| BalticSeaNow.info - Innovative participatory forum for the Baltic Sea |
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 The status of the Baltic Sea has changed dramatically during the last decades, and today it is mentioned as one of the most polluted seas in the world. Problems like eutrophication, alien species, and oil and chemical freighting represent the biggest threats. There is a common concern among the countries round the Baltic about the state and the future of the Baltic Sea. Several international efforts, actions and political steps have been taken to tackle the problem. However, citizens need to be involved to increase environmental awareness of the state of the Baltic Sea and of the actions needed to improve its ecological status.
Modern communication methods and the know-how of the project partners representing environmental research, education and communication will be combined in the BalticSeaNow.Info project. The project idea is based on a three-step model where knowledge and sensitivity to the subject creates increased awareness, and this in turn leads to a desire to act for the better future of the Baltic Sea. The project establishes a common Baltic Sea web portal with a focus on interactive and participatory elements, organises events, produces educational materials, and analyses environmental attitudes.
It is important to recognise that people make their own choices and that therefore it is not enough for institutions to plan and take measures. We need to involve the general public. It is also important to improve the dialogue between scientists and the public/decision-makers. The next concrete milestone will be to launch the web portal in May 2010. The web portal will be built up during the project to include basic facts of the Baltic Sea, popularized scientifi c results and environmental information. Web cameras, online environmental information, social media channels, discussion groups, observations and stories produced by the public create a framework for joint discussion, information-sharing, the development of ideas, and participation. Vision of a videoforum - a Baltic Sea Tube - in which people can develop their own ideas, stories and observations, etc. Experts from different fields would comment on the public discussions. Throughout the project, authorities and decision-makers will be informed about the new ideas emerging from the discussions. BalticSeaNow.info will run for three years from November 2009 to October 2012. BalticSeaNow.info is financed through Central Baltic Interreg IVA Programme 2007-2013. Read more: here
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