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USEFUL LINKS…
... to resources on sustainable development and the Baltic Sea Region
Contents
Introduction
On this page we have presented short information and links to various organisations, initiatives, and other valuable resources on sustainable development in the in the Baltic Sea Region, Europe and worldwide.
The list of sustainable development links includes those Internet resources that the Baltic 21 Secretariat is informed about. It is updated continuously. If you would also like to include in this list some additional important Internet resources, please send us an e-mail.
Disclaimer
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The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by Baltic 21 of those web sites or the information, products or services contained therein.
While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information, Baltic 21 cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any inaccuracy or error within these pages provided below. Please inform us if a link is not correct. |
GLOBAL INITIATIVES AND STRATEGIES ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
United Nations Sustainable Development
The site of the Commission on Sustainable Development includes information on the commission itself, related UN bodies, global agreements and commitments. Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, Governments, and Major Groups in every area in which human impacts on the environment. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, the international community adopted Agenda 21, a global plan of action for sustainable development, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the Statement of principles for the Sustainable Management of Forests. The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was created in December 1992 to ensure effective follow-up of United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, to monitor and report on implementation of the agreements at the local, national, regional and international levels.
The site Earth Summit contains information on the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), its background and follow up.
Earth Summit+5 is a web site for the Special Session of the General Assembly to review and appraise the Implementation of Agenda 21 on 23-27 June 1997 in New York, which contains reports, country profiles and Agenda 21 success stories.
United Nations Millennium Summit adopted the Millennium Declaration which contained overriding issues on Sustainable Development - Millennium Development Goals.
Ten years later, the Johannesburg Summit 2002 - the World Summit on Sustainable Development - presented an exciting opportunity for today`s leaders to adopt concrete steps and identify quantifiable targets for better implementing Agenda 21. The WSSD Declaration and the Plan of Implementation were adopted by the World Summit.
OECD and Sustainable Development
In 1998, Ministers of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) identified sustainable development as a key priority. There you will find guidelines, case studies and reports on the implementation of sustainable development in the OECD countries. The OECD Global Forum on Sustainable Development provides a policy dialogue between OECD and non-OECD countries on best practices for achieving sustainable development. This work is complemented by an OECD Round Table on Sustainable Development, which gathers ministers, heads of international organisations, NGOs and business representatives.
REGIONAL INITIATIVES AND STRATEGIES ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
European Union Strategy for Sustainable Development
Gothenburg European Council agreed on a strategy for sustainable development on 15-16 June 2001, which will at its annual Spring meetings give police guidance to promote sustainable development in the Union.
The Lisbon Strategy is a commitment to bring about economic, social and environmental renewal in the EU. In March 2000, the European Council in Lisbon set out a ten-year strategy to make the EU the world's most dynamic and competitive economy. Under the strategy, a stronger economy will drive job creation alongside social and environmental policies that ensure sustainable development and social inclusion.
The European Commission's web site under the title "Sustainable Development" contains links to most important documents.
The web site under the title “Environment and Sustainable Development” European Commission DG Enterprise focuses on the enterprise policy aspects of environmental policy and promotion of sustainable development. The site includes the following subsections: sustainable development and enterprise policy, indicators, product related issues, air quality, trade, climate change, renewable raw materials, integrated pollution prevention and control, water and wastewater, waste management and voluntary approaches.
Nordic Strategy for Sustainable Development
Nordic (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers web site provide information on Nordic cooperation in sustainable development and links to Nordic national strategies for sustainable development.
Spatial planning as an instrument for promoting sustainable development in the Nordic countries: Action Programme for 2001–2004 is a document prepared by Nordic environment ministries.
NATIONAL INITIATIVES AND STRATEGIES ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Denmark
Sustainable Development in Denmark (in Danish)
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s web site provides information on sustainable development policy and implementation in Denmark, Nordic Countries and Europe. Denmark's National Strategy for Sustainable Development “A shared future - balanced development” is available for downloading in English.
Local Agenda 21 in Denmark
At the website of Danish Spatial Planning Department a report on implementation of Local Agenda 21 in Denmark: of implementation in late 1998 can be downloaded.
Estonia
Sustainable development: Estonia, Europe and the World
Estonian Ministry of the Environment's web site provides with information and links on sustainable development policy and its implementation. Estonian National Strategy on Sustainable Development 2005 is available for downloading.
Estonian Agenda 21
This web site aims at providing information about Agenda 21 in Estonia and a virtual meeting place for Estonians interested in sustainable development.
Finland
Sustainable Development in Finland
Finnish Ministry of the Environment web site includes sections with information and policy documents for downloading on Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development, Finnish Government’s Programme for Sustainable Development, sustainable development indicators and partnerships. Related to this is an environmental protection policy section on Sustainable consumption and production.
Germany
German Council for Sustainable Development
German Council for Sustainable Development advises the government on its policy for sustainable development and contributes to the advancement and implementation of the national strategy of sustainable development. The Council also fosters social dialogue on the issue of sustainability. On this web site German sustainable development policy documents and reports are available for downloading, among them German National Strategy for Sustainable Development.
Sustainable Development in Germany (in German)
The site of the German Federal Environment Ministry provides information on global and national initiatives towards sustainable development.
Cleaner Production Germany
The Gateway for Environmental Technology Transfer offers comprehensive information about the capabilities of German environmental technologies.
Iceland
Welfare for the Future
Iceland`s National Strategy for Sustainable Development 2002-2020 "Welfare for the Future" can be downloaded from the website of the Iclandic Ministry for the Environment.
Local Agenda 21 in Iceland (in Icelandic)
This site of the Association of Local Authorities in Iceland contains information about the Local Agenda 21 work in Iceland.
Latvia
Sustainable Development in Latvia
The Ministry of Environment maintains a national web site on sustainable development in Latvia. Here the Latvian Sustainable Development Strategy is available for downloading. More information on sustainable development implementation in the country available in Latvian pages.
Lithuania
Sustainable Development in Lithuania
Lithuanian Ministry of Environment web site contains links to Lithuanian and global sustainable development policy documents including National Strategy for Sustainable Development and National Report on Sustainable Development.
Norway
Norwegian Forum for Environment and Development
The Norwegian Forum for Environment and Development (ForUM) is a network for Norwegian NGOs actively promoting environment and development issues. ForUM is a national focal point on international negotiations to follow up Agenda 21 from the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992. ForUM brokers contact between Norwegian organisations, the authorities, media, institutions and other stakeholder groups working on environment and development questions, nationally and internationally.
Norwegian Foundation for Sustainable Consumption and Production (GRIP)
GRIP - the Norwegian Foundation for Sustainable Consumption and Production - was established by the Norwegian Ministry of the Environment. GRIP promotes and supports sustainable production and consumption patterns. GRIP bases itself on the realities of the industries to cooperate with private and public organisations in implementing SCP.
Norway`s Implementation of Agenda 21
This is a presentation on the national sustainable development process before and after Rio Summit and Norwegian aims for the World summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.
Partnership for Change - Practical Examples of Agenda 21 Follow-up
Norway's Special Report to Earth Summit+5,the Special Session of the UN General Assembly to Review and Appraise the Implementation of Agenda 21 “Partnership for Change - Practical examples of Agenda 21 follow-up” is available on the GRID-Arendal web site.
Local Agenda 21 in Norway (in Norwegian)
A national web site on Local Agenda 21 in Norway provides updated coverage of LA 21 processes and activities. The web site is run by the National Association of Local and Regional Authorities.
Program for Research and Documentation for a Sustainable Society
ProSus is a strategic university-program of the University of Oslo which aims to document Norway`s follow up of the Rio agreements and evaluate practice within existing standards of sustainable development. The research report “Local Agenda 21 in the Nordic Countries – National Strategies and Local Status” is available for downloading.
Eco-Lighthouse Program
The Eco-Lighthouse Program is a tailor-made program for environmental certification of small and medium-sized companies and public administration in Norway. Through the program companies reduce their impact on the environment, cut costs and benefit from their status as an environmentally responsible company. The program is supported by the Norwegian Ministry of the Environment.
