International co-operation

We have been actively involved in the work of the cooperation networks, and the cities have an important role in international cooperation. These networks include BaltMet (Baltic Metropoles), which is a network of the major cities in the Baltic Sea region, and UBC, the Union of the Baltic Cities. Through these networks it is possible to efficiently promote the environmental protection actions of the cities to focus on improving the condition of the Baltic Sea, taking into account the optimal use of funding possibilities from the States, the EU and from the private sector.

The environmental work aims to support the progress of environmental protection in Russian cities, particularly St Petersburg. Phosphorous encourages algae growth, and chemical phosphorous removal at St.Petersburg’s three largest wastewater treatment plants would reduce the phosphorous discharge into the Gulf of Finland by almost 27%.

According to research carried out by the Finnish Environment Centre, this is the quickest and most cost-effective way to improve the state of the open sea in the Gulf of Finland when compared to all the other possible water protection actions in Finland and Russia. This action would reduce the amount of algae in the Gulf of Finland within a few years.

Helsinki and Turku...

• The cities support international environmental projects focusing on the Baltic Sea through their own networks, such as through cooperation with BaltMet, or the Union of the Baltic Cities
• Invest in international environmental cooperation, particularly in Russia