Transcript Gulf of Riga: Connectivity between research, public and policy

Paris 24/04/2010,
Connectivity between research,
public and policy makers
Gulf of Riga
Kristina Veidemane
Baltic Environmental Forum
Vision on environmental goals
• To achieve good
ecological status/potential
of coastal (up to 1 nautical
mile) and transitional
waters by 2015
• To achieve good
environmental status of
marine waters by 2020
Issues of concern
• What are the risk with the planned oil/gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea?
• What is the pollution impact from garbage (like PVC-bottles) along
the shore-line?
• Why has the environment conditions become worse compared to
20-30 years ago? (less clear water, 'slimy' waters when bathing etc)
• What can we individual citizens do to improve the situation?
• Can we blame Russia and Belarus for the bad conditions in the Gulf
of Riga?
• Is the environmental situation in the Gulf of Riga due to climate
change?
Connectivity
vertical
International
National
Local
horizontal
Gulf of Riga
Level
Policy makers
 European Union
Internati
 Helsinki Convention
onal
 Governments
National
Local
 Ministries
 Municipalities;
 Regional authorities
(e.g. Environmental
boards)
Research
Public
 Networks of
scientists
 Universities
 International
NGOs (WWF,
Coalition for Clean
Baltic)
 Universities
 Research Institutes
 NGOs (e.g.,
unions of farmers,
fishermen, harbours,
citizens NGOs)
 Universities
 Research Institutes
 Local NGOs,
citizens, farmers,
businessmen
Policy makers
• EU Policies:
– on marine and coastal waters
– on common agriculture policy (CAP)
– on common fishery policy (CFP)
• Helsinki Convention:
– Baltic Sea Action Plan, 2007
Policy makers
• National Governments – Estonia and Latvia:
– Ministry of the Environment:
• Marine and coastal protection
• Urban waste water treatment
– Ministry of Agriculture:
• Good agriculture practise
• Support to biological farming
– Fishery policy as a part of MoA (LV); as a part of MoE
(EE)
– Ministry of Welfare
• Bathing water quality
Researchers
Latvia:
• University of Latvia (Department of geography and earth science)
• Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology (marine habitats)
• Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR“
(fish research)
• Latvian Ornithological Society (birds)
Estonia:
• Estonian Marine Institute, University of Tartu
• Estonian Ornithological Society
Nordic countries:
• Uppsala University; Stockholm University;
• Cooperation within HELCOM, ICES
When connectivity is essential?
• Assessment of the environmental situation
• Setting environmental objective and targets
• Implementing environmental measures
How connectivity is ensured?
• “Policy-science” cooperation
– Funding research
– Performing monitoring
– Carrying out specific assessments
• “Policy – public” via public participation process
– Development of strategies and policies
– River basin management planning
– Development of Marine Strategy (future)
Experience in public participation
process
• River basin management planning,
2004-2009
– NGO participation in the coordination
committees/work groups for development of
river basin management plans;
– Citizen participation in public hearings, Spring
2009;
• Key issues:
– Assessment of the situation – pollution loads;
– Proposals for the measures to improve the
situation.
• Approach: Top-down (organised by
government authorities)
Future connectivity:
Marine Strategy
• Development of the Marine Strategy:
– Legal basis (EU Marine Strategy Directive,
transposed into national legislation)
– The public consultation and information is required
but not specified when and for how long;
• The process will be organized in line of the national
planning processes;
• Advisory Councils or Coordination Groups might be
established.
Future connectivity
• Policy-Science- Public
• What are proposals?