Helcom : Ministerial Meeting 2013

HELCOM Ministerial Meeting
3 October 2013, Copenhagen, Denmark

The Ministers of the Environment of all the nine Baltic coastal states and the EU Commissioner will again gather to discuss the status and the future of the Baltic Sea.

The outcome of the Ministerial Meeting in 2013 is expected to revolve around the still unsatisfactory status of the Baltic Sea; the ecosystem approach underpinning blue economy and green growth, the opportunities for more coherent policies and implementation, as well as generally committing to do more for a healthier Baltic Sea.

The Process

2013:

- Draft Ministerial Declaration discussed by HELCOM Heads of Delegation on 4 March 2013, see pages 2-4 in Minutes of the meeting

- HELCOM Annual Meeting 5 March 2013 discusses the First draft of the Declaration, see pages 9-11 in Minutes of the meeting

- Further input expected from the Contracting Parties and Observers - Secretariat to prepare the second draft of the Declaration for circulation within HELCOM in April-May 2013

- Comments to be received from the Contracting Parties by mid May 2013

- Secretariat to distribute the third draft of the Ministerial Declaration by 24 May 2013 to the participants of the next Heads of Delegation meeting (HELCOM HOD 41/2013)

- HELCOM Heads of Delegation to discuss the Third (final) draft on their meeting on 17-18 June 2013

2012:

- MM2013 discussed by HELCOM Heads of Delegation meeting in 14-15 June 2012 in Trelleborg, Sweden, see pages 2-5 in Minutes of the meeting

- Preparations for the Ministerial Meeting speed up in November, see pages 2-5 in Minutes of the meeting

and December, see pages 2-4 inMinutes of the meeting

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• How is the Baltic Sea ecosystem doing?

• Are we on the right track to reach good environmental status?

• What do we need to do next for a healthy Sea?

• How to best join efforts and pool resources for the Baltic common vision?

The history of HELCOM Ministerial Meetings, Diplomatic and High Level Conferences, goes back almost 40 years. These prestigious sessions have significantly contributed to regional actions for a healthier Baltic Sea.

1974 • Helsinki

The Baltic Sea coastal countries signed the Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area (1974 Helsinki Convention).

1988 • Helsinki

A 50% reduction goal set for the total discharges of nutrients and hazardous substances by 1995.

1990 • Ronneby

An ad hoc high level Task Force established to coordinate and prepare for a joint comprehensive programme.

1992 • Helsinki

The new Helsinki Convention signed by coastal countries and the EU. The Baltic Sea Joint Comprehensive Environmental Action Programme (JCP) approved and the Programme Implementation Task Force established.

1993 • Gdansk

Resource mobilisation for the JCP discussed.

1994 • Helsinki

Agreed to develop a system of Coastal and Marine Baltic Sea Protected Areas (BSPAs) and to complie data on threatened biotopes.

1998 • Helsinki

Progress considered in the 50% reduction goal set in 1988; the objective set to continuously reduce pollution.

2001 • Copenhagen

Measures adopted on the safety of navigation and emergency capacity in the Baltic Sea area.

2003 • Bremen

Priority issues for HELCOM agreed: ecosystem approach including nature conservation and biodiversity, joint monitoring and assessment, maritime and response activities as well as eutrophication and hazardous substances. Joint session with OSPAR.

2007 • Krakow

HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan adopted to radically reduce pollution to the Baltic Sea and restore its good ecological status by 2012.

2010 • Moscow

The Baltic Sea coastal countries presented their National Implementation Programmes to achieve the objectives of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan.