and restore coastal ecosystems, which can act as carbon sinks and buffer zones againstsea-level rise.Latvia: To ensure integrated coastal zone management in Latvian coastal waters, the National long-term thematic plan for public infrastructure development in the coastal area of Latvia (Coastal plan)was approved in 2016. It serves as a guideline for the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).The second interim report about the implementation progress of the Coastal plan and the generalcoastal assessment will be prepared in 2024. It will focus on both periodic assessment of anthropogen-ic pressures in coastal areas and new thematic scopes for integrated coastal management development– blue economy, mobility, landscapes and ecosystem services, and challenges faced by the local com-munity, for example, impact from improving tourism activities, offshore wind park development, ac-cess to the sea, etc. The interim report will provide additional directions/guidelines for an integratedplanning strategy framework to balance human activities with protection of coastal and maritime eco-systems. It will also identify needed changes in the legal framework. New themes and aspects of coast-al planning are discussed within the Maritime and Coastal Spatial Planning coordination group,which consists of various stakeholders representing cross-sectoral interests.Lithuania: In Lithuania, the Coastal Zone Law, which has been in force since 2002 and subsequent-ly amended, governs land and sea use conditions, as well as economic activities within the coastalzone. The law mandates that measures for preserving or restoring significant coastal features be out-lined in the Coastal Zone Management Programme. This programme, initiated in 2003, is preparedby the Ministry of the Environment and approved by the Minister of the Environment. Additionally,Lithuania fosters strong inter-institutional collaboration, particularly with scientific organisations.These partnerships facilitate research, assessment of dune conditions, and evaluation of potentialthreats posed by severe storms, floods and climate change.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: The restoration of coastal-flooded peatlands is one of the state’s goalsand a field of action in the Peatland Protection Strategy.Schleswig-Holstein: The Schleswig-Holstein Ministry for Energy Transition, Climate Protection,Environment and Nature (Ministerium für Energie wende, Klimaschutz, Umwelt und Natur, ME-KUN) is funding a GEOMAR pilot project for the reintroduction of seagrass meadows. Intact sea-grass meadows play an important role in the Baltic Sea as a carbon sink.12 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportSweden: The basis for Sweden’s application of integrated coastal zone planning is the Swedish munic-ipalities’ physical planning and dialogue with citizens and others concerned. Additionally, coastalcounty administrations develop green infrastructure plans, which support the development of marinegreen infrastructure aiming to protect and restore coastal ecosystems.Resolution Item 33 (Marine Protected Areas, MPAs)expand the existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) network and improve cooperation andtransboundary management between marine protected areas in the Baltic Sea to ensure properenforcement to protect vulnerable habitats and species;Åland: Åland carried out several and still has ongoing projects on the expansion of the MPA network. E.g., Ålandcompleted the “Åland SeaMap” and the ongoing “Our Saima Seal LIFE” and “Life IP Biodiversea”. All in collab-oration with Finnish authorities and research institutions. For a better and long-term result, there are establishedcontacts with HELCOM, researchers, other experts and institutions in the countries around the Baltic Sea.Denmark: The Danish government has prepared a programme of measures under the EU MarineStrategy Framework Directive (EU MSFD) that will support the resilience of marine ecosystems. Theplan was sent in public consultation in September 2023 and will be published in the first half of 2024.The Danish government has also presented an updated maritime spatial plan, with an ambition of 10percent strictly protected marine areas and an additional 20 percent protected marine areas in 2030.Finland: At present, the coverage of MPAs in Finnish marine areas is approximately 11 percent of thetotal sea area. In line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the Baltic Sea Action Plan, which set thegoal of protecting at least 30 percent of the sea area, out of which one third must be strictly protect-ed, Finland is preparing an MPA Roadmap, as part of the LIFE IP project “Biodiversea”. This Road-map, with its ambitious goal of increasing the protection of underwater biodiversity, is a testament toFinland’s determination and commitment to achieving both national and international quantitativebiodiversity targets through an ambitious and science-based plan.German Bundestag: In the German waters of the Baltic Sea, over half of the marine area is protected,with three protected areas totalling 2472 km2 in Germany’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The protectedareas are part of the HELCOM MPA network and meet the goals of the Kunming-Montreal GlobalBiodiversity Framework and the Baltic Sea Action Plan. Despite this, many species and habitats in pro-tected areas are not in good condition, so measures are being developed to improve their quality.Lithuania: Lithuanian marine protected areas cover 18.2 percent (approx. 1190 km2) of Lithuania’s BalticSea waters. This goes well beyond the objective set by the Strategic Plan of the Convention on BiologicalDiversity (adopted for the 2011–2020 period): by 2020, 10 percent of coastal and marine areas should beprotected. 34 percent of Lithuania’s territorial waters and 6.3 percent of its Exclusive Economic Zone aredeclared as protected areas. All Lithuanian marine protected areas are also of international importance -they are included in the Natura 2000 network and protected under the Helsinki (HELCOM) Convention.Lithuanian protected areas have been selected through a series of dedicated projects involving scientistsfrom various fields. Lithuania is discussing the possibilities of further enlargement following the targets setin the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.13 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportMecklenburg-Vorpommern: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has an extensive network of Natura 2000sites in the coastal sea. The implementation of existing management plans is a priority task. The re-sponsible authorities, within the scope of their respective responsibilities, competently observe theplans and projects of third parties in the territorial sea.Schleswig-Holstein: The Action Plan for enhanced protection of the Baltic Sea includes several keypoints. Firstly, 12.5 percent of Schleswig-Holstein’s Baltic Sea will be designated as marine protectedareas with strict protection. This involves establishing new marine nature reserves and giving stricterprotection status to existing Natura 2000 areas. Secondly, there will be efforts to manage and educateabout protected areas effectively. This includes setting up an Integrated Baltic Sea Station to coordi-nate conservation work and creating a network of environmental education and information facilities.Additionally, measures will focus on reducing nutrient inputs into the sea, including implementingthe Fertiliser Ordinance and improving wastewater treatment plants. The plan also prioritises engag-ing all stakeholders in Baltic Sea protection and undertaking further measures in the sea to addressidentified deficiencies and pressures. These actions involve restoring structures like reefs and seagrassbeds, salvaging dumped ammunition, and recovering lost fishing gear.Sweden: The Swedish government intends to work to expand and strengthen marine area protection andfor the areas to form a representative, ecologically coherent and functional network in order to reach theobjective of 30 percent marine area protection by 2030. This has been adopted within the EU’s biodiver-sity strategy, the regional sea commissions HELCOM and OSPAR, as well as the new global frameworkfor biodiversity in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Additionally, the national support andfunding for the development of aquatic protection, with a special focus on the Baltic Sea, is being strength-ened. This includes safeguarding the functionality of a network of marine protected areas.Resolution Item 34 (BBNJ)contribute to the rapid entry into force of the landmark international legally binding instru-ment on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond na-tional jurisdiction (BBNJ) from 4 March 2023 and use its tools and possibilities in intensive co-operation within the CBSS and HELCOM to reach the goals mentioned above;Finland: Finland worked persistently to promote the rapid and successful conclusion of the ambi-tious BBJN Agreement under UNCLOS, and encouraged other states to ratify the agreement beforethe UN Ocean Conference in 2025. Finland itself has established a cross-ministerial working groupto take forward a swift ratification process nationally.German Bundestag: Germany, along with the EU and all EU member states, signed the BBNJAgreement in September 2023 to preserve marine biodiversity. Germany is working towards ratifyingthe agreement quickly through an implementation law. Once ratified by 60 countries, the agreementwill come into effect. Germany aims for the agreement to be enforced by the 2025 UN Ocean Con-ference and supports convening a Preparatory Commission. The Commission will help draft neces-sary resolutions for the agreement’s institutions. Key measures for implementing the BBNJ Agree-ment include area-based management instruments, marine protected areas, and environmental im-pact assessments for marine protection.14 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportLatvia: On 20 September 2023, Latvia signed the BBNJ Agreement and is currently preparing for itsratification.Sweden: Sweden took a leading role in the negotiations of the BBJN Agreement, which was conclud-ed during the Swedish EU Council Presidency. Sweden strongly supports activities facilitating its rap-id entry into force, including enabling support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to facil-itate the swift entry into force.Resolution Item 35 (Implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan)ensure a quick and strict implementation of the updated Baltic Sea Action Plan and its associat-ed action documents within the agreed timelines to achieve a good ecological status of the BalticSea by the end of the decade and consider as far as possible implementing further measures fromthe policy-relevant suggestions for various policy areas in the HELCOM 2021 Climate Changein the Baltic Sea Fact Sheet to reach this goal;Åland: The “Marine Waterways” project, focusing on shallow bays with carbon-sequestering bio-topes, is a significant initiative that will lay the groundwork for future decisions. A long-term actionplan and strategies will be developed by researchers from Finland and Sweden.Denmark: At the regional level, the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan is an important tool to achievegood environmental status of the Baltic Sea and Denmark remains committed to implementing theactions covered by this plan. Denmark is actively taking part in leading a number of the actions, e.g.,on marine litter, hazardous substances, eutrophication, and underwater noise.Estonia: Estonia, a party to the HELCOM Convention, adopted the new Baltic Sea Action Plan(BSAP) in autumn 2021 and continues fully implementing all the agreed 199 actions and other rele-vant thematic plans adopted together with the BSAP. Estonia has continued contributing to HEL-COM working groups’ informal consultation meetings, which have drawn up detailed work plans forimplementing the BSAP actions. While updating our national Marine Strategy’s Programme of Mea-sures (adopted in February 2023), Estonia has integrated the BSAP actions into its national measures,which enables it to follow the shared goals for a clean Baltic Sea and its national and regional commit-ments. Estonia is actively participating in regional projects, which also contribute to the implementa-tion of the BSAP actions, for example, the Horizon Europe-supported project PROTECT BALTIC,led by HELCOM.Estonia still sees the “HELCOM 2021 Climate Change in the Baltic Sea Fact Sheet” as a relevant doc-ument and supports the updating process of the CC Fact Sheet document to indicate additional andnot yet stated impacts states need to pay attention to and, if necessary, find mitigation measures. The“HELCOM 2021 Climate Change in the Baltic Sea Fact Sheet”, with its clear overview of vital pa-rameters and related policy-relevant suggestions, has been an overall background information docu-ment for Estonia while planning and implementing its programmes of measures. Estonia fully agreesand acknowledges that the best climate change adaptation response is to reduce environmental pres-sure on the Baltic Sea.15 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportFinland: Finland continues the implementation of the updated Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) na-tionally, in coherence with the implementation of the national River Basin Management Plans andthe Programme of Measures for the Marine Strategy 2022–2027. In addition, a recently adopted gov-ernment programme focuses especially on achieving good status of the Archipelago Sea during theyears 2024–2027. Finland also participates in implementing the joint actions of the BSAP by activelytaking part in the work of HELCOM expert and working groups. Finland has also taken a lead rolewithin HELCOM in some of the BSAP actions.The