About us
The Baltic Sea Challenge is a network, that encourages organizations to commit to the protection of the Baltic Sea. Organizations that have accepted the challenge take concrete actions and do more for the wellbeing of our waters than the law requires. Over 330 organizations have joined our international network. Two thirds of our members are from Finland. Joined partners share information, implement projects and make the Baltic Sea Challenge vision a reality all around the sea.
The vision of the Baltic Sea Challenge is clean, productive and shared sea. Clean sea is a productive one.
The Baltic Sea Challenge was launched by the cities of Turku and Helsinki
This unique and open network was founded in 2007, when the mayors of Turku and Helsinki in Finland were taking a walk on the Aura river bank. The Aura river flows through Turku in southwest Finland and into the Baltic Sea. The mayors were greatly concerned about the poor state of our beloved sea. The mayors came with the idea of the Baltic Sea Challenge. The aim was to begin an ambitious inter-city cooperation and act as trailblazers in water conservation efforts. At the same time, there was a desire to challenge other actors to join in, as although the city’s opportunities for protecting the Baltic Sea are extensive, the delicate and multi-state nature of the Baltic Sea’s condition will not improve without collaboration.
Since 2007, Turku and Helsinki have implemented joint action programs containing concrete steps to reduce watercourse loading in the cities.
The Baltic Sea Challenge Action Plan 2024-2028
Baltic Sea Action Plan of cities Turku and Helsinki 2024-2028
The fourth season of Action Plans spanning to 2028 was launched in January 2024. The Action Plan has six goals addressing the most significant threats to the Baltic Sea’s condition and key solutions:
Promoting sustainable use of the seas
Preventing litter
Reducing harmful substances
Increasing biodiversity
Curbing eutrophication
Increasing cooperation and inclusion
The Baltic Sea Challenge organization
The cities implement their joint Baltic Sea Action Plan led by the coordinators. Both cities’ strategies emphasize responsibility for improving the condition of the Baltic Sea.
Contact us
Do you have any questions about the Baltic Sea Challenge or joining? Please contact the Baltic Sea Challenge coordinators in Turku and Helsinki.