Poland
Polish Rio+10 (in Polish)
Polish Ministry of the Environment‘s web site on national process towards the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.
Poland's National Strategy for Sustainable Development
Analysis of National Strategies for Sustainable Development: Poland Case Study is one of 19 country case studies that form the knowledge base for a synthesis report entitled “National Strategies for Sustainable Development: Challenges, Approaches, and Innovations Based on a 19-country Analysis” and conducted by International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), Environmental Policy Research Centre at the Freie Universität of Berlin and Stratos Inc. For more information on the project please click here.
Russia
Environment in Russia (in Russian)
Information gateway contains various information resources in Russian on environment, natural resources, projects and organisations.
Local Agenda 21 in Russia (in Russian)
Sustainable Development (in Russian)
Sweden
Sustainable Development in Sweden (in Swedish)
The web site of the Swedish Government provides information on sustainable development activities at national, European and global level. Swedish National Strategy for Sustainable Development (in Swedish) is available for downloading. Swedish National Strategy for Sustainable Development– Economic, Social and Environmental, a summary of Government Communication 2003/04:129 is also available in English.
Agenda 21 Forum in Sweden
This web site is intended to be a forum for all collaborators in Sweden’s Agenda 21 work from the public sector, organizations and the business sector. You can find projects and different success stories, contacts and reports on sustainable development.
UN Association of Sweden on Sustainable Development (in Swedish)
Sustainable City – a Swedish Partnership Initiative
The aim of "Sustainable City – a Swedish partnership initiative" is to offer a holistic concept for sustainable urban development. Main parties from Sweden are the Swedish Government through the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Environment and the Swedish environmental technology industry through the Swedish Trade Council. The ambition of the project is to gather and communicate comprehensive knowledge on the most innovative and inspiring sustainable urban solutions.
Swedish EnviroNet
Search engine to find data and information on the Swedish environment and the environmental work in Swedish governmental agencies, companies and NGOs.
Swedish Institute for Ecological Sustainability (in Swedish)
The site of the Swedish Institute for Ecological Sustainability (IEH) opened in 1999, which works as an information hub for issues on ecological sustainability. It acts as a bridge between researchers and those who apply these theories, such as industry, local governments and NGOs.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS
Baltic Assembly
The Baltic Assembly (BA) is an international organisation established with the aim of promoting co-operation between the parliaments of the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Lithuania. The Baltic Council of Ministers (BCM) is an institution for facilitating the co-operation between the governments of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference
Parliamentary Conference’s objective is to aim at strengthening the common identity of the Baltic Sea Region by close co-operation between national and regional parliaments. BSPC initiates and guides political activities in the region. It is a forum for debate and information exchange between Parliaments and other organizations in the region both on international and interregional levels.
Baltic Sea Region Energy Co-operation
Baltic Sea Region Energy Co-operation (BASREC) was initiated by the energy ministers of the 11 Baltic Sea Region countries and the European Commission and set up in 1999. BASREC works for the improvement of the framework conditions to sustainable energy development in the region. The work is steered by a group of senior energy officials (GSEO) and carried out through ad hoc groups in four areas: electricity markets, natural gas markets, energy efficiency and climate change. BASREC has a secretariat associated with the Council of the Baltic Sea States Secretariat in Stockholm.
Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B Programme
Maintained by the BSR INTERREG III B Joint Secretariat the web site contains information on the programme, projects, project ideas and partner search forums. This programme belongs to one of the three different strands of the European Community Initiative INTERREG III. The programme is financed from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) covering the period 2000-2006. Strand B of the INTERREG Initiative supports transnational co-operation to enhance balanced and sustainable development of the European territory.
Baltic Sea Secretariat for Youth Affairs
Baltic Sea Secretariat for Youth affairs is founded with the aim of the Baltic Sea youth co-operation in the field of youth policy is to develop a common regional identity and understanding. In this web site you find the newsletter, projects and activities of the Baltic Sea youth co-operation.
Capacity 21
This is a web site of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Launched at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Capacity 21 works with developing countries and countries in transition to find the best ways to achieve sustainable development and meet the goals of Agenda 21. Since 1993, Capacity 21 has worked with developing countries and countries in transition to adopt innovative capacity-building approaches to address environmental degradation, social inequity and economic decline.
Council of Europe
The Council of Europe is an intergovernmental organisation that aims to protect human rights, pluralist democracy and the rule of law. It actively promotes social cohesion. One of its working bodies, the European Conference of Ministers responsible for Regional Planning (CEMAT) in his meeting on 8 September 2000 adopted the Guiding Principles for Sustainable Spatial Development of the European Continent. The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe, a consultative body of the Council of Europe has the Committee on Sustainable Development, which focuses on environmental affairs and spatial and urban planning with the aim to encourage regional and transfrontier co-operation for sustainable development.
Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS)
The Council of the Baltic Sea States, CBSS, is an overall regional ministerial forum focusing on needs for intensified co-operation and co-ordination among the Baltic Sea States. The aim of the co-operation should be to achieve a genuinely democratic development in the Baltic Sea region, a greater unity between the member countries and to secure a favourable economic development. Here one finds information about member states, news, calendar of events, full-text documents (Declarations, Communiqués, Declarations from Baltic Summits, CBSS Action Programmes for Co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region,) including Eurofaculty and Baltic Sea Region Energy Co-operation (BASREC).
European Awards for the Environment
The European Awards for the Environment are designed to recognise and promote, as an example to others, organisations which make an outstanding contribution to sustainable development. They aim to highlight policies, practices, processes and products from all sectors of business in the European Union which help achieve ‘economic and social development without detriment to the environment and natural resources upon the quality of which continued human activity and further development depend’.
European Environment Agency
The European Environment Agency’ s (EEA) mission is to support sustainable development and to help achieve significant and measurable improvement in Europe`s environment through the provision of timely, targeted, relevant and reliable information to policy making agents and the public.
European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions
The web site on Sustainable Development site was defined by the Working Programme (1997-2000) of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions is The focus was on practical and innovative instruments for improvements rather than on monitoring to help social partners at all levels in their activities to promote sustainable development from a practical company level to a policy level.
European Union On-Line
Europe is the portal site of the European Union. It provides up-to-date coverage of European Union affairs and essential information on European integration. Users can also consult all legislation currently in force or under discussion, access the websites of each of the EU institutions and find out about the policies administered by the European Union under the powers devolved to it by the Treaties. The site of the European Commission on Sustainable Development contains information, documents and links relevant to sustainable development.
Global Environment Facility
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established in 1991 to forge international cooperation and finance actions to address critical threats to the global environment. GEF brings together 166 member governments, leading development institutions, the scientific community, and a wide spectrum of private sector and non-governmental organizations on behalf of a common global environmental agenda.
Global International Waters Assessment
Global International Waters Assessment (GIWA) is a water programme led by the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP. The programme will work for four years (starting in June 1999). Its aim is to produce a comprehensive and integrated global assessment of international waters, the ecological status of and the causes of environmental problems in 66 water areas in the world, and focus on the key issues and problems facing the aquatic environment in trans-boundary waters. The web page contains GIWA’s methodology, reports and network. GIWA methodology has been tested in the Baltic Sea Region.
Helsinki Commission
The web site of the Helsinki Commission - Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM), the governing body of the Helsinki Convention of the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea, comprises information on the 1974 and 1992 Helsinki Conventions, recommendations, project, meetings and organisation of the Commission.
International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission
The International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission (IBSFC) was established pursuant to the Gdansk Convention, which was signed in 1973. In IBSFC web site you find information on fish stocks and fisheries in the Baltic Sea, documentation, organisation, decision-making processes, publications and contacts, as well as involvement in the Baltic 21.