HELCOM Climate Change Fact Sheet provides an overview of the manifold climate change impactson the Baltic Sea. It highlights many gaps in our knowledge on climate change impacts, even when con-sidering direct parameters affecting the Baltic Sea (such as future temperature, rainfall, salinity), and withincreasing uncertainty when going to indirect, very complex ecosystem effects. It is evident, that climatechange will have extensive impacts on the Baltic Sea ecosystem. While we may not be able to study andforesee all potential effects, we must focus on minimising the harmful impacts (e.g. nutrient input) on theBaltic Sea, in order to maximise the resilience of the Baltic Sea ecosystem in future climate.German Bundestag: The focus is on activities against pollution of the Baltic Sea, particularly frommarine litter and eutrophication caused by over-fertilisation. The issue of climate change as a globalchallenge is an integral part of the plan, in which, for the first time, specific measures are dedicated tothe ocean-climate nexus. The findings of the HELCOM Climate Change in the Baltic Sea Fact Sheet2021 are regularly taken into account in implementation of the planned measures in the Baltic SeaAction Plan. An update to the Fact Sheet is envisaged in due course to potentially reflect new findingsthat become available. In addition, systematic work on implementing the initiatives and actionsagreed in the regional marine cooperation platforms is under way. With regard to the Baltic Sea Re-gional Nutrient Recycling Strategy, a three-year Interreg Baltic Sea Region project was initiated in No-vember 2023, headed by Sweden and including 25 partners from eight HELCOM contracting par-ties. Measures on marine litter are being implemented, particularly via the 2nd Regional Action Planon the issue adopted in 2021 by the HELCOM contracting parties (HELCOM Recommendation42-43/3). Germany is actively involved as lead country for a number of actions. Mobile bottom fish-ing in marine protected areas in the German Exclusive Economic Zone of the Baltic Sea is to be re-stricted through the procedure provided for in the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The Europe-an Commission is expected to adopt a delegated act to implement these measures in the near future.Latvia: Latvia held the rotating Chairmanship of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) for two yearsfrom July 2022 until 30 June 2024. The implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan, updated in 2021(BSAP 2021), was a priority for Latvia’s Chairmanship. Latvia hosted the Ministerial Meeting on the Bal-tic Sea Marine Environment on 25 April 2024 in Riga. The Ministerial Meeting presented an opportu-nity to review the progress made in implementing the BSAP2021 and to decide on the next steps towardsreaching the vision of a healthy Baltic Sea environment. The State of the Baltic Sea 2023 – the third HEL-COM holistic assessment – was also presented and adopted at the Ministerial Meeting.Poland: Poland actively participates in the activities carried out by HELCOM, thus fulfilling its legalobligations in the field of protection of the marine environment of the Baltic Sea. HELCOM’s workwas carried out within eight working groups and many expert groups in order to fully use the experts’potential and focus on the overriding goal, which is to achieve good environmental status of the Bal-tic Sea by 2030.16 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportPoland is actively involved in the implementation of tasks under the HELCOM Baltic Sea ActionPlan, including through participation in HELCOM meetings, providing data and information on ac-tivities related to fisheries management and reducing the impact of fisheries on marine ecosystems, aswell as through participation in the implementation of action B8 dedicated to porpoise and actionB18 dedicated to sturgeon.As part of HELCOM, joint patrols are carried out with the use of Border Guard vessels, in which in-spectors from the locally competent Provincial Inspectorates of Environmental Protection and Mari-time Offices participate. The purpose of these projects is to control compliance with the regulationson the protection of the marine environment, as well as to conduct research on the quality of this en-vironment, as well as to observe and assess its condition and changes taking place.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: The state government of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern supports the fed-eral government’s efforts to achieve these goals within the framework of HELCOM and through theimplementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).Schleswig-Holstein: The actions of the HELCOM BSAP are implemented for Schleswig-Holsteinvia the national MSFD Action Program and are also reflected in the Baltic Sea 2030 Action Plan. Thestatus of implementation of the measures is updated annually.Sweden: The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM) received additional fund-ing to support the implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) in Sweden. This fundingaims to drive both national and regional implementation forward. Sweden also provided extra contri-butions to HELCOM to strengthen cooperation for a clean and healthy Baltic Sea, with a focus onaquatic protection. Additionally, Sweden has increased support for the development of marine pro-tected areas in the Baltic Sea. Contributions were made to the BSAP-fund to finance projects forBSAP implementation, promoting large-scale projects to reduce pollution and improve Baltic Seaecosystems. Efforts are being made to improve the ecological status of the Baltic Sea through EU-re-lated directives and a national fund is available to finance measures to reduce nutrient losses.Resolution Item 36 (Research- and Science-Based Sustainable Fishing Quotas)establish and enforce recognisable, legally binding sustainable fishing quotas in the Baltic SeaRegion with diversification for species, including regulations on fishing nets or other methods,ensuring that fish stocks remain healthy and sustainable in the long term. All actions should bebased on respected, up-to-date research;Finland: The establishment of sustainable fishing quotas is based on the scientific advice by the Inter-national Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). The decision is taken by the Ministers in theCouncil and is based on the multiannual plan set by the EU legislation. The technical measures, e.g.,on fishing gears and other technical provisions, are also based on the scientific evidence of the effec-tiveness of such measures.17 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportGerman Bundestag: Fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea are determined annually based on scien-tific advice from ICES and the Baltic Sea Multiannual Plan. Measures have led to decreased fishingopportunities for various stocks, with some fisheries remaining closed. Conservation actions havebeen taken for cod, salmon, and herring stocks to promote stock recovery. A prolongation of the eelfishing closure period aims to reduce silver eel catches and support the recovery of this pan-Europeanstock. The measures are outlined in Council Regulation (EU) 2023/2638 for 2024.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Together with the federal government and the federal state ofSchleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is supporting the activities and initiatives of the Bal-tic Sea Fisheries Forum (BALTFISH) and is working alongside the federal government to establish ad-equate regulations for the sustainable management of Baltic Sea fish stocks within the framework ofthe Common Fisheries Policy (quotas, technical regulations).Norway: Norway shares around 90 percent of its fishing resources with other countries and sets quo-tas both nationally and internationally based on the best available scientific advice. Norway manageslarge sea areas in the Barents Sea, the Norwegian Sea, the North Sea, and Skagerrak. Ensuring a sus-tainable management of marine living resources, as well as complying with international resolutionsand regulations on sustainable fisheries management (including the UN’s sustainability goals and theUN Lisbon Declaration) are key objectives.Sweden: Sweden follows the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) to manage fisheries using a pre-cautionary approach and ensure sustainable fishing practices. The negotiation of fishing opportunitiesis under the EU’s exclusive competence. In October 2023, the Council of the European Union agreedon fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2024 based on the EU Commission’s proposal. Theagreement, legally binding for all member states, considers scientific knowledge provided by the In-ternational Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). Measures like setting by-catch allowances,maintaining remedial actions for eastern cod, and implementing closure periods for herring stocksaim to restore fish stocks in the Baltic Sea.Regarding strengthening the resilience of climate and biodiversity toClimate ChangeResolution Item 40 (National Climate Targets Under the Paris Agreement)increase the efforts and speed to implement ambitious national climate targets and adapted ex-tensions – corresponding to the current scientific and measurement results – in line with theParis Agreement’s goal of limiting the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increaseto 1, 5 degrees Celsius above those;18 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportDenmark: Denmark is committed to increasing the efforts to implement ambitious national and EUclimate targets to be in line with the long-term goal of 1.5 °C in the Paris Agreement.Estonia: Estonia is fully committed to achieving the climate goals of the Paris Agreement that theGlasgow Pact further strengthened. Estonia has set a binding target to become climate-neutral by2050 and plans to develop a climate law to appoint interim targets for a smooth transition to a net-ze-ro economy. The country also aims for renewable energy to constitute at least 65 percent of its grossdomestic final energy consumption by 2030.Finland: At the UNFCC COP28, Finland worked extensively on ensuring an ambitious and for-ward-looking outcome and decisions, particularly those on the first Global Stock Take of the ParisAgreement. Finland is committed to the objectives of its Climate Change Act. The government iscommitted to meeting emission reduction targets and moving towards carbon neutrality, followed bycarbon negativity. The government will focus its climate action on generating cost-effectiveness, tech-nology neutrality and sustainable business while recognising the importance of a long-term approachacross parliamentary terms to attract investments. Finland will update its key strategies on implemen-tation during the course of 2024.German Bundestag: The European climate goals (at least 55 percent net GHG reduction by 2030and climate neutrality by 2050) are bindingly anchored in the European Climate Law. As part of the“Fit for 55” package, the EU has passed comprehensive measures in order to achieve these goals. It isnow important to implement the agreed measures quickly and consistently on a national level in or-der to ensure that the ambitious goals are actually achieved.Hamburg: In its Act to Strengthen Action on Climate Change (Klimaschutzstärkungsgesetz), Ham-burg has set itself the goal of reducing carbon emissions by 98 percent by 2045 compared to 1990 lev-els and thus, in combination with sinks, to achieve carbon neutrality. A further aspiration is to reducecarbon emissions by 70 percent compared to 1990 levels by 2030. The Hamburg Act sets out regula-tory requirements in this regard, and the Hamburg Climate Plan outlines the measures taken by theFree and Hanseatic City of Hamburg to achieve the climate targets.Latvia: The work on the Climate Law is being finalised which inscribes GHG emission targets intoLatvia’s legislation and establishes the framework for their implementation, including the sectoral re-sponsibility principle. The law’s main goal is to provide legal frameworks for measures for mitigatingclimate change and facilitating climate resilience in order to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Ad-ditionally, Latvia is working on the updated National Climate and Energy Plan that will enable theachievement of its 2030 climate target.