We promote an ecosystem-based integrated oceans management (IOM) approach to ensure that the wellbeing and needs of both nature and marine users and communities are met, without compromising the integrity and biodiversity of the marine ecosystem.
Ecosystem-based ocean management means taking a whole-of-oceans approach to ensuring that all sectors are mindful of their impacts not only on the ocean but also on other sectors and that this is done both through a holistic ecosystem-based management approach and through a forward-looking adaptive lens. We are working to implement effective integrated oceans management in the Baltic Sea region by using a combination of new and proven tools and approaches. These include:
A string of Baltic Pearls – The Baltic Sea will be the first marine region to achieve an integrated ecologically coherent network of well-managed Marine Protected Areas covering over 30% of its sea area included in a broader ecosystem-based Marine Spatial Planning network.
Model Region for Sustainable Blue Economy – The Baltic Sea has become one of the first regions in the world to develop a roadmap for a sustainable Blue Economy with zero negative impact on the Baltic Sea—with targets such as zero waste, zero emissions and limiting fishing to sustainable yields.
Maritime Spatial Planning is the tool that can help sort out complex challenges by allocating space and resources in the most appropriate way to minimize conflicts and find synergies between different uses of the sea.
The Baltic Sea is the youngest sea on our planet, emerging from the retiring ice masses only some 10,000-15,000 years ago.
The Baltic Sea region is positioned to become the world’s first truly sustainable Blue Economy. But in order to succeed, we need to move from rhetoric to action and start using the tools available to us.
WWF works to remove the many tonnes of ghost nets from the Baltic and to raise awareness of the impact of plastic waste in the marine environment.
WWF has worked with all stakeholders involved to promote regulations and other solutions that will ensure a pollution and sewage-free Baltic Sea now and in the future.
WWF works to ensure that Marine Protected Areas in the Baltic Sea function to protect biodiversity, that they strategic and use ecosystem-based approach.
Last modified 07/04/20
