BaltCOP

The Baltic Sea is in a bad state, primarily due to eutrophication. Eutrophication is the over-enrichment of the water with nutrients, which causes massive algae blooms and dead zones across the seafloor where no marine life can survive. Despite eutrophication occurring at sea, it is mainly driven by nutrient runoff from land – so this is where we need to act.

Healthy freshwater ecosystems can buffer and prevent excess nutrients from entering the sea, but over the years, many wetlands have been drained, and rivers straightened. While restoration efforts are ongoing, the pace does not match the urgent need.

The Baltic Catchment Officer Project (BaltCOP) focuses on testing the innovative catchment approach to support and drive restoration work and reduce nutrient runoff across catchments in Estonia, Latvia and Sweden.

Expected results

BaltCOP aims to build knowledge and capacity in catchment coordination and the construction of wetlands, stream restoration and other water retention measures.  Equipping a variety of stakeholders across the Baltic Sea region with the necessary skills and tools will create a network of well-informed and capable individuals who can drive effective restoration efforts.

Secondly, the project will involve pilot actions in Estonia, Latvia, and Sweden, tailored to each country’s context. These actions will help reduce nutrient runoff to the Baltic Sea, as well as embed the role of so-called ‘catchment officers’ into national water management.

Learn more about the project here.

 

Expected results

BaltCOP aims to build knowledge and capacity in catchment coordination and the construction of wetlands, stream restoration and other water retention measures.  Equipping a variety of stakeholders across the Baltic Sea region with the necessary skills and tools will create a network of well-informed and capable individuals who can drive effective restoration efforts.

Secondly, the project will involve pilot actions in Estonia, Latvia, and Sweden, tailored to each country’s context. These actions will help reduce nutrient runoff to the Baltic Sea, as well as embed the role of so-called ‘catchment officers’ into national water management.

Learn more about the project here.

 

Duration 01.06.2024 - 31.05.2027

Total budget

Programme priority

Improved environment and resource use

Programme objective

PO4 - Improved coastal and marine environment

Lead partner

WWF Sweden

Project Events

Project Stories