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: The state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern aims to reach GHG neutralityby 2040. To this end, a State Climate Protection law is currently being drafted in order to assist inachieving these goals.Sweden: Sweden adopted the Climate Act, including the Climate Policy Framework in 2018. Theframework includes climate goals for 2030, 2040 and 2045. By 2045 at the latest, Sweden is to havenet-zero and negative GHG emissions thereafter. An independent Climate Policy Council has alsobeen established to assess the government policies’ compatibility with the target. The law also states19 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final Reportthat the government must present a Climate Policy Action Plan at the beginning of each parliamen-tary cycle and report on its implementation annually. On 21 December 2023, the Swedish govern-ment presented the new Climate Policy Action Plan, which describes how the long-term emission tar-get for 2045 is to be achieved. Impact Innovation is the next generation’s strategic innovation pro-gramme, which will accelerate the transition to a sustainable society. Behind the initiative are threeagencies: The Swedish Energy Agency; Formas, a Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Develop-ment; and Vinnova, Sweden’s Innovation Agency. Furthermore, Sweden has two major investmentprogrammes aiming to contribute to achieving its national climate targets. The Climate Leap is an in-vestment aid for local and regional investment measures to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide andother gases, which negatively affect the climate. Secondly, The Industrial Leap was established in 2018and supports technological advances that can contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions from in-dustry processes, negative CO emissions, and strategically important initiatives within the industry2that support the net zero emission transition on a societal level.Resolution Item 41 (Regional Cooperation and Joint Strategies to AddressClimate Change)strengthen regional collaboration and information exchange among the democratic Baltic Seacountries and the Arctic to intensify joint strategies and policies addressing climate change andregularly adapt them to the newest research results;Denmark: Denmark acknowledges a big potential for Baltic regional cooperation on new technolo-gies, such as carbon capture, storage and utilisation, including cooperation on establishing a solid car-bon transport infrastructure.Finland: Finland actively participates in Nordic cooperation and projects that aim at enhancing in-formation exchange on strategies and policies addressing climate change, allowing to build a commonunderstanding of the newest research results, including from IPCC, and adapting those to the region-al context. Regional cooperation provides a space to perform dialogues on approaches to ensure a so-cially just transition. Occasionally, these dialogues also include other Baltic States than the Nordiccountries.German Bundestag: Collaboration and information exchange are important in order to developjoint strategies to combat climate change and to share best practices. It is equally important to takeinto account the social dimension of climate action. To this effect, the EU has recently set up a newSocial Climate Fund that supports households, which are particularly vulnerable to increased energyprices.Hamburg: Common strategies on climate change are coordinated within the framework of the EUStrategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). The Baltic Sea Strategy Point, in which Hamburg is in-volved, seeks to support the 14 policy areas in their activities towards climate change mitigation andadaptation and implementing the goal of a climate-neutral EU (for details, see Publication 22/13726).20 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportSweden: The Swedish government and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency collaborate region-ally and internationally through forums such as the Arctic Council, Nordic Council of Ministers, UN-ECE, and Council of the Baltic Sea States. In a Nordic project on Ocean Planning and Climate, research-ers are focusing on downscaling climate scenarios for Nordic Oceans, including the Baltic Sea. The projectaims to assess the impact of climate change on marine environments and ecosystems from 2021–2024.Resolution Item 42 (Efforts to Promote the Implementation of Climate Targetsby the Largest CO2 emitters)urge at every opportunity the world’s three largest CO emitters, which currently account for2more than 50 % of global CO emissions, to step up their efforts to achieve ambitious climate2targets;Denmark: Denmark recognises the importance of regional cooperation, as well as of cooperationthrough the EU, to continuously put pressure on the biggest emitters to step up their efforts.Estonia: Estonia consistently supports the goals of the Paris Agreement and advocates for stronger cli-mate actions globally, recognising the significant impact of the world’s largest CO emitters.2Finland: Such efforts are pursued on a multilateral and bilateral basis. Additionally, climate solutionshave become more central when it comes to Finland’s export efforts.German Bundestag: The federal government strongly supports the efforts to reduce CO both on a2national and international level. It is working towards a global commitment on tripling renewable en-ergies and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. To accelerate the achievement of these goals, the par-ticipation of the world’s three largest CO emitters is indispensable, and therefore, the federal govern-2ment promotes this shared responsibility on various occasions, e.g., during climate negotiations.Hamburg: Explicitly welcomes this demand. States with high CO emissions bear a great responsibil-2ity and have great leverage to reduce their emissions.Latvia: The country uses every opportunity, including COPs, to remind that climate change is a com-mon challenge that needs the involvement and contribution of all parties.Norway: Norway supports the BSPC’s continued focus on climate change, biodiversity and marineecosystems.Sweden: Sweden will persist in pressuring the EU to encourage major emitters, especially G20 na-tions, to enhance their climate actions. The country plans to expand and streamline its climate aid asoutlined in its new development assistance strategy. This will involve focusing on key emitters, includ-ing middle-income countries, supporting vulnerable nations with adaptation efforts, involving localauthorities and businesses, mobilising private capital, and collaborating with climate funds and devel-opment banks. Sweden will also remain active in international initiatives to bolster global climate ef-forts, such as the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), which it co-leads with Indiaduring COP28 to drive an inclusive industry shift.21 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportResolution Item 43 (Renewable Energy Development)incentivise renewable energy development by shortening the permitting process for wind, solar,other clean and stable energy sources;Åland: The government of Åland is actively working on the “Sunnanvind” project, the aim of whichis to enable the establishment of large-scale offshore wind power in the public waters of the Åland Is-lands.Denmark: Denmark sees a fast expansion of renewable energy as a central element in reducing CO2emissions and is committed to ensuring a faster deployment of renewable energy projects, includingthrough streamlining and shortening permitting procedures.Estonia: Estonia simplifies administrative procedures for renewable energy projects, including wind,solar, and other clean energy sources. Recent amendments to the Energy Sector Organisation Act aimto accelerate the permitting process.Finland: Finland’s government has initiated a regional state administration reform to streamline per-mitting processes nationwide. The goal is to establish a one-stop-shop model for services and permits,under a single authority for coordination. This will promote investment opportunities and digitalisepermit applications for efficiency. Finland aims to double clean electricity production to enhancecompetitiveness and attract renewable industries. Clear regulations for offshore wind power andstreamlined permit processes for solar power parks will be prioritised. The country is updating its Na-tional Climate and Energy strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, focusing on increasing theshare of renewables, particularly wind and solar power.German Bundestag: The shortening of permitting processes and the lowering of bureaucratic hurdlesis a priority. In the last two years, the federal government has already implemented a myriad of mea-sures that aim to shorten and simplify permitting processes, and Germany is now seeing the energytransition accelerate in response. The federal government is planning and implementing additionalpromising measures to shorten permitting processes to further increase this effect.Hamburg: The incentive of shortening approval processes, especially for wind energy plants, is wel-comed and a rapid adoption in national law of the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) wouldleverage further potential for acceleration.Latvia: Several enhancements have been made to streamline the permit-granting process for new elec-tricity power plants in Latvia. A new Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 821 has been enacted tosimplify the process, including repowering of power plants and updated requirements for permits.Amendments to the Energy Law have also been proposed to establish a single contact point for per-mitting through the State Construction Control Bureau. This change aims to assist applicants in nav-igating the permit process more efficiently, resulting in faster and more effective procedures.22 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportPoland: Poland is currently implementing RED III provisions to shorten permit-granting proceduresfor renewable energy projects outside acceleration areas. Poland’s goal is a maximum two-year time-frame. Lengthy procedures are a barrier to renewable energy deployment. Implementing RED III ischallenging but crucial for climate goals. The Ministry of Climate and Environment is also workingon renewables acceleration areas, where permits will take no more than one year. These areas will bedesignated on specific land or water areas to minimise environmental impact. The focus is on artificialsurfaces, excluding protected natural areas. Collaboration with administrative bodies is essential forsuccessful implementation.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: The federal government, as per Section 10 (6a) of the Federal Immis-sion Control Act (Bundes-Immissionsschutzgesetz, BImSchG), oversees approval procedures for in-stallations under immission control laws. The approval process for compliant applications takes sevenmonths for formal procedures and three months for simplified ones, with a possible three-month ex-tension. The state government of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern opposes reducing current deadlines toensure efficient permitting as per the BImSchG. Due to delays in wind turbine permitting processes,the state is implementing measures to enhance procedural efficiency beyond statutory timelines.Schleswig-Holstein: In late 2023, a key decision was made to remove height limits for onshore windturbines (OWT) and define exclusion areas for wind planning as spatial planning objectives in thestate development plan. The municipal opening clause allows for urban land-use plans outside region-al planning priority areas. A state law regulation will align municipal planning with parallel regionalplanning. These changes have streamlined and accelerated the preparation of spatial developmentplans and impact assessments, digitised processes, eliminated duplicate reviews, and limited proce-dure duration to six months. Updates to the Environmental Impact Assessment Act have facilitatedplanning and approval for renewable energies and electricity grids. A revised Solar Decree will provideguidance for planning ground-mounted solar installations in 2024.Sweden: Sweden is focusing on streamlining permit processes to accelerate the green transition andcombat climate change. In May 2023, the government appointed an inquiry commission to analyseand improve regulations for offshore wind power projects in Sweden’s economic zone. The goal is tomake the permitting process more efficient to facilitate the expansion of offshore wind power whileconsidering other societal interests. Another inquiry commission was appointed in June 2023 to re-view and simplify the permitting processes according to the environmental code, promoting effectiveprocesses for clean energy sources. State budget investments have been allocated to make the permit-ting authorities more efficient. A legal council referral is seeking to shorten the permitting processesfor the renewal and expansion of the power grid to meet the growing demand for clean energy sourc-es. Sweden is also working on implementing the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) by ac-celerating renewable energy projects and further streamlining permit-granting processes.23 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportResolution Item 44 (Decreasing Dependence on Raw Materials’ Suppliers andTransitioning Towards Low-Carbon Energy Systems )taking into account the risks connected with the increasing dependence of the European marketon the suppliers of rare metals and other raw materials;Estonia: Estonia contributes to the efforts of the Baltic Sea Region countries in their strengthening ofenergy sovereignty, including through energy efficiency, decentralised energy generation and storage,demand-side flexibility, increased use of locally available energy sources and technologies, use of re-newable and low-carbon energy sources and interconnections to democratic and reliable neighbours.Significant investments in new energy infrastructure and respective IT systems are ongoing. Estoniaworks with Latvia and Lithuania to implement the plan to desynchronise its electricity network fromthe Russian-led BRELL and join the Central-European synchronisation area as soon as possible by theend of 2025, as agreed between Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and the European Commission.Finland: The Finnish government will explore and utilise Finland’s assets related to critical raw mate-rials by drawing up a Mineral Strategy that will strengthen self-sufficiency and secure the supply ofraw materials, including in case of unexpected market disturbances. Finland will also ensure the time-ly and effective implementation of the EU`s Critical Raw Materials Act, which is expected to enterinto force in Q2 2024. The Act aims to ensure a secure and sustainable supply of raw materials in theEU by, for example, streamlining permitting for critical raw materials projects.German Bundestag: The federal government is convinced that a transition away from fossil fuels andtowards a diverse mix of renewable energy sources is the key to achieving the energy independence ofthe European market. This not only regards the electricity market but also renewable heating technol-ogies, such as geothermal energy, heat pumps, and solar thermal energy.Hamburg: Additional risks that have not yet been considered encompass that the strong expansion in renewableenergy capacity is leading to a significant increase in demand for rare metals and raw materials. Furthermore, decar-bonisation necessitates phasing out conventional energy sources, which reduces diversification in the energy mix. Inaddition, the high costs of transforming energy supply lead to rising prices and higher risks of energy poverty.