The aim of the PROBALT project is to make the prevention of the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea more effective by examining how socio-economic conditions and political processes can be adjusted for this goal. This objective will be achieved through the following three interrelated work packages:

The research in work package 1 is carried out in collaboration by the Finnish Insitute of International Affairs, the European University of St. Petersburg, the Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel and the University of Tampere. In this work package, the PROBALT project focuses on the decision-making process that is between the scientific knowledge and policy instruments. Designing and implementing policies is ultimately social activity, which is preconditioned by different material and societal scales. These scales complicate the protection by challenging policy unification and standardisation. The analyses are carried out through number of case studies, which include specific cases from the different sub-basins, regional level analysis (HELCOM case), and European level analysis.

University of Helsinki, Department of Economics and Management conducts a study on water quality trading to reduce nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) loads at the Baltic Sea. Water quality trading is examined from a two angles. First, we analyze its feasibility as a policy tool to implement an agreed reduction in nutrient loads. Second, we examine how water quality trading can be used as a mechanism to distribute the net benefits of nutrient load reduction evenly among the littoral countries and thereby to facilitate the achievement of a truly binding international agreement instead of mere recommendations. Water quality trading is also compared to some other policy instruments and sharing mechanisms.

In WP 3, the PROBALT aims at providing tools to more effectively combat eutrophication of the Baltic Sea within the region. First, based on the analysis of the societal conditions (WP 1) and the examination of existing and possible policy instruments (WP1 and WP2), the project produces policy recommendations for overcoming obstacles to the effective protection of the Baltic Sea. Second, PROBALT aims at raising the awareness about the state of the Baltic Sea in the individual countries. This will be done by disseminating information through the website of the project and by organising stakeholder meetings.  This part of the project will engage the media and training journalists on the politics of the protection of the Baltic Sea. It is done in cooperation with Media21, Global Journalism Network based in Geneva. Third, PROBALT aims at contributing to the formation of a regional-level advocacy coalition that will improve the protection of the Baltic Sea.

The complete research plan: Research plan (pdf)