Sustainable Development, Global Change and Ecosystems
This site provides information on the research activities to be funded by the European Commission’s 6th Framework Programme (2002-2006) for research, technological development and demonstration (RTD) under the sub-priorities Sustainable Energy Systems; Sustainable Surface Transport and Global Change and Ecosystems.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) established in 1964 is a focal point within the United Nations for the integrated treatment of trade and development and related issues in the areas of investment, finance, technology, enterprise development and sustainable development. UNCTAD promotes the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy.
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
UNECE was set up in 1947 by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) as one of five regional commissions of the United Nations. Its primary goal is to encourage greater economic cooperation among its member States. It focuses on economic analysis, environment and human settlements, statistics, sustainable energy, trade, industry and enterprise development, timber and transport.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The United Nations Environment Programme established in 1972, works to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices everywhere. Information networks and monitoring systems established by UNEP include the Global Resource Information Database (GRID), the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Environment Network (UNEP.Net), a web-based interactive catalogue and multifaceted portal that offers access to environmentally relevant geographic, textual and pictorial information. World Environment Day is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) - Sustainable Development Dimensions
This web site of the United Nations Food and Agriculture organisation’s (FAO) Sustainable Development Department provides information on institutions, policies and contacts relating food and agriculture with sustainability issues.
United Nations Industrial Development organisation (UNIDO)
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization helps developing countries and countries with economies in transition in their fight against marginalization in today’s globalized world. It provides links to information sources on general guidance and tools on cleaner production and pollution prevention programmes. UNIDO National Cleaner Production Centre has links to information sources on National Cleaner Production Centres, case studies, UNIDO networks, external networks and business opportunities.
United Nations Research Programme on Corporate Social Responsibility (UNRISD)
UN Research Programme on Corporate Social Responsibility (UNRISD) is an autonomous United Nations agency that carries out research on the social dimensions of contemporary problems affecting development.
Vision and Strategies around the Baltic Sea 2010 (VASAB 2010)
VASAB 2010 was launched by the Baltic Sea ministers for spatial planning and development in 1992 with the aim to create a common spatial development concept for the Baltic Sea Region. The VASAB 2010 web site provides information on the initiative, policy documents, reports and links to transnational projects relevant to VASAB spatial planning policy key themes.
World Health Organisation (WHO) - Healthy Cities Network
Urban health is an increasingly relevant and challenging field of action for the European Region of the World Health Organization (WHO). Over 1000 cities and towns from more than 30 countries are participationg in the Healthy Cities Network. It provides national and local governments with an effective means of dealing with health related issues such as poverty and social exclusion, pollution and sustainable development, lifestyles and living conditions, care and social support, urban planning and transport, and the special needs of vulnerable groups.
INTERNATIONAL FINANCING INSTITUTIONS
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development was established in 1991 to use the tools of investment to help build market economies and democracies in 27 countries from central Europe to central Asia. The Bank recognises that sustainable development must rank among the highest priorities of the EBRD`s activities and provides extensive information on the environmental policy and sub-sectoral environmental guidelines. The Environments in transition is a periodical to provide regular information on the Bank`s environmental program.
European Investment Bank (EIB)
The task of the European Investment Bank (EIB) , the European Union`s financing institution, is to contribute towards the integration, balanced development and economic and social cohesion of the Member Countries.
Nordic Environmental Financing Corporation (NEFCO)
The Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO) is a risk capital institution financing environmental projects in Central and Eastern Europe. The site includes NEFCO Environmental Guidelines.
Nordic Investment Bank (NIB)
The Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) finances investment projects and project exports, both in the Nordic area and outside the Nordic countries. The site includes the NIB’s Environmental Policy.
The World Bank
The World Bank Group is one of the world`s largest sources of development assistance with the aim to fight poverty with passion and professionalism for lasting results. The web site provides information on sustainable development and World Bank activities, partnerships and events promoting sustainable development worldwide. There is also information on e-discussion on Financing for Sustainable Development.
The web site „World Bank Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development” provides links to sections on Environment, Social Development and Agriculture & Rural Development.
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AND NETWORKS
Alliance for Global Sustainability
The Alliance for Global Sustainability is an international partnership of four participating academic institutions. It is a unique collaboration that provides a framework in which leaders in academic, business, governmental and non-governmental organizations build new knowledge about complex issues in order to reconcile environmental and economic concerns.
Baltic Environment Forum
The Baltic Environment Forum (BEF) is founded with aim to enable the three Baltic States Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to co-ordinate information, expertise and experience exchange in the environmental field. It provides practical support for the environmental co-operation as laid down in a trilateral agreement of the three governments in 1995. Baltic State of Environment Reports have stimulated active co-operation among the Baltic States.
Baltic Local Agenda 21 Forum
The Baltic Local Agenda 21 Forum (LA21F), a network of experts from local authorities, NGOs and various other organisations around the Baltic Sea, shares a dedication to sustainable development. LA21F has been established to implement the Rio Process at the local level and functions as a complementary element to the Agenda 21 for the Baltic Sea Region. The Forum was founded at a working seminar in Lahti, Finland, in September 1997, where more than 70 participants from 9 countries of the Baltic Sea region committed themselves to the development of the network.
Baltic 21 Institute for Sustainable Industry
The Baltic 21 Institute for Sustainable Industry was established 2001 by the network of research institutes, universities, companies, business associations and authorities aiming to catalyse sustainable development of the industrial sector an to bridge gaps between countries in the Baltic Sea region. The site provides information on network, research and technological development, technology and knowledge transfer, pilot and demonstration projects, training and education.
Baltic Ports Organisation (BPO)
The web site of the Baltic Ports Organisation (BPO) with member ports in all nine countries around the Baltic Sea. The BPO Environment Committee has the task of tasks of setting guidelines for member ports in order to improve their environmental behaviour and of following the international development on environmental matters.
Baltic Sea States Subregional Cooperation (BSSSC)
The Baltic Sea States Subregional Cooperation (BSSSC) is a political organisation, which represents the decentralised authorities (sub-regions) in the Baltic Sea Region. In its work the BSSSC take into consideration Northern Dimension initiative, e-Europe initiative, good governance initiative, EU enlargement, ESDP, VASAB and Agenda 21. On BSSSC site you can find information on subregions and partner search forums, calendar, newsletter and other activities of the organisation.
Baltic Sea Tourism Commission (BTC)
The Baltic Sea Tourism Commission (BTC) is an open association created by the countries around the Baltic Sea in 1993. On the BTC site you will find information on travel in the Baltic Sea Region.
Bremen Initiative - Global Campaign for Business -Municipality Partnership
The Bremen Initiative is a global platform for all local business-municipality partnership programmes and projects aiming at sustainable development. As a campaign, its goal is to affect awareness, influence legislation and be a catalyst in developing new solutions based on best practices.
Business and Sustainable Development: a Global Guide
Maintained by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) this site explains the strategies and tools that companies can draw on to translate an aspiration of sustainability into practical, effective solutions.
Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB)
Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB), a network organisation for environmental NGOs around the Baltic Sea, has a main goal to protect and improve the Baltic Sea environment and natural resources. On this site you find brief information on CCB and its activities.
CoNet CZA 21
Coastal Network - Coastal Zone Agenda (CoNet CZA 21) is an association (NGO) to promote a sustainable coastal zone development in the Baltic Sea Region.
Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe
The Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe that membership includes 149 Regions from 27 States aims to exploit the common assets of the regions - the sea and the coastline - and help to enhance Europe's maritime dimension and to create awareness among the European authorities of the need to tackle major disparities in competitiveness between the central part of Europe and its peripheries. The regions cooperate within large European geographical entities – including Baltic - and focus their activities on issues such as regional policy, transport, the environment, sustainable development, maritime-related activities (fisheries, coastal zone management, and maritime safety), agriculture and rural development.
Energy Cities
With over 110 members in 21 countries and representing close to 300 towns and cities, Energie-Cités is the association of European local authorities for promotion of local sustainable energy policies.
