Baltic Sea Challenge

Baltic Sea Challenge is a demonstration of concern about the state of the Baltic Sea and of its future made by the cities of Turku and Helsinki.

Through their commitment the cities resolve to put into practice such measures that will enable the cities of Helsinki and Turku to have an influence on the state of local waters as well as the entire Baltic Sea.

The measures of the two cities concern point source loading, improving the cities’ sewage networks, loading from scattered settlement areas, agriculture in the two cities, the handling of wastewater from shipping and boating, and dredging carried out by the harbours.

In addition to the concrete measures for water protection, the cities are also committed to investing in international environmental collaboration, in researching of water protection, and to providing general information.

Through this challenge campaign the two cities would also like to get other actors involved in the work for improving the state of the Baltic Sea. In particular, the cities are challenging other cities on the Baltic Sea, and proposing that the cooperation networks of the Baltic cities, Baltic Metropolises and Union of the Baltic Cities, would together take the challenge campaign forward.

Furthermore, with this declaration the parties involved also want to get other actors in the Baltic Sea Region – for example municipalities, businesses, universities and ministries – to increase their efforts for improving the state of the Baltic Sea.

Read more about the Challenge at the Baltic Sea Challenge website!


Centrum Balticum participates in the coordination work of the Challenge.

More information: Project Manager Salla-Maria Alanen