Back
Seminar on Integrating water smart agriculture and pollutant control through catchment-based collaboration
We are pleased to invite you to save the date for an upcoming EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) seminar organised in collaboration with the LIFE SIP WetEST, LIFE IP CleanEST, and Interreg Central Baltic BaltCOP projects.
The seminar aims to strengthen catchment-based collaboration for cleaner water across the Baltic Sea Region. The event is supported by EU LIFE funding and regional cooperation frameworks.
Dates: 6–7 May 2026
Location: Ministry of Climate, Suur-Ameerika 1, Tallinn, Estonia
Why this seminar?
Effective water management starts at river basin level. Coordinated action across the catchment helps address shared pressures and improve water status. This seminar brings together international experience and best practices in river basin–based approaches, fostering shared learning and cooperation across communities and organisations.
Objectives
- Facilitate exchange of experiences between policymakers and catchment officers/coordinators
- Share lessons learned and challenges in implementing catchment-based approaches
- Develop project ideas and networks for future collaboration
- Explore synergies between catchment coordination and farm-scale advisory services
Expected participants
Policymakers, catchment officers/coordinators, project partners, advisors, and stakeholders from the agriculture and environmental sectors.
Post-event outcomes
- Strengthened regional cooperation
- Initiation of new pilot projects
Provisional programme outline
Wednesday, 6 May 2026
Matsalu National Park is a wetland of international importance that is impacted by nutrient run-off from the catchment. Penijõgi is one of the streams that carries the nutrients from the surrounding area and is heavily modified by former dredging. BaltCOP project has implemented pilot measures to rehabilitate biodiversity and provide nature-based solutions to reduce run-off. We will visit Penijõgi and the pilot sites during a small trip in the morning. The afternoon excursion will take us to the Asupi stream, located on the border of the Kasari floodplain meadow. Restoration efforts along the Asupi aim to improve water retention at the meadow’s margins and create a more favorable habitat for local bird populations. Additionally, we visit the Kloostri birdwatching tower, that offers a comprehensive view over the entire Kasari floodplain. During the tour, BaltCOP team will provide an engaging overview of the region’s past, present, and future.
Practical note: Participants are advised to bring and wear rubber boots during the field visit.
Thursday, 7 May 2026
Seminar on EU policy and integrated solutions for safeguarding water health
- Session 1: Controlling Hazardous Substances and Pollution: Preparing for Future Environmental Challenges
- Session 2: Water-Smart Rural Collaboration: Aligning Business, Agriculture and Environmental Goals
Further details, and the final agend
