Municipal representatives, environmental experts and partners from across the KIMO network gathered in Nyborg and Slagelse, Denmark, on 7–8 October 2026 for KIMO International’s Annual General Meeting and Conference. The two-day event brought together participants for discussion on organisational priorities and exchange on how local authorities can work together to tackle marine pollution, protect biodiversity and address emerging chemical threats such as PFAS.
Annual General Meeting approves new marine litter resolutions
On 7 October, delegates from across KIMO’s network gathered for KIMO International’s Annual General Meeting to review the organisation’s activities, hear updates from national networks and make decisions on its future direction.
The Assembly of Delegates approved two important resolutions addressing marine pollution:
- An updated combined resolution on microplastics which reinforces KIMO’s commitment to preventing and reducing microplastic pollution from both intentional uses (such as plastic confetti and antifouling paints) and unintentional releases (such as textile microfibres and artificial sports pitch infill).
- A new resolution on abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) which reflects KIMO’s continued focus on reducing the environmental impacts of fishing activities through practical measures and cooperation with the fishing sector.
Organisational Appointments
In organisational appointments, Henk van der Putten, Chair of KIMO Netherlands and Belgium was elected Vice-President of KIMO International. Mr van der Putten succeeds Jacco Knape. Mr Knape whose longstanding contribution to KIMO was acknowledged has stepped down from local politics and his role within KIMO Netherlands and Belgium to pursue new opportunities. We thank him for his dedicated service.
The Assembly of Delegates also appointed Arabelle Bentley and Iain McDiarmid as Honorary Members, recognising their contributions to the organisation.
Arabelle Bentley — Former Executive Secretary of KIMO International
Arabelle Bentley served as Executive Secretary of KIMO International from 2015 to 2024, providing strong leadership and helping to strengthen cooperation across KIMO’s networks and international partnerships. She played a key role in expanding KIMO’s work on marine pollution issues, securing important external recognition and partnerships, and guiding the organisation through significant challenges, including Brexit, COVID-19 and the transition of the Secretariat to Aalborg. Her dedication helped strengthen KIMO’s reputation and long-term foundations.
Iain McDiarmid — Executive Manager of Planning, Shetland Islands Council
Iain McDiarmid oversaw KIMO International within Shetland Islands Council from 2006 until the Secretariat relocated to Aalborg in 2025. Over nearly two decades, he provided consistent guidance and support to KIMO’s leadership, helping the organisation navigate major challenges and ensuring continuity during periods of change. He played an important role in the successful transfer of the Secretariat and continues to support KIMO’s work through his involvement in KIMO UK and Fishing for Litter.
Fishing for Litter goes from strength to strength
Delegates also heard presentations on KIMO’s Fishing for Litter initiatives in the UK and iSea’s Fishing for Litter project in Greece. Julia Cant and Zoe Scott-Green presented the UK programme’s progress, highlighting its expansion to 80 harbours and 750 registered fishing vessels, with more than 3,300 tonnes of marine litter recovered. They also outlined funding supporting the expansion of harbour schemes and recycling capacity. Maria Sidiropoulou, Project Manager at iSea, presented the Greek initiative, implemented in partnership with the Athanassios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation since 2019. The programme engages the fishing industry in removing marine litter while collecting scientific data, including through long-term monitoring of seabed litter.
Conference explores municipal pathways to a cleaner marine environment
On 8 October, the conference programme turned to the practical challenges and opportunities facing municipalities working to protect the marine environment.
The opening session set the scene with a presentation on the ecological state of the Baltic Sea by Rüdiger Strempel, Executive Secretary of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM), delivered online. Mr Strempel highlighted the close partnership between KIMO International and HELCOM on various marine litter issues.
The presentation was followed by inspiring presentations focusing on how knowledge, expertise and local partnerships can help municipalities strengthen environmental action. Specifically, Torben Bramming of the Center for Marine Restoration presented how they support municipalities through knowledge-based advice. Mark V. Eriksen from Odense Fjord Samarbejdet and Frederikke Lund Olskær from Køge Bugt Alliancen shared examples of collaborative approaches that highlight the importance of cooperation between municipalities and other stakeholders in addressing environmental challenges that extend beyond individual administrative boundaries.
Tackling PFAS pollution through local action
PFAS and chemical pollution was the focus of the conference’s second half. Persistent chemical substances present significant challenges for environmental protection, and municipalities have an important role to play in understanding local contamination, identifying pollution sources and pursuing effective solutions.
Karen Panum Quedens Schaarup, Programme Director for Waste & Pollution at the Ocean Institute, presented on chemical pollution and PFAS in Danish waters.
Bente Højlund Hyldegaard, Chief Technical Advisor at Region Zealand, then explored the issue of PFAS in the local environment through the example of the former Korsør Fire Academy, examining the legacy of historical contamination and the possibilities for future solutions.
The programme concluded with a workshop on wastewater treatment as a tool for reducing chemical pollution, including PFAS. Facilitated by Philip Thomasen, consultant at the Ocean Institute, and Karen Panum Quedens Schaarup, the workshop considered how municipalities could use wastewater systems to identify pollution sources and explore technologies capable of reducing PFAS and other hazardous chemicals.
The discussions underlined the value of combining scientific knowledge, local experience and collaboration to help municipalities respond to complex pollution problems.
Study tours connect environmental action with local heritage
The programme continued into the afternoon with study tours offering participants an opportunity to explore the local area and learn more about Denmark’s natural environment and history.
One tour visited Sprogø Island, located in the Great Belt. The island offers a distinctive example of the relationship between major transport infrastructure and nature conservation. Participants learned about Sund & Bælt’s work to enhance biodiversity and restore habitats while maintaining one of Denmark’s most important transport corridors.
In the second tour delegates enjoyed a guided walk around Nyborg castle, one of Denmark’s most important royal strongholds and a key centre of government during the Middle Ages. Delegates learned that the castle hosted the Danehof, the medieval Danish parliament, where the king and representatives of the realm met, giving Nyborg a significant place in the development of Danish constitutional history and the wider story of medieval European governance.
A warm thank-you to our hosts
KIMO International would like to extend its sincere thanks to the municipalities of Nyborg and Slagelse for their outstanding hospitality and organisation of the 2026 AGM and Conference. Their warm welcome and meticulous planning helped make the event a great success, providing an excellent setting for delegates to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and explore new ways to protect our marine environment.
AGM 2027
The next KIMO International Annual General Meeting and Conference will take place in Helsingborg, Sweden, on 2-3 June 2027. Located on the Öresund strait, Helsingborg has a close relationship with the sea, making it a fitting host for KIMO’s network of coastal municipalities working to protect the marine environment.
The municipality has a strong track record in marine monitoring and biodiversity protection, including two marine reserves, long-term coastal research and innovative projects to create better habitats for marine life.
Delegates are encouraged to mark the dates in their calendars and join colleagues from across the KIMO network to share experiences, strengthen partnerships and advance practical action for cleaner, healthier seas.