European DataBank Sustainable Development
The European DataBank Sustainable Development registers experts and institutions (companies, organisations, initiatives, associations, etc.) based in Europe and working in the field of sustainability. The DataBank can be used as an effective tool for making contact with people engaged in specific issues within the scope of sustainable development. The site is supported by Green Cross Germany.
European Partners for the Environment
European Partners for the Environment (EPE) is a multi-stakeholder forum that builds the ground for consensus on sustainability. It brings together international, European, national and local public authorities, companies large and small, trade unions, institutes, environmental, consumer and ethical NGOs. EPE provides insight and practical guidance on how co-operation among partners produces results that meet the goals of sustainable development. It focuses on eco-efficiency and World Summit on Sustainable Development.
European Union for Coastal Conservation (EUCC)
European Union for Coastal Conservation (EUCC) is dedicated to the integrity and natural diversity of the coastal heritage and to ecologically sustainable development. EUCC is the largest coastal network in Europe. EUCC take a lead role in integrated coastal management in the Baltic region. It publishes the EUCC Coastal Guide, an information service for professionals dealing with coastal conservation issues and integrated management and planning.
Forum for the Future
Forum for the Future is recognised as the leading sustainable development charity in the UK.
Foundation for Business and Society
The Foundation for Business and Sustainable Development (FBSD) changed name on January 1, 2002 to Foundation for Business and Society. It aims at bringing an understanding of sustainable development to a global audience by combining the latest in information technology with proven training traditions. It runs a web page on the Virtual University for Sustainability and the inSpire initiative - a Global Initiative to Encourage Sustainable Entrepreneurship.
Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth International is a federation of autonomous environmental organizations from all over the world. Friends of the Earth Europe (FoEE) which unites more than 30 national member groups has several campaigns and programs aiming to sustainable development.
Empowerment Institute
Empowerment Institute is the consulting and training organization specializing in the methodology of empowerment. It works to achieve significant and measurable behaviour change at the community and organizational level through service contracts with local, state and federal government agencies around the United States
Global Compact
United Nations initiative Global Compact brings companies together with UN agencies, labour and civil society to support nine principles in the areas of human rights, labour and the environment.
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is a multi-stakeholder process and independent institution whose mission is to develop and disseminate globally applicable Sustainability Reporting Guidelines.
Greening of Industry Network (GIN)
The Greening of Industry Network (GIN) is an international network of professionals from research, education, business, civil society organizations, and government focusing on issues of industrial development, environment and society, and dedicated to building a sustainable future.
International Association on Public Transport
International Association on Public Transport (UITP) has a web site on sustainable development. Adequately addressing the highly complex challenges of sustainable mobility depends on the co-ordination of all stakeholders, as well as, integrating environmental, societal and economic concerns in core decision-making supported by an enabling policy framework. UITP is addressing this challenge with its advocacy programme, regional workshops and other actions.
International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD)
The International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) was established in 1996 as an independent non-profit and non-governmental organisation to contribute to a better understanding of development and environment concerns in the context of international trade. ICTSD engages a broad range of actors in ongoing dialogue about trade and sustainable development. With a wide network of governmental, non-governmental and inter-governmental partners, ICTSD plays a unique systemic role as a provider of original, non-partisan reporting and facilitation services at the intersection of international trade and sustainable development.
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
Founded in 1919, ICC has thousands of member companies and associations from over 130 countries. The ICC has been involved in sustainable development activities since 1992. The ICC established an industry milestone with the ICC Business Charter for Sustainable Development, and has worked with businesses around the world to improve environmental management systems in pursuit of the key principles of the Charter. The ICC Working Party on Sustainable Development monitors key issues and challenges surrounding the international efforts of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (UNCSD), and other relevant inter-governmental negotiations and processes.
International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)
The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) is the international environmental agency for local governments. About 350 cities, towns, counties and their associations are presently members of ICLEI. ICLEI serves as an information clearinghouse on sustainable development by providing policy guidance, training and technical assistance, and consultancy services to increase local governments` capacity to address global challenges. ICLEI works with Local Agenda 21 Campaign and other environmental campaigns and projects. This web site of ICLEI`s European Local Agenda 21 Programme introduces to ICLEI`s Local Agenda 21 support and promotion activities in Europe. Here one finds information on Local Agenda 21 in practise, activities, events and support. The web site contains also Local Sustainability: European Good Practice Information Service.
International Council for Social Welfare (ICSW)
The International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW), founded in 1928, is a non-governmental organisation which represents national and local organisations in more than 50 countries throughout the world. The Council is promoting forms of social and economic development aiming to reduce poverty and hardship especially amongst disadvantaged people.
International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)
Established in 1971, the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) is an independent, non-profit organisation which promotes sustainable patterns of world development through collaborative research, policy studies, consensus building and public information. The Institute maintains a website of the project OECD/DAC Donor-Developing Country Dialogues on National Strategies for Sustainable Development (NSSD) that involves a review of experience with NSSD. This web site provides tools to assist in promoting dialogues on national strategies for sustainable development and providing necessary background information and reference material in support of these dialogues. This site is funded by DFID (UK) and SIDA.
International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
The International Institute for Sustainable Development founded by Government and provinces of Canada and governments of other nations, UN agencies, international organisations and private sector maintain a web site, which provides knowledge base for sustainable development. This site includes relevant news and linkage to major sustainable development events. IISD Linkages is a multimedia resource for environment and development policy makers.
International Network for Environmental Management (INEM)
The International Network for Environmental Management (INEM) is a non-profit, non-partisan, world federation of national associations for environmental management and sustainable development. INEM aims to help companies improve their environmental and economic performance. Since the Earth Summit INEM has developed a set of programmes under the rubric of INDUSTRY 21.
International Sustainability Indicators Network
International Sustainability Indicators Network is a member-driven organization that provides people working on sustainability indicators with a method of communicating with and learning from each other.
Internetwork for Sustainability
InterNetwork for Sustainability INSnet is a nonprofit informal network to support sustainable development. INSnet promotes sustainable development by making information transparent and accessible, by making its networks and resources available to people and organizations with similar goals and by creating, supporting and stimulating sustainable projects.
New Economics Foundation
New Economics Foundation (NEF) is an independent UK think-and-do tank that inspires and demonstrates real economic well-being. The New Economics Foundation promotes practical and creative approaches for a just and sustainable economy. The aim of the NEF is to improve quality of life by promoting innovative solutions that challenge mainstream thinking on economic, environment and social issues.
NGO Initiative Baltic Sea Cooperation
Web page maintained by several German NGOs and NGO-Networks provides contacts to all people interested in the Baltic Sea Area and those who are already actively taking part in some events or projects related to the area. It contains information on CBSS NGO forums and conferences.
Nongovernmental Ecological Vernadsky Foundation
The Nongovernmental Ecological Vernadsky Foundation was founded in 1995 by Russian fuel and energy companies, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, public and government agencies. The aims of the Vernadsky Foundation are to promote sustainable ecologically oriented social and economic development, to involve business circles in solving environmental problems and to support ecological education and training.
Nordic Partnership
The Nordic Partnership is an NGO-business network founded in 2001 by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Danish media centre Monday Morning and key corporate players operating in the Nordic region. The overarching goal of the Nordic Partnership is to make sustainability a rewarding business.
Northern Alliance for Sustainability (ANPED)
The Northern Alliance for Sustainability (ANPED) is a democratic network that links NGOs and voluntary organisations in all parts of the Northern hemisphere, including North America, Western Europe, Central-Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States. It was founded in 1990 as the Alliance of Northern People for Environment and Development. The Alliance is involved in the World summit on Sustainable development. It works on programmes focusing sustainable production and consumption, local sustainability, environment and health issues.
People and the Planet
The site provides a global review and internet gateway into the issues of population, poverty, health, consumption and the environment. It is published by Planet 21, an independent UK non-profit company.
