Resolution of the GEF Baltic Sea Regional Project Meeting held in Svetlogorsk 17-20 May 2005

Agriculture and coastal areas management were the main focus of the GEF Baltic Sea Regional Project networking meeting that took place in Svetlogorsk, Kaliningrad region, 17-20 May 2005. It was hosted by the regional Kaliningrad administration and HELCOM.

Up to 50 experts and authorities from six Baltic Sea countries were represented and took part in the intensive lectures and discussions on the impact of EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Russian agricultural policy for the Baltic Sea environment.

The Meeting underlined that the implementation of Agricultural policies, such as the EU CAP, is of main importance for the environment of the Baltic Sea. Participants agreed that is crucial for the Baltic Sea that the environmental aspects are fully incorporated in the national programmes and the economic development overall.

The Meeting also agreed that continued and strengthened co-operation over national borders and between all stakeholders in different sectors is needed to reduce the negative impact of agriculture on the Baltic Sea environment. It was also stated that, the GEF Baltic Sea Regional Project has been of a major importance from this perspective and brings added value to the ongoing national, regional, and European initiatives.

The Meeting identified the need for continued efforts to improve the ecosystem management system concept in the Baltic Sea catchment area.

Participants stressed that for the future it is important that environmental awareness is raised in rural and coastal areas using training and model projects adapted to the national specifics.