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Explore the history, achievements, and challenges of the Baltic 21 process, a platform for cross-sectoral cooperation and sustainable development in the Baltic Sea Region. Discover the new mandate and potential revitalization of Baltic 21.
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The Process of the Baltic Agenda 21 :Past and Future- IV Baltic NGO Forum, Pärnu, 16./17.04.04 Wolfgang Günther Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB) Baltic 21 Working Group on Policy and Strategy www.ccb.se
Baltic 21 – a promising start- The Baltic 21 … … got its mandate from the Governments of all Baltic Sea States in 1998 … introduced a forum for cross-sectoralmulti stakeholder co-operation … created a network of GOs and NGOs on equal footing … committed itself to the implementation of a comprehensive action programme …realised several successful sector activities
Baltic 21 succeeded in …- … realising several successful sector activities … preparing a comprehensive stocktaking on sustainable development in the Baltic Sea Region (see Baltic 21 Triannual Report) • …lobbying international and national bodies • … improving the information exchange on sustainable development in the Baltic Sea Region
… but it had:- • Limited support of sector ministries, • A Lack of motivated and active stakeholders and adequate resources, • No clear responsibilities, defined time schedule and measurable targets for the implementation of the action programme, • Limited level of participation, recognition, commitment, • Limited production of added value and progress towards sustainability.
New mandate • 2002 Baltic 21 started a strategy process • Outcome: Draft new mandate to be adopted by the the 5th Baltic Sea States Summit, 21 June 2004: Vision: Eco-Region (stands for Economy, Ecology strongly integrating the Social Dimension) • Baltic 21 will support theCBSS in the pursuit of Sust. Dev. • Baltic 21 Sectors and Spatial Planning will strengthen cross-sectorial work to achieve agreed goals and visions. • Baltic 21 adopts and acts as the umbrella for a focused set of "Lighthouse Projects" designed to demonstrate sustainable development in action. • Baltic 21 identifies funding sources to support the Lighthouse Projects and other region-level sustainable development initiatives.
Limited enthusiasm- CCB has some reservations: • Very vague • Concrete actions are missing • Still no implementation plan • No definitions for “Lighthouse-Projects”
Concrete actions and decisions needed (1)- • clearly confirm Agenda 21 from 1998 and continue to implement the Baltic 21 Action Programme • evaluate the implementation of the Baltic 21 Action Programme action by action • identify existing barriers and to decide on appropriate measures to overcome them, • organise meeting points between the economic sectors and environment sector to develop action plans on sustainable development for each economic sector
Concrete actions and decisions needed (2)- • act as an early warning system for unsustainable developments and projects, • define measurable criteria and indicators for the adoption of “Lighthouse-Projects” • adopt a yearly updated and continuously evaluated Baltic 21 implementation plan with O fixed time schedules, O responsibilities and O the allocation of an appropriate budget.
Baltic 21 back on track?- • Perhaps • There is a chance to revitalize and strengthen the Baltic 21 process in the new mandate period But: Without such tangible measures the Baltic 21 is in danger … • to get lost in insignificancy, • to fail as a driving force for sustainable development in the Baltic Sea Region and even • to loose the confidence and support of the NGO community.
Lets stick to the Baltic 21... • ... but only as long as we can see a chance for more sustainability through the Baltic 21 process Thank you!