Regional Environmental Centre (REC)
Regional Environmental Centre (REC) is an independent, non-profit, international organisation established in 1990 by the United States, the European Commission and Hungary to promote environmental co-operation in Central and Eastern Europe (including Baltic States and Poland). It runs projects like Urban Cities: Environmentally Sustainable Urban Development and working on implementing REC Local Initiatives programme which aims also to promote sustainable development. The REC web site's section EcoLinks Best Practices demonstrate environmentally sound and economically efficient solutions to environmental problems in Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia.
RIO+10 process in the NIS
This site is devoted to preparation and implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development 2002 in the New Independent States (NIS). The site is managed by ECO Accord Center (Moscow, Russia) and LEAD CIS Program. It is primarily for Russian-speaking audience. Only selected news on NIS are provided in English.
Stakeholder Forum for a Sustainable Future
Stakeholder Forum for a Sustainable Future (formerly UNED Forum) is an international multi-stakeholder organisation working on sustainable development; supporting the increased involvement of stakeholders in international and national governance processes. The central purpose of the Stakeholder Forum is to support international civil society organisations concerned with sustainable development. It includes organisations representing all the major groups recognised by the UN including business, labour, parliamentarians, local government, NGOs, indigenous peoples, women, youth, farmers and scientists.
Sustainable Development Communications Network (SDCN)
The Sustainable Development Communication Network (SDCN) is a group of leading civil society organizations seeking to accelerate the implementation of sustainable development through broader, integrated information and communications. It focuses its efforts on integrating Internet communications into broader communication strategies. The web site is managed by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).
Sustainable Development Issues Network for 2002
The Sustainable Development Issues Network is a collaborative effort among civil society networks and nongovernmental issue caucuses aiming to improve communications and access to information on sustainable development issues. The initiative aims to improve communications among NGOs engaging in the World Summit on Sustainable Development.
Sustainable Forestry in Russia
The web site is mainatained by the Russian NGOs` Forest Club, which consists of representatives from the largest NGOs working actively for Russian forest conservation.
Sustainable Urban Development European Network
Sustainable Urban Development European Network (SUDEN Association) is a link between all the actors involved or concerned by the sustainable urban development in order to improve the quality of life for everyone. This European association aims at becoming a proposal power for urban projects at various scales (territorial, thematic, sectorial or professional) through working groups, European Research and demonstration projects. It aims to capitalize knowledge (approaches and tools and results from research and demonstration projects), know how and experiences in order to close the gap between knowledge and practice and to disseminate these approaches to all actors.
TEDIM - Leading Logistics Cooperation Forum in the Northern Dimension
TEDIM is a non-profit public-private cooperation which works toward the improvement of international logistics and trade in the Baltic Sea Area. Typical for the projects under the TEDIM umbrella is a unique co-operation between private and public sectors. The idea of "public & private" projects is to improve preconditions and to find solutions for the companies involved by means of their close co-operation with the authorities. In the projects, the national authorities act only as catalysts, and the companies themselves determine the project contents, according to their own wishes and objectives.
The Earth Charter Initiative
The Earth Charter is a declaration of fundamental principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st century. It seeks to inspire in all peoples a new sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility for the well-being of the human family and the larger living world. The web site of the Earth Charter Initiative contains information on the charter, its programms and resources on such issues as education, youth, local communities and sustainable development.
The Ideas Bank
The Ideas Bank is a private foundation devoted to the search for futures in which sustainability, global equity, democracy and a spirit of community prevail. The organisation focus on Disseminating good examples of social innovations that could be building-blocks toward sustainable, just and liveable futures; promoting and assisting creative discussion and dialogue about futures and using futures studies.
Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC)
The web site of the Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC) contains information regarding the organisation, including the Commission on Environment, the Commission on Transportation and the Commission on Urban Planning work and contact possibilities, projects and its on-line Environmental Bulletin.
WISIONS
WISIONS is a new initiative of the German Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, carried out with the support of the Swiss-based foundation ProEvolution to foster practical sustainable energy and resource efficiency projects. The objective is to combine spreading knowledge about existing successful projects with progressing the realisation of new project ideas.
World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is a coalition formed in 1995 of 122 international companies (in 34 countries, and over 20 major industrial sectors) united by a shared commitment to the environment and to the principles of economic growth and sustainable development. Its web site includes information on regional networks, case studies, projects, publications and news.
World Conservation Union (IUCN)
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) is a global alliance for conservation and wise use of living resources, which brings together organizations from different backgrounds. Its mission is to influence, encourage, and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. IUCN‘s Sustainable Use Specialist Group and Social Policy Group is actively involved in the issues of sustainability. The Green Web is a site created to inform about the IUCN’s process and policies for the World Summit on Sustainable Development. IUCN Commission on Education and Communication has a web site on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
World of Food, Environment and Communication
This site is developed for scientific, professional and technical communities on food, health, agriculture and environment fields. The site provides a section on the International Society of Fooad, Agriculture and Environment (ISFAE).
World Resources Institute (WRI)
World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, not-for-profit centre for policy research and technical assistance on global environmental and development issues. WRI has programmes covering: biological resources; climate, energy and pollution; conomics and population; forest/global forest watch; information; institutions and governance; the management institute for environment and business; and the World Resources Report. Environmetal Information Portal is a well organised site with good links to secondary linked data sources.
World Wide Fund for Nature
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the worldwide environmental NGO founded in 1961, aims to stop the degradation of the planet`s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world`s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. In this web site you can find information on the Baltic Sea Ecoregion Action Programme and other initiatives and links to the WWF offices in BSR countries. Business sustainability is a web section devoted to WWF expertise in key business sectors.
EDUCATION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS
Baltic Sea Project (BSP)
Baltic Sea Project (BSP), a regional project within the UNESCO Associated Schools Project has an aim to combine environmental education on a specific issue (the Baltic Sea) and inter-cultural learning. Schools in all countries around the Baltic Sea participate. At the project's web site information, publications and relevant links are available.
Baltic Sea transparencies
The Baltic Sea transparencies and booklet provide information on geography, hydrography and ecosystem of the Baltic and also on the environmental problems and protection of the sea areas. This slide series on the Baltic Sea has been developed by a group of scientists mainly from Helsinki University, Finnish Marine Research Institute and Environmental Administration of Finland. The slide series is available in English, Russian, Finnish and Swedish.
Baltic University Programme (BUP)
Baltic University Programme (BUP) is a network of more than 170 universities and other institutes of higher learning in the Baltic Sea region, coordinated by Uppsala University, Sweden. The Programme focuses on questions of sustainable development, environmental protection and democracy. The web site includes various resources for teachers and students. BUP is maintaining the Baltic21 Education Sector’s web site on Resources for Education on Sustainable Development (ESD) in the Baltic Sea Region.
Copernicus Campus: The University Network for Sustainability
COPERNICUS, the "COoperation Programme in Europe for Research on Nature and Industry through Coordinated University Studies" was launched by in 1988. Today COPERNICUS is an independent organization with a close link to the European Universities Association. The target is to involve committed European universities into this European network to share the knowledge and expertise in the field of sustainable development. Furthermore, COPERNICUS encourages partnerships of universities with industry and management.
Dow Jones Sustainability Index
Launched in 1999, the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes are the first global indexes tracking the financial performance of the leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide.
Education for Sustainable Development – Baltic 21
"Education for Sustainable Development – Baltic 21" presents examples of how BSP schools have worked with the sectors in the Baltic 21 agreement: sustainable agriculture, education, energy, fisheries, forestry, industry, tourism and transport. Based mainly on the conference “On the Threshold – Baltic 21 Learners’ Guide 5 contains a broad set of suggestions for activities that integrate the environmental, economic and the socio-cultural dimensions. The site is maintained by the Danish Ministry of Education.
Education for Sustainable Development in the UNECE Region
The site provides information on policy documents and regional activities in the field of Education for Sustainable Development in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Region.
Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation promoting sustainable development through environmental education. FEE is an international umbrella organisation and has member organisations in 37 countries in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Oceania. FEE has since 1981 actively promoted and delivered environmental education through our international programmes, which aim to deliver Agenda 21 commitments and involve people of all ages and nationalities through formal school education, training of staff and general awareness raising. FEE is mainly active through five environmental education programmes: Blue Flag, Eco-Schools, Young Reporters for the Environment, Learning about Forests and Green Key. The web site is maintained by the Danish Outdoor Council.
Global Higher Education for Sustainability Partnership (GHESP)
In order to promote higher education for sustainable development four international organizations have formed in 2000 a Global Higher Education for Sustainability Partnership (GHESP). The four founding partners of the initiative – which are the International Association of Universities (IAU), the University Leaders for a Sustainable Future (ULSF), Copernicus-Campus and UNESCO - combine forces to mobilize universities and higher education institutions in favor of a sustainable development (according to Chapter 36 of the Agenda 21) with the aim of implementing their commitment to action, GHESP Partners have endorsed the Lüneburg Declaration on Higher Education for Sustainable Development in 2001.
Global Higher Education for Sustainability Partnership Toolkit
The purpose of the Toolkit is to provide regionally relevant resources and tools to individuals around the world who are striving to make education for sustainability a central focus of higher education curricula, research, physical operations, and outreach to local, regional, and global communities.
GLOBE
GLOBE is a worldwide hands-on, primary and secondary school-based education and science program. It is a partnership between the United States and over 100 other countries.
Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability
Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability is a collaboration of British universities and colleges contributing to sustainable development.
Local Government Implementation Guide
The Local Government Implementation Guide is an online resource for local governments interested in pursuing the goals and targets of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and Millennium Development Goals. The guide focuses on key global issues of water, sanitation, and human settlements.
Naturewatch Baltic
Naturewatch Baltic is a network of 8 organisations in seven countriesin the Baltic Sea Region. In the Naturewatch Baltic project organisations support implementation and development of education about nature conservation as a part of local sustainable development.
Norwegian Environmental Education Network
The Norwegian Environmental Education Network is organized as cooperation between schools at all levels, research institutions and environmental authorities. The goal is to combine good environmental education with collecting data that can be useful to others.
Sustainable Development - Debate on Education and Sustainability
The web site is devoted to the booklet „Sustainable is more than able – a discussion paper on adult and general education for sustainability”. The booklet intends to highlight the potentials of adult and general education in terms of promoting a sustainable development in Denmark – and globally. This site is operated by Eco-net.
Sustainable Development Education Panel
Sustainable Development Education Panel was jointly sponsored by UK DfES and Defra.
Sustainable Measures
Sustainable Measures develops indicators that measure progress toward a sustainable economy, society and environment. The USA-based organisation works with communities, companies, regional organizations and government agencies at all levels. The sites offer free training materials and a searchable database of indicators.
TeacherNet - Sustainable Development
This area of United Kingdom TeacherNet is designed to encourage a whole-school approach to sustainable development.
UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) web site on Education for Sustainable Development includes information on policy, activities and resources.
University Leaders for a Sustainable Future (ULSF)
University Leaders for a Sustainable Future (ULSF) assists colleges and universities in making sustainability an integral part of curriculum, research, operations and outreach.
United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development
This site shares information on the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) in close consultation and collaboration with partners at local, national, regional and international levels. The site is maintained by UNESCO that is a United Nations lead agency for the promotion of the Decade.
The World Bank Institute's (WBI's) Sustainable Development learning program provides training and learning activities that support the World Bank's mission of poverty reduction through sustainable development. The activities focus on addressing the environmental, natural resources management, governance, economic, and social factors that influence sustainable and equitable economic growth, poverty reduction, and protection of global ecosystems.
Youth Sourcebook on Sustainable Development
The Youth Sourcebook on Sustainable Development came about as a result of the experiences of the young people who organized and worked together during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992.The Sourcebook was written by an international youth working group and it contains information on the concerns of youths with sustainable development issues, a directory of international and regional youth organizations, case studies of youth action, and a youth perspective of issues outlined in Agenda 21.
INFO GATEWAYS
BalticSea.net - Your Gateway to the Baltic Sea Region
This Baltic Sea portal provides a single point of entry with easy access to all major Baltic Sea regional organisations. It contains up-to-date information on events, news and contact persons. The portal is maintained by the Secretariat of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS).
BALLERINA
BALLERINA, an information gateway on environment, natural resources and sustainable development in the Baltic Sea Region, is maintained by UNEP/GRID-Arendal.
Best Practice
Swedish Association of Environmental Managers in their website draws attention to examples of how companies and organisation have successfully dealt with environmental issues and sustainable development. Visitors to this website can read also about organisations that lie at the forefront of such efforts, the changes they have made, the environmental benefits that have been created, as well as the steps that have been taken along the road to sustainable development.
CEROI - Urban Environment Information Gateway
The Cities Environment Reports on the Internet (CEROI) Programme works within the framework of Local Agenda 21 to facilitate access to environmental information for sound decision-making and general awareness-raising in cities. City Lifestyle Explorer is an interactive tool on sustainable development in urban areas.
EurActiv Sustainable Development
The news portal “EurActiv: EU News, Policy Positions & EU Actors online” has a section on Sustainable Development which provides valuable information and links to sustainable development news, policy documents and web resources.
Global Network of Environment Technology
The Global Network of Environment & Technology contains information resources on environmental news, innovative environmental technologies, government environmental technology programs, contracting opportunities, market assessments, market information, current events and other material of interest to the environmental technology community. The site is maintained by the Global Environment & Technology Foundation, USA.
Northern Dimension Advisory Network
The Advisory Network for the Northern Dimension is a co-operation project designed by the Aleksanteri Institute of the Helsinki University, the Pan European Institute of the Turku School of Economics and the Baltic Institute of Finland. Its aim is to develop the European expertise on the Northern Dimension and to promote the networking of specialists by providing information services on financing and project activities, expert and research registers, directories of existing development projects, education programmes and seminars under preparation.
PRO BALTICA FORUM
Pro Baltica forum represents a network of companies, institutions and individuals, which aims at promoting active co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region. This site provides information about our work and goals and offers access to other information channels.
SD Gateway
The Sustainable Development Gateway hosted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) integrates the on-line information developed by members of the Sustainable Development Communications Network. The site contains documents on sustainable development topics, a calendar of events, the Sustainability Web Ring and news sites dealing with sustainable development.
Sustainable Development International provides up-to-date reporting coverage on key sustainable development processes and issues, with a strategic focus on the follow-up to, and implementation of, the World Summit on Sustainable Development, and the UN Millennium Development Goals as well as on latest developments from the CSR sector. SDI Issues contain toolkits of information that bring sustainable development policy into practice. Each section contains articles from the journal, news and events as well as feature articles and directory listings.
Sustainable Development Online
SDO is a substantial web portal on sustainable development and environmental issues maintained by the European Environmnet Agency. The service is free and regularly updated by SDO researchers and contributed to by an extensive user base. Currently, comprehensive information is provided on networks, SME support initiatives, events, tools and online and local training resources.
Sustainable Regions
The website is dedicated to exploring and sharing information on the ways in which regions can pursue their development objectives in ways which are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. It has been created as part of the programme, "Towards a Sustainable Knowledge based Region" that is supported by the EC's Innovative Actions Programme" and the National Assembly for Wales.
PROJECTS
Baltcoast
BSR INTERREG III B project “BaltCoast - Integrated Coastal Zone Development in the Baltic Sea Region” has a main objective to solve concrete local Integrated Coastal Zones Development (ICZD) problems and to generalise experience acquired in this process into pan-Baltic actions. The project is labelled as Baltic 21 Lighthouse Project.
Baltex
Baltic Sea Experiment (Baltex) projects will provide ability to understand, and to predict weather, climate, and global change.
Baltic Balance - Integrated Settlement Structures
The aim of the Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B project „Baltic Balance - Integrated Settlement Structures” is to show good examples of rural-urban cooperation as a method towards a balanced settlement. The focus of the project is to find a strategy how the interdependence between rural and urban districts can be used.
