In collaboration with partners from Finland, Sweden and Estonia, State Ltd. "Environmental projects" has started project "BalticSeaNow.info – Innovative participatory project forum for the Baltic Sea" financed by Central Baltic INTERREG IV A programme 2007 – 2013.

There is a general concern about the state and the future of the Baltic Sea. The most alarming issue is eutrophication, but also alien species, and oil and chemical freighting present serious threats to the region.

BalticSeaNow.info is a broadly-based expression of a common will to protect the Baltic Sea. The project develops and introduces innovative communication tools to foster information sharing and discussion about the Baltic Sea environment. The target group is the people living in the coastal areas of Finland, Sweden, Estonia and Latvia, but the results are accessible to all interested in the Baltic Sea. The project aims is to raise environmental awareness, concern and commitment of the general public to the Baltic Sea environmental issues, to offer an arena for discussion, participation and information sharing and to promote networking of educational institutes.

Project consists of 5 work packages: WP1) administration, WP2) innovative communication tools, WP2) materials and events, WP4) collaboration networking, WP5) follow-up and research.

The project produces the following outputs:

• a versatile, multifunctional and participatory web-forum, which serves as an information sharing web-portal and discussion forum,

• channels for the general public to submit their environmental observations to,

• a series of events and exhibitions organized in participating countries,

• a new curricula focusing on the state and future of the Baltic Sea,

• educational materials on the state and future of the sea,

• a better understanding of the environmental attitudes of the general public through various questionnaires and

• fresh ideas to protect the Baltic Sea.

The project results in increased public involvement, new approaches and tools for environmental discussion and participation, better understanding on the possibilities of web-based approaches, and exchange of know-how and good practices between accompanying countries, institutions and actors.

Project duration is 3 years (11/2009 - 10/2012). The project is carried out by partners from Finland, Sweden, Estonia and Latvia representing universities, research institutions and NGOs.


Additional information: project manager Jana Gicevska, phone +371 67225202