International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

Baltic Sea (LME) - Results

GEF IDS: 922

Ecosystem
LME

Scale
Regional

Information sources
IWC6 Results Note (2011), World Bank Terminal Evaluation (2008)

Key Basin Project Results
1. The Baltic Sea Regional Project (BSRP) successfully created some preconditions for application of the ecosystems approach in managing the Baltic Sea Large Marine Ecosystem.
2. Preliminary outcomes of networks and pilots established under the project have contributed to the substance and quality of the Baltic Sea Action Program (BSAP).
3. Capacity developed by the project and techniques demonstrated laid the foundation for scaling up of environmental investments by later programs.

Results data
Agriculture pollution reduction practices
Year: N/A - Value: [see desc]
INDICATOR#1 Increasing number of farms and individual farmers participate in agri-environmental investment scheme [25-30].
84% achieved. In addition, 48 farms that completed Project's EMS training received financing for environmental investments outside BSRP credit scheme, i.e. from other resources.
Restored habitat, including wetlands
Year: N/A - Value: 320 ha
INDICATOR#1 Wetland restored [1].
300% achieved. Estonia: 240 ha of coastal wetlands/meadows restored in Kihnu Strait Marine Park; Latvia: 80 ha restored wetland/meadows in Lake Engure area; Lithuania: Aukstumale bog restored as wetland. Sea trout and lamprey river in Western Estonia restored.
Regional legal agreements and cooperation frameworks
Year: N/A - Value: YES
Framework: Helsinki Convention
GEF Project Result: BSRP resulted in improved regional level coordination and cooperation between project stakeholders, including HELCOM, International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Worldwide Fund of Nature (WWF), Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO), International Baltic Sea Fisheries Commission (IBSCF) and regional stakeholders. (#922, Baltic Sea)
Regional Management Institutions
Year: N/A - Value: YES
Body:
Helsinki Commission

GEF Project Result:
"INDICATOR#1 Institutional arrangements are in place for joint monitoring, assessment and evaluation of living marine resources.
Near 100% achieved. The networks established are accepted by all parties and will be used in the continuing work of HELCOM and ICES.

Component 3: INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING AND REGIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING
- Rating – Moderately Satisfactory
The objective of this component was to strengthen regional and local capacity to successfully utilize the outputs and recommendations from Component 1 and Component 2 activities to establish sustainable ecosystem-based management of Baltic resources. It included regional capacity building in beneficiary countries (including regional coordination, establishment of the BSSG, and regional public information and outreach); and regional socio-economic assessment. Significant outcomes included strengthened cooperation between the riparian countries and between the three international agencies, and national dissemination activities. However, dissemination was modest (and needs to be continued) and socioeconomic assessments, such as the valuation of ecological goods and services, remain to be done. The need for public outreach was generally underestimated. The BSSG was established but appropriately disbanded in 2005 when it was realized that its functions could be more cost-effectively carried out by the HELCOM HOD and ICES Bureau." (#922, Baltic Sea)
Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis: Agreement on transboundary priorities and root causes
Year: N/A - Value: NO
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Development of Strategic Action Program (SAP)
Year: N/A - Value: NO
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