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: The further diversification of the energy mix must remain a priorityagainst the backdrop of the experience with one-sided dependencies. For Mecklenburg-Vorpommern,this includes improving import infrastructures in addition to consistently expanding renewable ener-gies (photovoltaics, onshore/offshore wind energy, geothermal energy). The rapid establishment of anLNG import infrastructure (Lubmin/Mukran) in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern makes an importantcontribution to energy security throughout Europe. With regard to dependency on rare metals, great-er emphasis must be placed on circular economy and recycling.Sweden: The Swedish Government has tasked the Swedish Energy Agency with identifying and pro-posing measures to strengthen the natural gas security of supply. Multiple measures are being taken toimprove the speed and efficiency of permitting power lines and energy plants. Amendments to theEnvironmental Code and the Electricity Act will enter into force in July 2024 and further facilitatethe permitting procedure. Sweden is also revising its marine spatial plans and investigating how thepermitting procedure for offshore wind can be made more efficient through a Governmental inquiry.24 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final Reportincrease the speed in implementing national strategies for transitioning away from fossil fuelsand towards low-carbon energy systems, including phasing out coal-fired power plants;Finland: Finland creates good conditions for sustainable investments in renewable and fossil-free en-ergy production, energy storage, and new energy solutions, such as hydrogen. The government willadvance Finland’s position as a frontrunner by developing a new energy and climate strategy aimed atcarbon negativity with a key focus on promoting the clean transition and investments in industry.Finland aims to implement effectively the updated renewable energy directive (RED III). Finland’senergy supply is based on decentralised energy production, diverse energy sources and a reliable trans-mission and distribution system.Latvia: The Latvian electricity transmission system operator, together with Lithuanian, Estonian, andPolish electricity transmission system operators, is implementing a joint synchronisation project thataims to synchronise the electricity grid of the Baltic region with the Continental European network.Additionally, an agreement has been reached to accelerate the synchronisation and complete the proj-ect by February 2025. That would ensure the withdrawal from the BRELL network and strengthenthe energy security of the Baltic region. Furthermore, Latvia is implementing an energy policy to in-crease the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern focuses on improving import infrastruc-tures, expanding renewable energies, and establishing LNG import infrastructure at Lubmin/Mukranto enhance energy security in Europe. Diversification not only mitigates fossil fuel dependence butalso lowers GHG emissions and stabilises prices, with the Baltic Sea region holding significant poten-tial. Addressing rare metal dependency requires a shift towards circular economy and recycling, em-phasising technology development for efficient resource use. Enhanced cooperation at European andinternational levels is essential for a joint strategy to tackle common challenges through sharing bestpractices, collaborative research, and developing energy infrastructures together.Schleswig-Holstein: Schleswig-Holstein is aiming to be the first climate-neutral industrial state by2040. The Energy Transition and Climate Protection Act (EWKG) is key to reaching this goal, witha focus on renewable energy and transitioning to sustainable heating. The state already produces moreelectricity from renewables than it consumes, with a significant increase in onshore renewable energygeneration from 2022 to 2023. The expansion of wind and solar energy facilities has contributed tothis growth. The draft Climate Protection Program 2030 sets even higher targets for renewable ener-gy generation by 2030.Sweden: Multiple measures are being taken to improve the speed and efficiency of permitting powerlines and energy plants. Amendments to the Environmental Code and the Electricity Act will enterinto force in July 2024 and further facilitate the permitting procedure. Sweden is also revising its ma-rine spatial plans and investigating how the permitting procedure for offshore wind can be made moreefficient through a Governmental inquiry.25 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportResolution Item 45 (Raising Awareness on the Implementation of ClimateChange Measures)acknowledging the different energy strategies and focuses in different states to reach these goals,increase the focus on the communal and regional levels on implementing adequate climatechange measures and to raise awareness in the responsible administrations;Estonia: Estonia prioritises local and regional initiatives, such as renovating buildings for energy effi-ciency and developing sustainable mobility networks in cities like Tallinn, Pärnu, and Tartu.Finland: Municipalities and regions play an important role, as Finland aims to be carbon neutral by2035. Local and regional authorities can reduce, as well as support and accelerate emission reductionby using a wide range of informational, economic and voluntary or agreement-based instruments andtools. All Regional Councils have included climate and energy issues in their strategies – either as sep-arate climate strategy documents (climate roadmaps) or as a theme in comprehensive regional strate-gies. Local Governments for Sustainability, the Covenant of Mayors, and Eurocities are internationalnetworks, where several municipality members from Finland are represented. Integrating climate andother relevant goals at the municipal level brings synergies to local actors and businesses.The Hinku Network and Energy Efficiency Agreements are national networks in Finland that aim toreduce GHG emissions and minimise their carbon footprint. These networks bring together munici-palities, businesses, and experts to create and implement solutions to reduce GHG emissions. TheHinku Network has 86 member municipalities, committed to an 80 percent reduction in emissionsfrom 2007 levels by 2030. Energy Efficiency Agreements are a tool for fulfilling EU energy efficiencyobligations set for Finland, with over 120 municipalities and joint municipal authorities committedto the targets, without resorting to legislation or other coercive measures. The Climate Leadership Co-alition is the largest non-profit climate business network in Europe, with six cities and several munic-ipality-owned companies joining. The Finnish Sustainable Communities (FISU) aims for carbonneutrality, zero waste, and globally sustainable consumption. At the regional level, the 18 RegionalCouncils and 15 Centres for Economic Development, Transport, and the Environment (ELY Cen-tres) are the most important organisations for promoting climate work.German Bundestag: The federal government is actively promoting measures to reduce GHGemissions at the communal and regional levels. Initiatives such as the Municipal Directive fundingprogramme and support for energy-efficient urban renovation aim to stimulate climate protection ef-forts. Funding of 500 million euros is dedicated to decarbonising municipal heating supplies, while70 million euros annually support energy-efficient building renovations and renewable energy expan-sion in the municipal sector.Rural areas are highlighted in the Action Plan on Nature-based Solutions for Climate and Biodiversi-ty, with 3.5 billion euros allocated until 2027. An additional 200 million euros until 2026 will aid cit-ies and municipalities in adapting urban areas to climate change, including planting urban trees andcreating green spaces. The National Climate Adaptation Centre offers advisory services to increase cli-mate awareness and resilience on the communal and regional levels, providing support for knowl-edge-building, funding selection, training, and networking for joint climate projects.26 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportHamburg: The focus on the communal and regional levels is to be increased and awareness is to be raised in theresponsible administrations. This demand is in line with the practice of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg,beginning with the Hamburg Climate Concept of 2007–2012, the Climate Masterplan, and the Hamburg Cli-mate Plan with its now second update of 2023 and the envisaged sector responsibilities it contains.Latvia: Latvia acknowledges the important role of local governments in addressing climate goals. It iscrucial to enhance regional efforts in implementing effective climate change mitigation and adapta-tion measures. Latvia actively works to enhance awareness-raising initiatives within responsible ad-ministrations of municipalities by developing relevant climate policy documents and defining the re-sponsibilities of local governments in achieving climate goals. To support regions and municipalitiesin achieving climate neutrality and resilience, Latvia has developed several planning support tools,such as a training course for municipal specialists, municipal climate profiles and a database of GHGemissions in regions of Latvia, cities and municipalities for 2020–2021.Schleswig-Holstein: A Climate Protection Pact between the state and the municipalities is currentlybeing coordinated.Sweden: Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Baltic Sea states, including Sweden, havebeen working actively to implement restrictive measures regarding Russian energy exports. Duringthis process, it has been important to point out different states’ capabilities in terms of transitioningaway from Russian energy.Resolution Item 46 (Research and Innovation in Climate Change Mitigation)support increased research and innovation in climate change mitigation and adaptation tech-nologies, encouraging collaboration between academic institutions, industries, and govern-ments;Estonia: Estonia fosters collaboration between the Ministry of Climate, Tartu University Marine In-stitute, and international partners on projects like PROTECT BALTIC to foster innovation in cli-mate change mitigation and adaption technologies.Finland: Finland aims to build an affordable, emissions-free, and secure energy system through tech-nological development and innovation. The government plans to increase high-quality research, de-velopment, and innovation in energy solutions, raising RDI funding to 4 percent of GDP. Coopera-tion between businesses, industry, higher education, research, central government, municipalities,and growth enterprises is promoted. Finland’s Strategic Research Program CLIMATE seeks solutionsto climate change and human choice making, with funding of 12.3 million euros for 2023–2026. TheAtmosphere and Climate Competence Centre (ACCC) contributes to solutions.German Bundestag: The federal government’s energy research support focuses on reducing GHG emis-sions and adapting to climate change consequences. Emphasis is placed on collaboration between scienceand business for quick innovation implementation. German innovation policy aids SMEs in movingideas to market success through market-oriented support measures. Funding, such as the Central Inno-vation Programme, is technology and topic open, supporting sustainability and ecological challenges.27 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportHamburg: Hamburg is a key research hub for climate studies, home to renowned institutions likeHamburg University’s CLICCS, GERICS, Max Planck Institute, DKRZ, and HEREON funded bythe Hamburg senate. CLICCS focuses on climate change’s impact on society and vice versa, inform-ing possible future climate scenarios. As part of Hamburg’s Innovation Strategy, the city promotes col-laboration among science, industry, society, administration, and politics. The Innovation FundingProgramme aims to facilitate idea exchanges across sectors. In line with the Hamburg Climate Plan,the Hamburg senate aims for carbon neutrality by 2045 through emission reduction strategies. Thesenate also supports scientific cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, with the BSN Vision 2030 focus-ing on sustainability and climate collaboration. This strategic approach aims to drive innovation andaddress climate challenges through cooperative efforts.Latvia: In 2023, Latvia launched a state research program titled “Decision-making support system forachieving climate neutrality” aimed at creating an IT-based system to help reach energy sector and cli-mate neutrality goals by 2050. The program involves modelling various scenarios, evaluating so-cio-economic impacts, and identifying the most beneficial solutions for reducing GHG emissions andincreasing carbon sequestration. In early 2024, a partnership was established between a scientific in-stitution and the Ministry of Education and Science to implement the program. Additionally, in April2024, Latvia hosted the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scoping meeting to prepare fora Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, focusing on how climate change impacts urban areasand addressing related challenges and opportunities. This initiative encourages global research collab-oration and cooperation between academia, policymakers, and government representatives.Lithuania: On 30 June 2021, Lithuania approved the National Climate Change Management Agen-da, with targets and objectives for climate change mitigation and adaptation. The goal of Lithuania’spolicy on adaptation to climate change is to reduce the current and foreseeable vulnerability of thecountry’s natural ecosystems and economic sectors, to strengthen adaptive capacity, to cost-effectivelymitigate risks and damage and to maintain and increase resilience to climate change, with a view tosecuring a favourable environment for public life and sustainable economic activity so as to ensurefood production is not endangered. One of the key objectives for achieving the set target in data andinformation collection and dissemination is to continuously monitor and assess risks, vulnerabilityand adaptation options in different sectors of the economy at the international, national, regional andmunicipal levels is as follows: to participate in Baltic Sea Region and international climate monitor-ing programmes, to share experience, information and best practices on climate change adaptation inthe most climate vulnerable sectors of the economy.