KIMO International attended the HELCOM Ministerial Meeting 2026, held in Warsaw, Poland, where ministers and representatives from across the Baltic Sea region reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the Baltic Sea and strengthening regional cooperation.
KIMO International’s Executive Secretary, Lisa Bugge Nør Larsen, delivered a statement to the meeting, highlighting the important role of coastal municipalities in translating regional environmental commitments into practical action.
In its statement, KIMO welcomed HELCOM’s continued leadership in bringing countries together to improve the health of the Baltic Sea, recognising the Baltic Sea Action Plan as an important framework for coordinated efforts. KIMO also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the implementation of the Plan by connecting regional objectives with local action.
Strengthening cooperation to address marine litter
KIMO highlighted its longstanding cooperation with HELCOM, particularly in addressing marine litter. This work has included awareness-raising, stakeholder engagement and practical measures to support HELCOM’s marine litter objectives.
Examples include joint efforts to address the intentional release of microplastics through activities such as balloon and confetti releases, as well as work to reduce the impacts of abandoned, lost and otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) and promote responsible waste management practices within the fisheries sector.
KIMO also drew attention to its recently launched REDUCE-NET-WASTE project, funded jointly by the Baltic Sea Action Plan Fund and the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management. Building on recommendations recently recognised as an OSPAR Best Environmental Practice, the project will work with ports and fishers to test and document the effectiveness of practical measures to prevent net cuttings waste from entering the marine environment.
Looking ahead: turning commitments into action
The meeting reaffirmed the region’s commitment to protecting the Baltic Sea and recognised the need for continued action beyond 2030.
KIMO emphasised that achieving meaningful progress will depend on continued cooperation between countries, organisations and local authorities. As a network of more than 75 coastal municipalities across the Baltic Sea and North-East Atlantic, KIMO will continue to connect regional environmental objectives with practical initiatives at the local level.
Through strong partnerships and collaboration, regional commitments can be translated into tangible improvements for the Baltic Sea and the communities that depend on it.