Espoo publishes new action plan to protect the Baltic Sea
The City of Espoo continues its efforts to protect the Baltic Sea. Through the newly published action plan, the city commits to advancing the goals of the fourth operating period 2024–2028 of the Baltic Sea Challenge. The goals include reducing the nutrient load entering the Baltic Sea, preventing littering and pollution, and increasing cooperation and participation.
The Baltic Sea Challenge is an international network launched by the cities of Helsinki and Turku in 2007. The City of Espoo joined the network by publishing its first Baltic Sea Action Plan as early as 2008. The Baltic Sea Challenge aims to promote water protection through improved cooperation between coastal cities and other participating organisations.
During previous operating periods, Espoo has successfully reduced the nutrient load entering the Baltic Sea. The city does not use fertilisers in its forests, and school lunches now include more sustainably caught fish from the Baltic Sea. The Blominmäki wastewater treatment plant, equipped with the latest technology, was built in our city during the last operating period.
New action plan – new goals
There are a total of six objectives for the 2024–2028 period:
- promoting the sustainable use of the sea
- reducing harmful substances
- preventing littering
- mitigating eutrophication
- increasing biodiversity
- increasing cooperation and participation.
Several specialists from different city sectors in Espoo participated in planning the measures that support the goals. The new action plan includes a total of 42 measures that involve and encourage both city employees and residents to protect the sea.
“The Baltic Sea is our only sea, and its biodiversity is worth protecting. In Espoo’s coastal waters, there are ecologically significant underwater areas that protect many endangered species and provide vital breeding sites for fish. Through the new action plan, we commit to continuing important conservation work in Espoo,” says Environmental Director Tarja Söderman.
The new action plan emphasises the protection of biodiversity. For example, the city is preparing guidelines for the consideration of ecologically significant marine areas in land and sea use planning. During the new operating period, the city will continue to explore its marine environments and establish new conservation areas. Some of the measures started during previous operating periods will continue.
Everyone can do their part to protect the Baltic Sea
The City of Espoo also wants to encourage all Espoo residents to participate in the protection of the Baltic Sea through small everyday actions. You can improve the condition of the sea, for example by using environmentally friendly detergents, reducing the use of chemicals in your home, and taking measures to prevent climate change. At the end of the action plan, you will find a comprehensive list of measures you can take at home, on your own property and in public areas to protect the Baltic Sea. Let’s protect the Baltic Sea together!
Read more about Espoo’s Baltic Sea Action Plan 2024–2028
Read more about The Baltic Sea Challenge(external link, opens in a new window)