1. Paris 24/04/2010, Connectivity between research, public and policy makers Gulf of Riga Kristina Veidemane Baltic Environmental Forum

2. 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

3. 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?

4. Connectivity International National Local vertical horizontal

5. Gulf of Riga LevelPolicy makersResearchPublic Internati onal  European Union  Helsinki Convention  Governments  Networks of scientists  Universities  International NGOs (WWF, Coalition for Clean Baltic) National  Ministries  Universities  Research Institutes  NGOs (e.g., unions of farmers, fishermen, harbours, citizens NGOs) Local  Municipalities;  Regional authorities (e.g. Environmental boards)  Universities  Research Institutes  Local NGOs, citizens, farmers, businessmen

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Assessment of the environmental situation Setting environmental objective and targets Implementing environmental measures When connectivity is essential?

10. 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)

11. 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)

12. 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.

13. Future connectivity Policy-Science- Public What are proposals?What are proposals?