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: The MV Baltic Sea Strategy includes organising an international hy-drogen conference for the Baltic Sea Region in Stralsund. This initiative is already underway througha collaboration between the district of Vorpommern-Rügen and the Stralsund University of AppliedSciences. Various projects like NRL, HyPerformer, HyStarter, Campfire, HYTruck, and Green Indus-trial Areas are receiving political support. The Ministry of Economics oversees the Hydrogen ResearchFactory, where research institutions are working together to develop solutions for a climate-neutralmaritime hydrogen economy. Organisations such as DLR, IAP, and OTC are focusing on cooperationwith commercial and governmental entities for research and innovation services.28 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportNorway: Norway invests in research, mapping, and monitoring related to the sea. The cross-sectoralmapping program Mareano has mapped the seabed in detail in approximately 300,000 km2 of Nor-wegian sea areas until 2024.Schleswig-Holstein: In 2023, the German Science and Humanities Council published recommenda-tions for the Higher Education System in Schleswig-Holstein, focusing on energy transition researchin areas like wind energy and hydrogen. The goal is to strengthen strategic focus and profile of energytransition research in the region, contributing to climate protection and business development. Thestate government supports universities in applying for funding for energy research programs and pro-vides financial assistance for application-oriented research through different funding measures. Theaim is to make significant contributions to the energy transition and climate protection efforts.Sweden: Sweden is actively contributing to the advancement and dissemination of technical solutionsin energy, transport, and heavy industry sectors to lower global greenhouse gas emissions. By foster-ing research and innovation partnerships with key countries in emerging technologies, Sweden aimsto establish collaborations with the private sector and Team Sweden by 2026. Fossil Free Sweden, ini-tiated by the government in 2015, is dedicated to transitioning to a fossil-free industrial sector, creat-ing jobs, and boosting exports. This initiative works with companies, industries, municipalities, andregions to identify barriers and opportunities for expediting progress and presents policy recommen-dations to the government for implementation.Resolution Item 47 (Climate Change Education)develop incentives and support for integrating climate change education and awareness-raisingprogrammes into curricula, public campaigns, and professional development programmes;Estonia: Estonia strongly supports engaging the broader public through knowledge exchange andawareness raising, which are crucial to permanent change towards more sustainable and environmen-tally sound lifestyle decisions. Only through communication on environment and climate change, in-cluding the state of the Baltic Sea and threats to its environment, can individual behaviour changes beachieved. Throughout the compilation of various programmes of measures or scientific projects, thegovernment has provided opportunities for the public to be engaged via seminars, conferences, or me-dia coverage. The Coalition agreement promises to increase communication, information, and in-volvement in activities to explain environmental challenges and find common ground in society. Es-tonia has supported different Baltic Sea region initiatives in youth cooperation, encouraging the par-ticipation of the Estonian National Youth Council and other NGOs. Nearly all 79 local municipali-ties have created opportunities for young people to participate in decision-making processes.Finland: Climate change and sustainable development are integrated into Finland’s compulsory basiceducation system, with many subjects addressing these topics. The core curriculum emphasises sus-tainability as a key education component, with climate change being especially prominent in geogra-phy and biology. Free websites provide resources for teachers on teaching sustainability and climatechange, while universities offer education on climate change in various degree programs. Finland sup-ports public awareness on climate issues through various avenues, such as projects that promote resil-ient vocational education systems to meet future needs.29 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportGerman Bundestag: In June 2022, the federal government launched the “80 million together for anenergy shift” campaign aimed at promoting energy savings, efficiency, and renewable energies. Thecampaign includes dialogue with stakeholders and provides practical tips for everyone to save energyand use renewable sources. The National Climate Initiative (NCI) supports climate action at thegrassroots level and offers funding for innovative climate protection projects since 2011. It covers awide range of activities, including awareness-raising and climate mainstreaming projects.Hamburg: On the one hand, this fits in with the objectives of the Free and Hanseatic City of Ham-burg and is therefore welcomed. On the other hand, educational and awareness-raising measures onclimate change are not enough. These must be structurally anchored as an educational mission in allareas of education, from early childhood education, schools, vocational schools and universities to ex-tracurricular education.Latvia: Climate change issues are included in the Latvian curriculum and learning outcomes in pri-mary school (social and civics and natural sciences). Learning materials on the topic of climate changecan be found in the electronic repository https://mape.gov.lv/.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern aims to achieve greenhouse gas neutralityby 2040 through a State Climate Protection Act. The Ministry of Economics, Infrastructure, Tour-ism, and Labour is working on a Master Plan for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) invocational education (state parliament resolution printed matter 8/2233). Climate change is integrat-ed into all general education courses, with topics like climate protection, animal welfare, and globaljustice. Social Studies courses cover sustainable management of climate change through global regu-lation. Concrete measures for nurseries, schools, and vocational training are being developed as partof the Master Plan for ESD. Climate change is a key focus in education in Mecklenburg-Vorpom-mern.Poland: The vocational training system provides vocational training that takes into account the con-ditions resulting from the green transition. New professions have also been introduced, which are re-lated to waste management, including, among others, an auxiliary employee in waste management (aprofession for people with a slight intellectual disability). The industry to which these professions areassigned is “chemical industry and environmental protection”. Core ecological skills of a cross-cuttingnature are included in the core education curriculum for all professional education professions. Theseskills include knowledge, understanding, and compliance with environmental principles and address-ing environmental risks in the workplace and in the performance of professional tasks.Sweden: In 2020, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and the Swedish Meteorologicaland Hydrological Institute (SMH) issued a report to follow up on their government mission to takestock of possibilities and conditions for Sweden’s implementation of Article 12 on Actions for ClimateEmpowerment (ACE). The report informed the recently adopted Climate Action Policy Plan. TheGovernment has commissioned the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) toinform the public about the latest findings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC). When the IPCC released the Synthesis Report for the Sixth Assessment Report, SMHI helda national IPCC conference together with other government agencies in autumn 2023.30 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportResolution Item 48 (Cross-Border Cooperation on Regional Climate Initiatives)foster cross-border cooperation on regional climate initiatives, engaging neighbouring countriesand international organisations in joint efforts to address climate change in the Baltic Sea re-gion;Denmark: Denmark contributes regionally to further the green transition through the Baltic EnergyMarket Interconnection Plan (BEMIP), which aims to achieve an open and integrated regional elec-tricity and gas market between EU countries in the Baltic Sea region.Estonia: Estonia engages in joint efforts with neighbouring countries and international organisations,participating in regional projects and HELCOM working groups to address climate change in theBaltic Sea Region.Finland: Finland will strengthen and develop Nordic cooperation in the energy sector. To ensure thesecurity of electricity supply, the government will promote increased transmission connections to theNordic and Baltic countries.German Bundestag: The federal government supports enhanced international cooperation in variouscontexts: for example, the building of offshore wind parks in the Baltic Sea. Six offshore wind parksare already producing renewable energy, and another six are currently in the planning stage. Moreover,the protection of coastal and estuary areas together with Baltic Sea partner states was fostered the Bal-tic Sea Action Plan in 2021. In the period from 2021 to 2030, it tackles the challenges of waste, es-pecially plastic waste, and the overfertilisation of the Baltic Sea, and aims to put 30 percent of the Bal-tic Sea under protection.Latvia: In October 2023, experts from Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, and Poland, which are involved inthe process of preparation of National Energy and Climate plans, participated in a regional seminarin Vilnius, Lithuania. Searching for new measures to tackle climate change, preparing projections,ways of public engagement, and other topics were discussed, and best practices were shared.Schleswig-Holstein: MEKUN supports the Interreg’s ClimatePol project led by Prof. Sebastian Mer-nild (University of Southern Denmark) as a network partner. The objective of the project is, amongother things, to consolidate climate change knowledge in the border region and provide cross-bordersolutions at the regional and municipal levels in order to support the development of the project re-gion into a climate-resilient region.Sweden: The Swedish government and government agencies are active in implementing the EU Strat-egy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), which aims to meet the challenges common to the countriesin the Baltic Sea region today. The Strategy has three main objectives: saving the sea, connecting theregion, and increasing prosperity. During the Swedish Presidency of the EUSBSR 2022–2023, the fo-cus was on strengthening and developing implementation of the Strategy and its action plan, includ-ing by developing new forms of cooperation, spreading knowledge of how the Strategy contributes tosocietal development, and creating conditions that enable more people to take part in cooperationwithin the strategy.31 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportResolution Item 49 (Baltic Sea Climate and Biodiversity Summits)convene annual Baltic Sea Climate and Biodiversity Summits to raise public awareness, trackprogress, share best practices, and refine regional strategies to accelerate increased climate actionand adaptation;Denmark: Denmark participates in relevant high-level meetings, such as the Baltic Sea Energy Secu-rity Summit, which was first hosted by Denmark in 2022. In this regard, Denmark works actively tofoster cross-border cooperation on regional renewable energy projects.Estonia: Estonia supports the organisation of annual summits to raise public awareness, share bestpractices, and refine regional strategies for climate action and adaption.Finland: Baltic Sea Climate and Biodiversity Summits could be further elaborated to include in theseSummits the dimension of pollution, taking into account, among other things, hazardous substances,plastics and chemicals, in line with “the triple environmental crises” approach. All three topics are in-ter-related and important for the state of the Baltic Sea. Regarding climate change, not only climateaction and adaptation should be on the agenda, but also climate impacts, both already observed andfuture pathways. One should carefully consider if annual Summits are feasible or if biannual or otherperiods might be more appropriate.German Bundestag: While there has not been a specific summit on climate action and adaptation inthe Baltic Sea Region, these issues are frequently discussed in other forums. The United NationsFramework Convention on Climate Change addresses general ocean-climate nexus issues through di-alogues, such as the Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue. The UN Convention on Biological Diver-sity also addresses conservation and sustainable use of coastal and marine biodiversity, with resolu-tions adopted at conferences like COP15.Latvia: The 2024 Ministerial Meeting on the Baltic Sea Marine Environment (HELCOM) took placein Riga on 25 April 2024. It was hosted by Latvia as the HELCOM chair at that time. The focus ofthe Ministerial Meeting was on the results of the third holistic assessment (HOLAS 3) of the BalticSea and how these could be used to strengthen implementation to reach the objectives and goals ofthe Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP). In addition, the Ministerial Meeting reflected on the 50th anniver-sary of the signing of the original Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of theBaltic Sea Area.