Baltic Sea Challenge Action Plan
27 Baltic Sea Actions In Total During 5 Years Time
The joint Baltic Sea Programme of the Cities of Turku and Helsinki is updated every five years. The current programme covers the period 2024–2028. During this programme period, the Cities focus on reducing littering, promoting the sustainable use of the sea, decreasing harmful substances, enhancing biodiversity, mitigating eutrophication, and strengthening cooperation and participation. To advance these themes, Turku and Helsinki are implementing a total of 27 measures for the benefit of the Baltic Sea. Below, you can explore what is currently underway in the cities.
Ongoing In Turku
Action 7: Baltic Sea Street
Turku is planning a “Baltic Sea Street” as part of the upcoming Merikortteli district in the Linnanniemi area. The street is intended to function as an open public space where information and perspectives related to the Baltic Sea are presented through signage, art, and other elements of environmental design. The aim is to increase residents’ understanding of the Baltic Sea.
So far, the location and concept of the street have been developed through workshops involving different city units and key stakeholders. Residents have also contributed ideas in a pop-up workshop held at Forum Marinum. The work will continue in line with the zoning process of the Merikortteli area.
Action 24: Preventing Littering
Turku aims to strengthen efforts to reduce littering. The city spends nearly two million euros annually on maintaining cleanliness in urban areas, and litter entering the sea from land poses a threat to the Baltic Sea environment. In autumn 2025, city employees and stakeholders working on litter prevention gathered in a workshop to develop ideas for reducing littering in Turku.
The next phase involves compiling a dedicated programme. A working group will align the workshop outcomes with legislation and other key studies. The goal is to ensure that the measures are both effective and realistic, and that they become an integral part of the city’s ongoing operations. The programme is expected to be completed by 2027.
Ongoing In Helsinki
Action 18: Maritime Environmental Protection Areas
Helsinki has approved a new nature conservation programme for 2025–2038. The programme is more extensive than previous ones and, for the first time, comprehensively includes Helsinki’s marine areas and small water bodies. As part of the programme, the city will protect 22 marine areas, covering approximately 12% of Helsinki’s total marine area. The delineations are based on VELMU project mappings of valuable underwater habitats. At the beginning of 2026, the city launched the preparation of marine protected areas along with the necessary ecological and impact assessments.
Explore the nature conservation programme (PDF, in Finnish)
Action 22: Environmental Watch to Track Environmental Actions
A new “Environmental Watch” website for Helsinki’s environmental programmes will be launched in spring 2026. The platform will also allow users to track the implementation of the Baltic Sea action programme in Helsinki and view planned measures. In addition, users can explore other programmes, such as Helsinki’s biodiversity action plan, circular and sharing economy programme, litter prevention programme, and air quality and noise control plan.
See the Complete Baltic Sea Action Plan
You can find all 27 Baltic Sea Actions in the PDF version.
