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Next week marks the start of the international campaign “Save Our Sea,” aimed at drawing attention to the increasingly critical state of the Baltic Sea and urging residents of Baltic Sea-adjacent cities to come together to protect and preserve it.

The campaign was born out of collaboration between the European Green Capital Tallinn, the environmental organization Let’s Do It World, and the city of Helsinki. Over 30 cities from countries around the Baltic Sea, including Finland, Germany, Poland, Denmark, and Latvia, have joined the campaign. The campaign starts with Baltic Sea Day on August 31 and concludes with World Cleanup Day on September 16.

According to Mayor Mihhail Kõlvart, Tallinn aims to use the campaign to highlight the Baltic Sea’s condition and call on people to take care of our home sea. “In Tallinn, we are committed to opening up the seaside to the residents more, to allow for strolls, sports, and swimming. The Baltic Sea offers many benefits to the citizens, and in the Green Capital year, we also want to give something back to the sea,” he said.

Mayor Kõlvart encouraged people to think more about making their daily habits more sea-friendly – to dispose of waste and cigarette butts properly in bins, and take steps to reduce the release of household chemicals or pharmaceutical waste into the sea. “There are many small things that each of us can do to protect the Baltic Sea,” Kõlvart stated.

The Baltic Sea is one of the most human-affected seas in the world. Approximately 100 cities are located along the Baltic Sea coastline, contributing to high pollution levels. The unique ecosystems of the Baltic Sea are significantly impacted by overall climate change, overfishing, pharmaceutical waste, fertilizer pollution, and an increasing amount of waste, particularly plastics.

“We call on coastal cities and their residents to be more aware and involved in preserving the Baltic Sea. The condition of our shared sea is critical, but together we can change our consumption habits and behaviors to protect it. The Baltic Sea has connected us, and in unity and collaboration lies our strength,” said Heidi Solba, President of Let’s Do It World and leader of the international network.

In Estonia, the campaign will kick off with a Baltic Sea-themed conference on August 31 at Noblessner Foundry, where Estonian scientists and opinion leaders will discuss the state of the Baltic Sea. On the same day, beach cleanup activities organized by Tallinn will take place in Paljassaare nature reserve, and Let’s Do It World will hold beach cleanup actions in Merimetsa.

On September 2, during the family day at Lennusadam seaplane harbour, visitors can explore the Finnish research vessel Aranda and enjoy a science theater performance by Ahhaa.

On September 3, a circular economy exhibition titled “Lähme nulli” (“Let’s go zero”) will open at Salme cultural center.

Throughout the Baltic Sea campaign, various cleanup actions will take place in Tallinn to remove plastic, cigarette butts, and other litter from the Baltic Sea shores. Additionally, this year’s World Cleanup Day will include several beach cleanups.

The schedule of Tallinn’s events can be found at greentallinn.eu/sos, and more information about the international campaign can be found at seacleanup.org.