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: A potential annual summit would not be advantageous, would requiresubstantial time and material resources and would not reach the public. Therefore, the state govern-ment does not support this proposal.Sweden: To mark the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Convention and HELCOM, Latvia, holdingthe Chairmanship of HELCOM at that time, hosted a celebration on 25 April 2024 in Riga. A Min-isterial Meeting of the Contracting Parties preceded the event, which reflected the achievements of thefirst 50 years of HELCOM while looking forward to future challenges.32 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportBiodiversityResolution Item 50 (Reversing Biodiversity Loss by 2030)make strong effort to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and contribute to making thedemocratic Baltic Sea Region as much as possible a macro-regional best practice example in thisregard for the world;Finland: The BSAP serves as a good example of a best practice engagement within the region and Fin-land has actively begun implementing the actions outlined in the plan. Finland also participates in theEU Horizon project “PROTECT BALTIC”, which aims to implement several biodiversity-related ac-tions in the BSAP.German Bundestag: The measures of the area management plans for the protected areas in the Ger-man Exclusive Economic Zone of the Baltic Sea are aimed at an effectively managed and ecologicallycoherent network of marine protected areas and at minimising the impairment of protected or threat-ened species, their habitats, and migration routes by human activities. They thereby play a part inmaking the Baltic Sea a best-practice example in international marine protection.Hamburg: The demand of the 32nd BSPC to make strong efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity lossby 2030, among other things, is supported without restriction against the backdrop of the COP15 inMontreal with its comprehensive agreement on biodiversity protection.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Through the implementation of Natura 2000, including the pledgeand review process (voluntary commitments of the member states to implement concrete improve-ment targets for selected EU protected areas), the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern can make a de-cisive contribution to curbing the loss of biodiversity in the coastal sea.Poland: As a member of the European Union, Poland implements the provisions of Regulation (EU)No. 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the Com-mon Fisheries Policy (CFP). EU member states, including Poland, protect fish stocks in accordancewith the best available science. Scientific opinions, issued annually by the International Council forthe Exploration of the Sea (ICES), are the basis for the EU Council to set fishing quotas in the BalticSea and adopt appropriate conservation measures. Poland takes an active part in the implementationof tasks within BALTFISH (Baltic Sea Fisheries Forum), where it is currently completing its annualpresidency. Cooperation also takes place within the regional advisory organization BSAC (Baltic SeaAdvisory Council), where the process of shaping Baltic fisheries policies at the regional level is sup-ported. In the area of the waters of the Vistula Lagoon, every year, within the framework of the fundsof the minister responsible for fisheries, resource surveys are carried out by the Sea Fisheries Institute- National Research Institute, to ensure that the management of living fish resources is carried out ina sustainable manner.33 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportWith regard to the activities included in the above-mentioned resolution of actions on biodiversity,the Strategic Plan for the CAP for 2023–2027 has implemented conditionality, which is an essentialelement of “green architecture”. It is a combination and reinforcement of the requirements ofcross-compliance and greening, which were in effect until 2022. Ecoschemes are also an instrumentfor achieving the environmental and climate goals of the new CAP. They are a new pro-environmen-tal component of the direct payment system, supporting the implementation of practices that benefitthe environment, climate and animal welfare.Schleswig-Holstein: Reference is made to the Baltic Sea Action Plan, the implementation of the statebiodiversity strategy Natural 2030, and the project for the reintroduction of seagrass meadows.Sweden: Sweden supports harmonising the work of HELCOM and implementing the 2021 BSAP,aligned with initiatives like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. They aim tomake the Baltic Sea Region a model of best practices. The Swedish Government aims to expand ma-rine area protection to achieve the 30 percent target by 2030, in line with EU, HELCOM, Ospar, andCBD biodiversity strategies. They seek to create a robust network of protected areas for ecological co-herence and functionality.Resolution Item 51 (Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal GlobalBiodiversity Framework, GBF)fully implement as fast as possible the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework(GBF) adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD-COP15) on 15 December 2022 with its mission to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by2030, adapt the existing national and Baltic Sea broad strategies and programmes and to coop-erate intensively among the democratic Baltic Sea States to realise a swift and effective imple-mentation of the GBF so that the Baltic Sea region becomes a global best practice example in im-plementing the Global Biodiversity Framework;Finland: Following and implementing the actions of the BSAP, Finland correspondingly pursuesboth the SDSs and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Several of the 199actions of the BSAP directly contribute to achieving the targets of the GBF, as 15 GBF targets have adirect connection to BSAP actions.German Bundestag: The federal government is actively working on implementing the GBF and iscurrently in close contact with the other member states of the CBSS. The measures of the area man-agement plans for protected areas in the German Exclusive Economic Zone of the Baltic Sea contrib-ute to achieving the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and playa part in making the Baltic Sea a best-practice example in international marine protection.Hamburg: The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is committed to the conservation and enhance-ment of land in the FHH.34 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportMecklenburg-Vorpommern: Through the implementation of necessary permission requirements forplans and projects on the one hand and the implementation of necessary conservation measures onthe other, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern can meet its obligation under European law in accordance withthe Habitats Directive and the EU Birds Directive. The state thus contributes to the implementationof the EU Biodiversity Strategy alongside other democratic Baltic Sea states.Schleswig-Holstein: This objective is being implemented jointly by the Baltic Sea states as part of theactivities already mentioned (HELCOLM, MSFD, the National Biodiversity Strategy).Sweden: The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted during COP15 and aimsto achieve Sustainable Development Goals by 2050. Sweden supports harmonising HELCOM’s workwith the 2021 BSAP and implementing initiatives like the GBF to make the Baltic Sea region a best prac-tice example. The Swedish government plans to expand marine area protection to reach 30 percent pro-tection by 2030, in line with the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy, HELCOM, OSPAR, and the CBD’s globalframework. This effort will create a representative and functional network of protected marine areas, en-hancing ecological coherence and contributing to a world living in harmony with nature.Resolution Item 52 (Ecosystem-Based Management)consider an ecosystem-based management approach when revising and adapting action plansand strategies to achieve these goals and implementing these measures. This means managementthat considers the whole ecosystem and all human activities, which is aware of and incorporatesall pressures and interactions and aims to protect, restore, or enhance the resilience and sustain-ability of the aquatic ecosystem to ensure the sustainable provision of ecosystem services andmaintain the biodiversity;Åland: The government of Åland is continuing its work to implement ecosystem-based managementof aquatic environments in all remedial work and, above all, through completed, ongoing and plannedEU projects. The value of protecting ecosystem services is highlighted above all in the EU projects“Marine Waterways” and “ACWA-LIFE”. Through its participation in the EU project “eMSP NBSR”,the government of Åland has focused on integrating the work in line with the EU’s Green Deal andclimate work within the framework of maritime spatial planning. A comprehensive analysis of the co-operation and coordination processes for maritime spatial planning and the establishment of marineprotected areas has been carried out within the framework of the project. The project results providea basis for promoting an ecosystem-based approach in the ongoing development of marine spatialplanning.Denmark: The Danish government presented an updated maritime spatial plan with an ambition of10 percent strictly protected marine areas and an additional 20 percent protected marine areas in2030. The Plan was sent into public consultation in September 2023 and will be published in the firsthalf of 2024.Finland: Finland actively uses an ecosystem-based approach to management, as it nationally imple-ments the Marine Strategy Framework Directive as well as the Water Framework Directive, which areboth based on the said approach.35 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportGerman Bundestag: The ecosystem-based approach of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity is a keylegal basis of German marine spatial planning. The marine spatial plan that entered into force in 2021 reflectsthis requirement by incorporating protection and use interests. For example, this plan securely designates allprotected areas in the German Exclusive Economic Zone of the Baltic Sea in terms of spatial planning.Hamburg: The fundamental fields of action for Hamburg here are a rewetting strategy for moorland,a programme to reverse soil sealing, especially in the highly compacted inner-city area, the designa-tion of land worthy of protection, and the restoration of contaminated soils. All of these programmesprimarily serve to conserve and restore land and its functions. This contributes directly to the preser-vation of biodiversity through the creation of soil habitats.Latvia: To promote biodiversity conservation and fulfil obligations under the Habitats Directive, 74new nature reserves have been established in 2023 to protect wet forests. These reserves are set to re-ceive Natura 2000 status in 2024. The LIFE project is working on scientific justifications for enhanc-ing proposals for the marine Natura 2000 network in Latvia. The main obstacle to determining con-servation status is the insufficient compensation for restrictions in Natura 2000 territories. Habitatmapping of EU importance across Latvia is completed, and efforts are ongoing to review objectivesfor Natura 2000 territories and define conservation goals. The EU Cohesion Fund project for manag-ing protected areas has been successfully implemented.Lithuania: Although Lithuania has a high percentage of marine protected areas, there are delays insetting the conservation objectives required by the Habitats Directive and not all marine protected ar-eas have their own management plans. Specialists from the Ministry of Environment and scientists areactively working to address these challenges. Designation of “no-take” zones (any fishing, mining,drilling, or other extractive activities are prohibited) in particular parts of marine protected areascould be a solution for strict protection. Measuring the progress of conservation efforts, i.e. monitor-ing of marine areas, is a major challenge due to the need for special and expensive equipment (ships,aircraft, underwater cameras, etc.) and highly skilled personnel.