United by the Baltic - we're announcing the launch of a new international project - ECOMARINAS.
On Friday, September 27 th , 2024, the City of Gdańsk, represented by the Gdańsk Sports Center, launched a new innovative international project ECOMARINAS - a joint initiative of eight partner organizations from Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, and Germany. The goal of the project is to improve water quality and protect the Baltic ecosystem through cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange, engaging local authorities, marina operators, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations. The project is co-financed from the Interreg South Baltic Program 2021-2027 and aligns with the broader efforts of the city’s Gdańsk 2030 Plus Development Strategy.
The main objective of the project is to implement a wide range of solutions aimed at improving water management standards in yacht harbours. Key activities will include the introduction of a modern system for collecting hazardous substances from boats, such as oils, lubricants, and chemicals. Additionally, an analysis of how to limit the impact of marinas on marine ecosystems will be conducted.
"ECOMARINAS is one of Gdańsk's key initiatives for sustainable development and
environmental protection. Over the next 36 months, in cooperation with seven partner
organizations from Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, and Germany, we will jointly develop
innovative solutions and standards for water management in marinas. This international
endeavor has a substantial budget – almost 2.5 million euros, of which 80%, or 2 million
euros, comes from EU funds. The funds allocated to Gdańsk's yacht marinas amount to
835,000 euros. We will invest these, among other things, in modern infrastructure to help
protect our waters and care for the Baltic's ecosystems. The Ecomarinas project fits into the
goals of the Gdańsk 2030 Plus Development Strategy and the Green City concept, fulfilling the
specific objective of "Clean Air, Water, and Soil"" said Piotr Borawski, Deputy Mayor of
Gdańsk.
The project will be implemented, among other locations, at one of the existing marinas in Gdańsk. Its main objective is to introduce a wide range of solutions aimed at improving water resource management standards in yacht harbours. Key activities will include the implementation of a modern system for collecting hazardous substances from vessels, such as oils, lubricants, and chemicals. As part of the project, efforts will also be made to reduce wastewater pollution from boats and to develop an analysis of ways to minimize the environmental impact of marinas on aquatic ecosystems.
The implementation of the ECOMARINAS project aims not only to improve water quality but also to increase the efficiency of water management in marinas. A key element of the project is cross-border collaboration and the exchange of knowledge on sustainable practices between the Baltic countries. The project includes a series of study visits and activities focused on comprehensive comparative analysis and research to identify potential solutions for the sustainable use of water. The first study visit took place between September 2-8, 2024 on board the sailing vessel STS General Zaruski. The final destination of the cruise was the Slottsholmen Marina in Västervik, Sweden, that is one of the project partners. It is one of the most innovative marinas in the region and will serve as a model for the use of sustainable practices in other marinas. The aim of the study visit was to exchange knowledge and experiences between the countries involved in the project.
"The ECOMARINAS project is a great opportunity for us to improve the state of marine
ecosystem of the Baltic Sea. As the project leader, the Gdańsk Sports Center is committed to
taking steps towards sustainable development and the protection of water resources. As part
of ECOMARINAS, we will implement a new system in one of our marinas that will allow for the
collection and safe storage of hazardous substances from yachts. But this is just the
beginning. We are also considering other solutions such as sewage pumps, dishwashing
stations, or yacht washing facilities. Our goal is to make our marinas both environmentally-
friendly and convenient for users" said Leszek Paszkowski, Director of the Gdańsk Sports
Center.
The implementation of modern technological solutions and the engagement of local communities in environmental initiatives are key factors that will enable the long-term protection of the natural environment. In the partner marinas, pilot investments will be carried out, including an innovative installation for collecting hazardous substances, which will facilitate and simplify the disposal of oils, lubricants, and other environmentally harmful substances that might otherwise be discharged directly into the water.
An important aspect of the project is the environmental awareness-raising campaign addressed not only to sailors and tourists but also to the general public and all inhabitants of the Baltic Sea region. The educational initiatives seek to foster a better understanding of our connection to marine ecosystems and the impact our actions have on nature.
Olga Sarna, CEO of the MARE Foundation and coordinator of the educational activities in the project, emphasized the importance of education as a key element in the fight for marine environmental protection.
"In the face of the progressing impacts of climate change and the increasing pressure that recreational sailing poses on the marine environment, it is crucial not only to promote eco-friendly practices but also to provide marina operators and water users with the tools and knowledge to minimize these negative impacts. We want people to understand that every decision they make affects the Baltic – from waste management to how they use marina infrastructure.
Our educational activities also aim to raise awareness of how pollution and irresponsible use of water resources lead to the degradation of marine ecosystems. That's why we will engage local communities, tourists, and sailors in various initiatives – workshops, meetings, and informational campaigns to show how we can collectively protect our sea. We want to deepen the understanding of the relationship between humans and the Baltic so that everyone realizes how their daily actions affect nature, especially sensitive marine ecosystems" she added.
The project will culminate in 2027 with an international Forum on Sustainable Marina Infrastructure, focusing on promoting innovative solutions in marina management and elevating Gdańsk's status on the sailing map of the Southern Baltic.
The ECOMARINAS project is led by the Gdańsk Sports Center in cooperation with the Pomeranian Voivodeship, Tolkmicko Municipality, Klaipėda University, Neringa District Administration, Slottsholmen Marina in Västervik, Coastal Union Germany, and the MARE Foundation. The project, recognized as an Operation of Strategic Importance, will be carried out over 36 months in accordance with the goals of the Interreg South Baltic Program and the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR).
Photos by Edyta Bielatowicz
Source: Fundacja MARE