Baltic Environmental Information Dissemination System (BEIDS)
This is a site of the project Baltic Environmental Infromation Dissemination System (BEIDS) financed by the INTERREG IIC with the aim to improve Environmental Information and Communication in the Baltic Sea Region. BEIDS offers added value to attempts to promote sustainable spatial development by improving cross-sectorial communication in the environment sector via an innovative approach that takes advantage of modern technologies.
Baltic Gateway
Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B project BALTIC GATEWAY has an aim to develop a comprehensive system of high quality transport and transport-related services in the South Baltic Sea area. This will promote economic growth and a sustainable development in the area, as improved communication services will result in improved accessibility.
Baltic Palette
Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B project Baltic Palette focuses on tourism, environmental issues, infrastructure, spatial planning and information technology, among other things in metropolitan areas around Helsinki, St Petersburg, Stockholm, Riga and Tallinn.
Baltic+
Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B project Baltic Plus aims to establish a common political platform for co-ordination and implementation of spatial strategies and actions in the common geographical area in the southern Baltic Sea Region. The project also focus on transnational solutions for new challenges on accessibility to transnational corridors, between urban and rural areas and the opportunities to make use of functional geographical relationships to give a new impetus to regional and local business.
BaltSeaNet
The Baltic Sea Area Studies: Northern Dimension of Europe (BaltSeaNet) is a project between eight universities and colleges around the Baltic Sea region. It is a research training network to be carried out in the Fifth Framework Programme of the European Communities, within the specific research and technological development programme "Improving the Human Research Potential and the Socio-economic Knowledge Base". The project’s duration is from 2000 to 2004.
Baltic Sea Regional Project
Baltic Sea Regional Project (BSRP) aims to introduce ecosystem-based assessments to strengthen the management of the Baltic Sea coastal and marine environments through regional cooperation and targeted transboundary coastal, marine and watershed activities. The project is partly funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). In the project implementation are involved the states of the Baltic Sea, HELCOM, International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), International Baltic Sea Fisheries Commission (IBSFC), WWF, the World Bank, GEF and NEFCO. HELCOM's web site also has information on the implementation of the Baltic Sea Regional Project.
Baltic University Urban Forum
Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B project Baltic University Urban Forum (BUUF) - Implementing Sustainable Development in Urban Areas is a cooperation between cities/towns and universities in the Baltic Sea region to promote sustainable development.
BERNET CATCH
BERNET CATCH - “Integrated Management of Catchments” is the headline for the Baltic Eutrophication Regional Network - BERNET co-operation in the years 2003-2005. During this period, the BERNET will focus on the integrated management of catchments and the regional implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) with an aim to assure good ecological quality in all parts of the aquatic environment by 2015.
BERAS
BSR INTERREG III B project BERAS - Baltic Ecological Recycling Agriculture and Society aims to develop a knowledge base reducing the negative environmental impacts in the Baltic Sea drainage area of production, distribution, processing and consumption of food. The project is based on case studies, complemented with scenarios and consequence analyses, of ongoing practical, local ecological initiatives to promote local food supply cooperation between consumers and ecological producers in rural villages in countries around the Baltic Sea, with the aim of learning and promoting more sustainable food supply systems.
Big Lakes
The objective of the BSR INTERREG III B project Big Lakes II - Sensitive Nordic Big Lakes is to find joint dimensions in managing Nordic Big Lakes. Lakes participating in the project are Päijänne in Finland, Vänern and Fegen and Bolmen areas in Sweden, Mjösa in Norway, Peipsi in Estonia and Ladoga in North-West Russia. The vision of the project is that through very concrete actions in each of the countries, the participants get a feel for sustainable development which would flavoured with Nordic similarities and tailored to fit into local peculiarities. These visions would be penetrated into municipal and regional planning processes and into the minds of the general public.
Coastman
The BSR INTERREG III B project “Coastal Zone Management in the Baltic Sea Region“ - “Coastman“ - investigates interactions between environment conservation, conflict management and sustainable development in coastal zones of the Baltic Sea. The project will create a Coastman information exchange platform.
Crossing Fences
The Project “Crossing Fences” is a part-financed by the BSR INTERREG III B programme and its central objectives are to identify and to strengthen the sustainable touristic potentials of gardens and parks in urban and rural areas, to make gardens and parks more attractive and to make them to an essential part of the touristical offer.
Eco Forum Baltica
The aim of the project is to help companies in Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to lessen their negative effects on the environment and improve their competitiveness by implementing the Environmental Management Systems EMAS or ISO 4001.
ELTIS - European Local Transport Information Service
ELTIS is an initiative of the European Commission's Directorate General for Energy and Transport, Clean Transport Unit. The aim of ELTIS is to provide information and support a practical transfer of knowledge and exchange of experience in the field of urban and regional transport in Europe.The project is led by an international team of transport related organisations.
First Class Industrial Park Network
First Class Industrial Park Network (FCIP Network) project is a business project within the BSR INTERREG III B programme. The objectives of the FCIP Network project are to improve the regional economic structures, decrease environmental pollution through the implementation of more efficient and co-ordinated transportation solutions and create an umbrella organisation as a continuation of the FCIP Network.
Greening Industry: Environmental Supply Chain Development
This European Union-funded project is driving and supporting environmental management through the UK automotive supply chain. Run by Land Rover and Coventry City Council, it provides free training for British SMEs on implementing ISO 14001, as well as workshops on environmental legislation, waste minimisation and energy efficiency.
INTRASEA
INTRASEA is an Baltic Sea Region INTERREG IIIB project (2003 – 2006) with the aim to promote the environmentally friendly use of inland waterways, through the development of infrastructure feeding maritime ports and fairways (sea routes), in order to create an unbroken chain of waterborne transportation and opportunities for tourism.
Implementing Sustainable Urban Travel Policies
From 1998-2001 the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) in co-operation with OECD carried out a project on Implementing Sustainable Urban Travel Policies.
MECIBS
The aim of the BSR INTERREG III B project “MECIBS - a Network of Medium Sized Cities in the Baltic Sea Region” is to establish a dialogue on problems familiar to small and medium sized cities outside the capital regions. 23 cities in 9 different countries around the Baltic Sea and about 25 researchers from the same countries, participates in the project. A unique co-operation between cities and researchers has been established. Hence, the project is going to cross different kinds of borders: the borders between countries, borders between former different political and planning systems and the borders between practical politics and research.
Metropolitan Areas+
Main goal of the INTERREG III B project “Metropolitan Areas Plus - Network of regional systems of European capitals in the Baltic Sea Region: Strengthening of Competitiveness by Sustainable Development of Functional Metropolitan Areas” is to strengthen the competitiveness of each metropolitan region as integrated economic, functional, social and resource region and by this of BSR as a counter pole to the established economic regions of Central Europe.
NeLoC
The aim of the BSR INTERREG III B project “Networking Logistics Centres in the Baltic Sea Region – NeLoC” (2002 – 2004) is to enhance the role of logistics centres in regional development and to develop national and international logistics chains with emphasis on intermodal solutions.
New Hansa of Sustainable Ports and Cities
The New Hansa of Sustainable Ports and Cities: Towards Sustainable Port Policy around the Baltic Sea is a joint project of 18 ports, cities and other partners from all sides of the Baltic Sea. The project aims at ecologically, socially and economically sustainable ports in the Baltic Sea region. The project is receiving co-funding from the BSR I INTERREG III B Programme and from the Finnish Ministry of the Environment. The project is labelled as Baltic 21 Lighthouse Project.
PIPE
BSR INTERREG III B project “Participation – Identity – Planning – Entrepreneurship – PIPE” is contributing to a sustainable, polycentric and peaceful development within the Baltic Sea Region, by building an interregional co-operation between regions, municipalities, schools and young people. A special attention is given to involve young people in spatial development and democratic processes by strengthening the unique regional qualities in every single region and in the Baltic Sea Region as a whole. The main idea is to build a bridge between the generations in order to join forces to develop a common prosperous future. A key action is to identify local and regional needs (missing links) through a creative process, and then establish a dialogue between the youth and the local and regional governmental bodies.