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: The State Biodiversity Strategy and the catalogue of measures with ap-proaches to ecosystem-based management are currently updated with a view to the national Biodiver-sity Strategy, currently in development. Furthermore, the implementation of the relevant EU envi-ronmental directives and regularly updated management plans contribute to sustainable developmentin terms of good ecological status. As part of the departmental consultations on spatial planning andregional development issues, attention is paid to sustainably balancing resource protection and use.The necessary technical documentation is under development. It should be noted that the guidingprinciple of spatial planning is that of sustainable spatial development, which reconciles social andeconomic demands with ecological functions [Section 1 (2) of the Spatial Planning Act (ROG)]Schleswig-Holstein: An ecosystem-based management approach is also provided for under theMSFD and the HELCOM Convention.Sweden: The ecosystem-based management approach is fundamental to the HELCOM Baltic SeaAction Plan and the EU marine policy. The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management isactively supporting the development of ecosystem-based marine management in the Baltic Sea Re-gion, and in Sweden’s coastal zone and sea.36 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportResolution Item 53 (Increasing Carbon Sequestration)further commit to protecting biodiversity and increasing carbon sequestration and natural stor-age with common and national policies for:a. conservation of carbon-rich ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and natural rivers;b. continuation of sustainable forest management;Åland: The protection of carbon-rich environments, such as forests, wetlands, and eelgrass meadows,has been improved through a new Nature Conservation Decree.Finland: a) Finland is preparing pledges to improve habitats in and outside protected areas under theEU Biodiversity Strategy, aiming to halt species and habitat decline by 2030 and improve 30 percentof them. The LIFE IP project “Biodiversea” aims to create a national restoration plan, focusing on re-storing underwater habitats and essential fish habitats. b) Finland’s forests are managed according tothe Best Practices for Sustainable Forest Management, updated regularly to reflect scientific knowl-edge and societal values. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry funds research projects on climateresilience, biodiversity consideration, and peatland forestry, with a focus on reducing carbon emis-sions and strengthening carbon sinks.German Bundestag: a) The Federal Action Plan on Nature-based Solutions for Climate and Biodi-versity allows to preserve intact ecosystems and restore health, resilience, and biodiversity to degradedecosystems. b) Sustainable forest management based on internationally agreed standards is an import-ant goal for Germany nationally, regionally, and internationally, hence why it is legally regulated inGermany. The management of forests in Germany is based on the integrated principle of sustainable,multifunctional forestry while considering the balance of various societal interests in forests.Hamburg: a) The majority of Hamburg’s moorland is already within nature reserves. Additionally,Hamburg is planning to develop a strategy for rewetting peatland habitats in cooperation with landusers. Excavated peat from construction projects in Hamburg must be utilised in a climate-neutralway. b) Sustainable management of peatlands should be established where possible. Photovoltaic sys-tems, in particular, are also suited to use in areas with raised water levels.Latvia: a) Latvia continues to implement and places emphasis on sustainable forest management, tak-ing into account the environmental requirements aimed at preserving the environment and the natureof Latvia. b) Latvia is willing to share its experience and present the role of IT solutions in the forestsector, introducing the LVM GEO platform as the leading IT solution in the forest sector in Latvia.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: The preservation and sustainable management of forests are defined asthe forest policy objective of the state and are enshrined in the State Forest Act. They are also includ-ed in the State Climate Protection Act. In addition, the state is developing a Peatland Protection andUse Strategy for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.37 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportSchleswig-Holstein: In Schleswig-Holstein, the Biological Climate Protection through MoorlandProtection and New Forest Formation Program addresses the restoration, strengthening, and preser-vation of (terrestrial) ecosystems that can bind CO from the atmosphere and store it in the long term.2These include, above all, moors and forests, but also the conversion of arable land into species-richpermanent grassland. In the moorland area in particular, moors have already been secured and rewet-ting measures have been implemented.Sweden: a) The Swedish government initiated a long-term project with the purpose of restoration ofwetlands, in the period 2024–2030. The aim is primarily re-wetting of degraded peatland to reducecarbon emissions and promote biodiversity but also to benefit from other ecosystem services. b) It isimportant for Sweden to continue to work with sustainable forest management and conservation offorests to ensure that biodiversity is protected, and carbon sequestration and natural storage is possi-ble. It is also important to preserve Swedish forests as an environment for plants, fungi, and animalswith varying habitat demands and vulnerability to climate change.Resolution Item 54 (Plans to Enhance the Resilience of the Baltic Sea Ecosystem)develop and execute plans to enhance the resilience of the Baltic Sea ecosystem to climate change,including protecting coastal habitats and restoring wetlands;Åland: Active work on the protection of coastal habitats and the restoration of certain wetland habi-tats is part of the “Life IP Biodiversea” project, as well as part of the ongoing work in the field of na-ture conservation. Cooperation is ongoing with Finnish authorities and research institutions.Finland: To enhance the resilience of marine biodiversity to climate change, Finland is working onexpanding its MPA network, a large part of those is situated in coastal areas. The restoration of wet-lands by the HELMI habitats program, which is led by the Ministry of Environment, aims to restoreaquatic bird habitats and wetlands. Although most aquatic bird environments are already protected,the HELMI program was constructed to restore these 200 sites by 2030.German Bundestag: The Federal Government provides 3.5 billion euros for nature-based climate ac-tion under the Action Plan on Nature-based Solutions for Climate and Biodiversity to strengthen andrestore natural and near-natural ecosystems. The Action Plan contains a separate field of action forseas and coasts to conserve marine habitats and their natural carbon sink capacity, thereby increasingresilience to climate-related changes. The German government has spoken out in favour of sustainablyimproving coastal defence under the National Water Strategy. In the future, in addition to technicalcoastal defence measures, the aim is to increasingly use nature-based solutions (such as restoring coast-al habitats). In the German Working Group on Water Issues of the Federal States and the FederalGovernment (LAWA), measures on the protection of coastal habitats are also being drawn up (e.g.new construction or raising and rehabilitation of dykes).Hamburg: The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is planning to develop a strategy for rewettingpeatland habitats in cooperation with land users.38 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportLatvia: The country has prepared a Latvian National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change until2030. The principal objective of the plan is to reduce the vulnerabilities of the population, nationaleconomy, infrastructure, buildings, and nature to climate change impacts within the country but alsoto promote the use of opportunities derived from climate change. It includes a strategic objective toensure that Latvia’s natural values have been preserved and the negative impact of climate changethereupon has been reduced.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: The restoration of coastal-flooded peatlands constitutes a state goal anda field of action in the Peatland Protection and Use Strategy. A series of planned measures and proj-ects for the implementation of Natura 2000 and measures from the European pledges process alsoserve to increase the resilience of the Baltic Sea ecosystem and coastal habitats to climate change.Sweden: The Swedish government recently introduced a National Climate Adaptation Strategy withan action plan highlighting the impact of climate change on the marine ecosystem and the need toprotect carbon-rich marine ecosystems. Climate change integration in ocean and water managementis crucial for achieving good environmental status in the marine environment. Climate adaptation re-quirements vary along Sweden’s coast and sea basins due to different conditions. To enhance sea resil-ience, the strategy aims to expand marine area protection to form a cohesive network, reaching 30percent marine area protection by 2030 in alignment with EU biodiversity goals, HELCOM, OSPAR,and the Convention on Biological Diversity. The strategy also emphasises the significance of coastaland marine spatial planning in climate adaptation strategies.Resolution Item 55 (Reversing Land Degradation and Promoting SustainableForest Management)reverse land degradation by 2030, and promote sustainable forest management given their im-portance for climate and biodiversity;Finland: The national package of measures concerning the nutrient cycle and renewable energy hasbeen implemented on a long-term basis by several governments. The aim has been to promote theutilisation of nutrients and energy contained in manure and other agricultural biomasses from theperspective of both economic activities and the environment. In terms of its scale, nutrient recyclingis considered a significant measure for improving the status of waters, especially that of the Archipel-ago Sea. Efforts are made to create well-functioning markets for recycled materials for different usesand to increase the percentage of recycled materials in these. The aim is to find system level solutionscost-effectively, with a key focus on impact assessments.Finland adopted a new state aid scheme for promoting sustainable forestry at the beginning of 2024.The system steers to adapt environmentally best practices in forest management and special focus isput on peatland forests, where subsidies cover the costs of drafting peatland management plans, mea-sures decreasing nutrient leaching and restoration of drained peatlands for enhancing biodiversity val-ues and maintaining carbon storages. National common guidelines for sustainable forest management“Best Practices for Sustainable Forest Management” have been actively developed, with recent focusbeing out on adaptation in climate change.39 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportGerman Bundestag: The Federal Action Plan on Nature-based Solutions for Climate and Biodiversi-ty allows preserving intact ecosystems and restoring health, resilience and biodiversity to degradedecosystems. On 9 November 2022, the federal government adopted the National Peatland ProtectionStrategy. This strategy addresses peatland protection from the perspective of nature, water, and soilconservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation and looks at the various options for use. Itthus contributes directly to climate action and biodiversity conservation and gives the local commu-nities long-term prospects.Hamburg: Hamburg is committed to conserving, protecting, and enhancing land in Hamburg. Centraltools here include the plan for land worthy of conservation, encompassing an area of approx. 30,000 ha.In these areas in particular, efforts are made to safeguard this land during planning projects. In addition, astrategy is being developed to reverse soil sealing to restore soil habitats in highly sealed inner-city areas.