The environmental action plan approach: A milestone in pollution control in the Baltic Sea

Abstract

This essay focusses on the regional regime for protection of the Baltic Sea marine environment. It compares the 1992 Helsinki Convention and the Baltic Sea Joint Comprehensive Environmental Action Plan with the 1974 Helsinki Convention. It is concluded that a regime change recently took place in the Baltic region and that a new regime has emerged. In reaching this conclusion, three aspects of the Baltic Sea Environmental Action Plan are emphasized: it is a long-term pollution control strategy, it follows a multi-layered approach to regional environmental cooperation, and successful implementation will be contingent upon commitment of additional financial resources by states and international organizations.