Espoo’s Baltic Sea Action Plan 2024–2028

Espoo first took on the Baltic Sea Challenge in 2007, and the City Board approved the first Baltic Sea Action Plan in 2008. Since then, we have committed to taking concrete and voluntary measures aimed at improving the ecological condition of coastal waters and the entire Baltic Sea more than is required by legislation alone.

During the first three operating periods, we have achieved good results. The concentrations of many harmful substances have decreased, and the ecological condition of the coastal waters in the Suvisaaristo-Lauttasaari area has improved from poor to moderate.

However, continued efforts are needed, and that is why, through our Baltic Sea Action Plan, we commit to furthering the goals of the fourth operating period of the Baltic Sea Challenge. The Espoo City Board approved the latest Baltic Sea Action Plan on 26.8.2024.

You can read more about the Baltic Sea Challenge on its webpage(external link, opens in a new window).

There are a total of six objectives for the 2024–2028 period:

• mitigating eutrophication
• increasing biodiversity
• increasing cooperation and participation
• preventing littering
• reducing harmful substances
• promoting the sustainable use of the sea.

Espoo’s Baltic Sea Action Plan contains a total of 42 measures related to the above-mentioned goals. The measures will promote the sustainable use of our marine areas, increase cooperation and participation and further reduce marine pollution.

The Baltic Sea Action Plan is coordinated by Espoo’s Environmental Protection Unit, and more than 30 specialists from different city sectors have participated in the planning process. The goals of the plan apply to the entire city corporate group, and the responsibility for implementing the measures has been divided between the city’s various sectors. The division of labour has been recorded in the Baltic Sea Action Plan under each measure. The implementation of conservation measures is monitored within the city organisation and together with the Baltic Sea Challenge.