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Part 2 of the Soil Protection Programme in Mecklenburg-Vorpom-mern evaluates the condition of local soils and highlights various actions needed to combat soil deg-radation in the state. The responsibility for protecting soils against degradation, such as compaction,erosion, acidification, and sealing, lies with the stakeholders and is governed by legal regulations. Foragricultural soils, measures like the Erosion Event Register and agri-environmental initiatives helpprevent degradation. In forestry, the focus is on sustainable forest management to address climate pro-tection and biodiversity. However, challenges remain in reversing soil degradation by 2030, withthousands of contaminated and brownfield sites posing risks. The state Ministry for Climate Protec-tion, Agriculture, Rural Areas and the Environment aims to reduce soil sealing and promote soil con-servation in land use practices, particularly in the expansion of renewable energy projects. The StateClimate Protection Act is expected to play a crucial role in addressing soil degradation, legal protec-tion of peatland soils, and enhancing carbon sequestration in agricultural and forestry soils. Overall,efforts to combat biological soil degradation through organic farming expansion are also prioritised aspart of the state’s soil protection strategies.Sweden: Healthy peatlands are crucial for fighting climate change and supporting biodiversity, whilealso serving as a key tool for climate adaptation by mitigating flood, drought, and fire risks. The Swed-ish government is investing 3 665 million SEK between 2024–2030 to restore degraded wetlands, fo-cusing on re-wetting to reduce carbon emissions and enhance biodiversity. Sustainable forestry is alsovital for climate and biodiversity conservation, as forests provide renewable resources that can replacefossil fuels and materials. Sweden aims to proactively manage forests to maximise climate benefitsthrough carbon absorption and sustainable utilisation of wood products, while preserving them ashabitats for diverse plant, fungi, and animal species facing climate impacts.Resolution Item 56 (Improving Nutrient Management)significantly increase efforts to fundamentally improve nutrient management in agriculture, in-dustry, and wastewater treatment plants to reduce nutrient runoff into the Baltic Sea, which con-tributes to eutrophication and biodiversity loss;Åland: The government of Åland will need to raise the requirements for wastewater management inaccordance with the EU’s upcoming renewed directive on the treatment of urban wastewater.40 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportDenmark: The 3rd Danish River Basin Management Plans were agreed in 2021 and will be revisitedin 2024. These plans represent significant reductions in nitrogen loads, one of the key pressures on themarine ecosystems in the Baltic Sea region.Estonia: The Estonian Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023–2027 includes several activitieswhich help to improve nutrient management or reduce nutrient use or the losses of nutrients into the en-vironment. These include support for environmentally friendly management, soil and water protectionsupport, support for maintaining valuable permanent grassland, support for organic production, invest-ments for better management of manure and precision farming techniques (precision fertilisation equip-ment, construction and renovation of manure storage facilities and feeding and watering sites), invest-ment support for the construction of land improvement environmental protection facilities.Finland: To improve the removal of nutrients, a voluntary national agreement system (NationalGreen Deal) has been introduced at urban wastewater plants. Plants following the Green Deal, re-move more nutrients than the provisions of an environmental permit would require.German Bundestag: The federal government collaborates closely with Baltic Sea countries to addressthe significant pollution and nutrient discharges affecting the Baltic Sea’s ecological status. Despitesome progress, efforts to reduce eutrophication and other major pressures on the marine environmentmust be intensified. The focus here is on implementing the EU Water Framework Directive and fer-tiliser legislation to reduce discharges via water pathways. Negotiations are ongoing for the EuropeanCommission draft on municipal wastewater directive for further improvements in marine protection.Hamburg: Improving nutrient management in agriculture has been a policy goal for years. Hamburghas also complied with federal requirements resulting from the amended Fertiliser Regulation.Latvia: The Ministry of Agriculture collaborates with farmers’ NGOs to address agricultural issues in the Baltic Searegion, including circular nutrient usage, phosphorus reduction, and expanding export markets. Baltic States worktogether in projects like LIFE OrgBAlt to implement climate-change mitigation measures in managing organic soils,supporting EU and national climate goals for the post-2020 period by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Water authorities must manage water bodies sustainably, protecting themfrom harmful changes in characteristics and environmental harm. Permissions for water use can be denied ifchanges are expected or legal requirements are not met. Most wastewater treatment plants in Mecklen-burg-Vorpommern surpass purification standards, with 90 percent of the population connected to publicplants. 151 public wastewater treatment plants target nitrogen reduction, retaining 88.57 percent of nitrogenbefore discharge. 122 plants target phosphorus elimination, retaining 94.16 percent of phosphorus. The Wa-ter Framework Directive includes actions for small wastewater treatment plants to achieve good water status.A joint declaration in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern aims to improve phosphorus purification at smaller plants.Drafts for the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive propose stricter nutrient elimination requirementsfor larger plants, necessitating significant investments in infrastructure. Fertiliser laws guide farmers on nutri-ent use for optimal plant growth and minimal nutrient loss. Regulations are regularly assessed for effective-ness, with adjustments made as needed. Erosion-reducing measures in agriculture minimise nutrient runoff,while waste regulations promote nutrient recovery for reuse. Financial support is provided for nutrient recov-ery efforts. Overall, legal regulations and initiatives work towards sustainable water management, protectingwater bodies and promoting responsible nutrient use to prevent environmental harm.41 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportNorway: The EU Water Framework Directive has been implemented in Norwegian law through theWater Management Regulations. Through Norway’s River Basin Management Plans and Programmesof Measures, Norway takes action to protect coastal ecosystems. Adding on, Norway has implement-ed an ambitious action plan to restore the Oslofjord. Lastly, the Norwegian government has proposedrevised regulations on production, storage and use of fertilisers, aimed at limiting the levels of phos-phorus in soil and water to improve water quality and water environment.Schleswig-Holstein: With regard to the MEKUN measures, reference is made to the extensive rangeof water protection consulting services for agricultural businesses. Since 2021, such services will be of-fered nationwide, including the eastern hill country, which is an important catchment area for theprotection of the Baltic Sea. Since 2023, water protection consulting services have also been fundednationwide through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), which hasincreased the financial volume. In the Schlei model region, a number of projects are currently beingimplemented with the objective of reducing nutrient inputs into the Schlei (the Sly Firth). The Chris-tian-Albrechts University of Kiel (CAU) is utilising model farms to assess the impact of the hybridfarming model on the nutrient balance. The CAU is also testing the use of sensors to record nutrientdischarge in real time for the purpose of water protection at the Füsinger Au River.Sweden: Within the EU and HELCOM, processes are enhancing pollutant regulation, notablythrough updating the EU urban wastewater treatment directive. This directive will reduce pollutantloads in the Baltic Sea, such as nutrients and micropollutants. The new CAP regulation (EU)2021/2115) aims to promote sustainable development by managing natural resources efficiently, in-cluding reducing chemical dependency. Sweden’s interventions in the CAP have had positive impactson water quality and reduced eutrophication, supported by investments and environmental commit-ments.Resolution Item 57 (Regional Strategies for Transboundary Emergencies)develop and adopt regional strategies to deal with transboundary emergencies caused by climatechange and pollution, including forest fires, eutrophication and the spread of pathogens. Thestrategies should include research into the causes of such emergencies, cooperation between res-cue services and joint monitoring programmes that indicate the risks of such emergencies.Finland: The country’s focus during its presidency of the CBSS (until 30 June 2024) is on compre-hensive security, crisis preparedness, and resilience. The Ministry of the Interior has hosted variousevents, including seminars on aerial wildfire monitoring, harmonising terminology, crisis communi-cation, the Ukraine Forum, early warning systems, youth engagement, disaster risk reduction, climatesecurity, and the Baltic Excellence Programme. All Baltic Sea region countries have actively participat-ed in these events.German Bundestag: In Germany, the development of such strategies, in particular with regard to co-operation between emergency services or fire brigades, is the responsibility of the federal states(Länder).42 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final ReportHamburg: The Hamburg Fire Service collaborates in disaster response, providing expertise to the pol-icy steering group. Baltic Sea civil protection authorities are also part of this group, sharing knowledgeon climate change-related challenges. The Fire Service participates in events and projects with BalticSea partners, including the recent “Climate Security Webinar” series by the Finnish Council Presiden-cy. They also coordinate with German authorities to connect with Baltic Sea partners on relevant top-ics.Latvia: From 2 January 2023 to 30 June 2024, the State Fire and Rescue Service has engaged in col-laborating with researchers from “PricewaterhouseCoopers” (PwC) on the “Track1” project fundedby the European Commission. The project aims to evaluate the current forest fire protection situationand propose solutions for the period 2024–2026 in state and private forests. This initiative seeks toenhance forest fire protection in order to meet the State Civil Defence Plan goals. Additionally, an-other project called “Improving cross-border cooperation in the field of peat fire prevention and re-sponse” will take place in Latvia and Lithuania in 2024–2026. The goal is to prevent and manage peatfires through innovative methods. Lastly, the State Fire and Rescue Service will implement the “Floo-dAdapt” project to enhance flood response capabilities in the Zemgale and Klaipėda regions of Latviaand Lithuania, focusing on collaborative efforts between the two countries’ rescue services.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: The federal government is responsible for addressing issues related todisaster control, with a transnational capability management system in place for forest fire protection.Agreements for mutual information and assistance exist for cross-border disaster situations, reflectedin disaster control plans. Cross-border cooperation includes a 2020 agreement between Vorpom-mern-Greifswald and the West Pomeranian voivodeship for German and Polish emergency services toassist on either side of the border. This eliminates the need to transfer patients at the border. Languagetraining and simulation exercises in Miedzyzdroje were funded by EU projects to enhance coopera-tion and mutual assistance in emergencies, with Polish rescue services participating in national disas-ter control efforts.Sweden: The Swedish government and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency collaborate re-gionally and internationally to address transboundary emergencies. This includes partnerships withthe Arctic Council, Nordic Council of Ministers, UNECE, and Council of the Baltic Sea States. Co-ordinated efforts have led to the adoption of policies like the Baltic Sea Action Plan and the ArcticSearch and Rescue Agreement. Sweden also follows recommendations for the Best Available Technol-ogy/Best Environmental Practice within HELCOM. The country remains committed to cooperationwithin HELCOM for emergency response.43 Report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region – Final Report4. Projects on Climate Change and Biodiversity inthe Baltic Sea RegionThe Baltic Sea region is home to numerous collaborative projects aimed at tackling the diverse envi-ronmental challenges it faces. These projects span a wide array of issues related to climate change andbiodiversity, from reducing pollution and managing coastal areas to enhancing biodiversity and fos-tering sustainable development, and ultimately, aim to make the Baltic Sea healthier and more resil-ient. They bring together countries, research institutions, and stakeholders across the region, fosteringregional collaboration and information exchange.These projects reflect the region’s commitment to shared goals under frameworks like the EuropeanGreen Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, and the Baltic Sea Action Plan. By focusing on prac-tical solutions, cross-border cooperation, and innovative research, they contribute significantly to thesustainable management of the Baltic Sea, ensuring that it continues to support both its natural envi-ronment and the people who rely on it. HELCOM actively leads and participates in a diverse rangeof regional projects aimed at safeguarding the Baltic Sea, supporting both ecological integrity and sus-tainable socio-economic activities.Initiatives that deserve particular mention include the “PROTECT BALTIC” project, which empha-sises expanding and managing marine protected areas that are vital for conserving biodiversity and en-suring long-term ecological health. Another example is the “Baltic Sea2Land” project, which supportssustainable coastal management by harmonising land and marine planning, ensuring a balanced ap-proach to economic, environmental, and social interests. Such projects serve as crucial platforms forpartnerships with other organisations and foster valuable regional connections and other efforts, allwhile driving innovation in water treatment, coastal management, marine protected areas, and biodi-versity conservation. The section, that we will be part of next year’s report, will provide an overviewof running cross-border regional projects aiming at biodiversity protection as well as climate changemitigation and adaptation.Mr Bodo BahrSecretary General of the BSPCSchlossgartenallee 1519061 SchwerinGermanyTel: +49 171 5512557bodo.bahr@bspcmail.nethttp://www.bspc.netMr Georg Strätker/Ms Evgeniya BakalovaState Parliament of Mecklenburg-VorpommernLennéstr. 119053 SchwerinGermanyTel: +49 385 525 1530/+49 385 525 1531 (International Secretariat)Georg .Straetker@landtag-mv .deevgeniya .bakalova@landtag-mv .deinternational@landtag-mv .de