PIUS-INFO
The PIUS-INFO web-portal for small and medium enterprises about Cleaner Production and Pollution Prevention is an Internet forum for chairing experiences in environmental integration into industrial production.
PlanCoast
PlanCoast (2006–2008) is an INTERREG IIIB NP CADSES Project with the aim to develop the tools and capacities for an effective integrated plannning in coastal zones and maritime areas in the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Sea regions.
REGIONET project
REGIONET (Strategies for Regional Sustainable Development: An Integrated Approach beyond Best Practice) is a research project funded under the EU’s 5th framework programme for research. The main objective of the project was to provide an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to support the implementation of sustainable development in regions across Europe.
Rural Development Connection
BSR INTERREG III B project Rural Development Connection focuses on improving the rural infrastructure and areas with depopulation problems and lack of work, on balancing the sustainable regional development in a transnational context. It also implies adapting strategies for the supply of rural inhabitants with adequate infrastructure, and to improve co-ordination between tourist and regional development and focuses on contributing to a sustainable development of the Baltic Sea Region through dissemination and transfer of project results to other beneficiaries.
Save the North Sea
The aim of Save the North Sea Project is to reduce the amount of marine litter in the North Sea. It focuses on the environmental issue of marine litter and its social, economic and ecological consequences. The project also aims to have an overall campaign that ties together research, market surveys, and training course activities into one united project with common messaging and with the purpose of changing attitudes and behavioural patterns. The project is co-financed by the Interreg IIIB North Sea Programme.
Seagull
Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B project Seagull is cross-sectional and aims at deepening and concretizing the Euroregion Baltic co-operation through elaborating a joint strategy for long term development.
SEAREG
The BSR INTERREG III B project “Sea Level Change Affecting the Spatial Development in the Baltic Sea Region – SEAREG” focuses on the socio-economic and environmental assessment of climate change in the BSR specially the sea level rise and the changing runoff patterns of rivers. These can both lead to major flooding events having severe impacts on the spatial development of cities and regions as well as sustainable development of entire BSR.
SEB-Trans
Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B projects SEB-Trans and SEB-Trans Link have focus on the North South Corridors. The main objective is to facilitate investments and other initiatives along the SEBTrans North South Corridor in order to promote sustainable development, economic growth and to stimulate business renewal and innovations in the zone of influence.
South Baltic Arc
Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B project “South Baltic Arc – Spatial Strategies for Integration and Sustainable Development Acceleration of the South Baltic Arc Zone” aims at promoting economic development by enhancing transnational cooperation in the Southern Baltic rim, the so-called "South Baltic Arc” zone.
STRING II
Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B project STRING II (Southwestern Baltic Sea TransRegional Area – Inventing New Geograghy) has an aim to enhance a long-lasting co-operation and to work out joint strategies. Therefore, the partners have entered a co-operation agreement with a view to the vision including an integrated, permanently competitive region with a quality of life based on the three pillars: innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
SuPortNet
Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B project Sustainable Spatial Development with a Network of Ports for Boat Tourism - SuPortNet II (2001-2004) has an aim to improve and increase boat tourism, at the same time to reduce the damage occurring and keeping pollution at a minimum.
Sustainable Historic Towns
BSR INTERREG III B project “Sustainable Historic Towns – Urban Heritage as an Asset of Development” (2003-2005) promotes improved ways of cross-sector co-operation in urban heritage management and strengthens research on urban heritage analyses, sustainable value assessments and decision-aid in the Baltic Sea Region.
Sustainable Transport in the Barents Region
Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B project Sustainable Transport in the Barents Region (STBR) aims at strengthening cooperation and sustainable development so that the whole Barents Region is positively affected.
Via Baltica Nordica
Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B project Via Baltica Nordica has an aim to develop the regions located at the corridor by means of transnational co-operation. Main themes of the project are tourism, accessibility of railway traffic, landscape planning and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
Wind Energy in the BSR
Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B project Wind energy in the BSR is a project that unites 29 partners from 10 countries and it is focussed on the further development and extension of wind energy usage as well as on the promotion of the wind energy idea within the entire Baltic Sea Region.
DATABASES
The Baltic Sea Portal provides up-to-date information and the four main menus about the Baltic Sea - Algae information; Baltic Sea information; State of the Baltic Sea; Baltic Sea Encyclopaedia; as well sections on Conservation, the Environmental Education and the Other Seas. The site is maintained by the Finnish Institute of Marine Research.
BASICS
Baltic Sea Region Statistical Database on Sustainable Development, Natural Resources and Environment (BASICS) is a compilation of statistics dealing with the Baltic Sea region. Most of the statistics are on a national level, related to most of the countries fully or partly within the Baltic Sea drainage basin; Belarus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden and Ukraine. The thematical focus is on variables connected to sustainable development, natural resources and environment, grouped into a limited number of "sectors".
Baltic Environmental Atlas
This interactive map service presents environmental factors that primarily have an impact upon the loads of nutrients entering into the Baltic Sea, such as land use and population distribution. The service has been developed by GRID-Arendal, a UNEP affiliated environmental data and information centre within two EU projects: Baltic On-line Interactive Geographical and Environmental Information Service (BOING) and Land Cover Information for the Baltic Sea Drainage Basin (BALANS).
Business and Sustainable Development: A Global Guide
A website from the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the Foundation for Global Responsibility provides a guide to sustainable business solutions, illustrated by case studies from around the world.
Database for Business and Public Administration
The mission of the Database for Bussiness and Public Administration is to function as a practical forum for information about Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. The database includes basic information about and concise analyses on the respective countries` macro and micro economics, political and administrative systems as well as many other fields and issues. It includes comprehensive link lists of the respective countries` officials and agencies, social organisations, legislative data, research institutes etc. An extensive thematic map library is part of the database.
Database on Good Practice in Urban Management and Sustainability
European Commission Database on Good Practice in Urban Management and Sustainability is designed to help local authorities to work towards sustainability by disseminating good practice and policy, facilitating the exchange of experience, and raising awareness about how cities and towns can be managed in more sustainable ways. The database includes case studies, relevant Commission and other documents that provide background information on policy and practice and links to related information sources.
Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS)
The Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS) is a source of knowledge for sustainable development. It is a publication, designed as a global guide to professional practice, education, and heightened social awareness of critical life support issues. Natural and social sciences, humanities, engineering and technology, and management policies for sustainable use of life support systems are emphasized, together with issues of global change and their ecological, economic, social, ethical, cultural, and political dimensions.
GEO Data Portal
The GEO Data Portal provides the on-line core database, which should enable UNEP/GEO partners to select, explore and download global and regional core data sets in support of their analysis of environmental issues.
Nordregio Database
The Nordic Centre for Spatial Development (Nordregio) works on statistical international comparability. Nordregio maintains time series of the most commonly used regional indicators, such as area, population, population density, GDP, labour force and sectoral distribution of employment. Apart from the Nordic countries, Nordregio is gradually expanding its database to cover the whole Baltic Sea Region (northwest Russia, the Baltic countries, northern Poland and northern Germany).
Sustainable Urban Development in Europe
The database on good practice on Sustainable urban development in Europe is maintained by the European Academy of the Urban Environment.
United Nations Environment Network
United Nations Environment Network UNEP.NET is a global portal to authoritative environmental information based on themes and regions.
United Nations System-wide Earthwatch
The United Nations System-wide Earthwatch mechanism is a broad UN initiative to coordinate, harmonize and catalyze environmental observation activities among all UN agencies for integrated assessment purposes. Through Earthwatch, UN agencies work together on global environmental issues, by exchanging and sharing environmental data and information. Earthwatch was established at the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm and reinforced by the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro and its Agenda-21 chapter on Information for Decision Making.
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