Baltic Sea Receives Millions in Funding as Innovative Ideas Surge
The Baltic Sea is set to benefit from a wave of innovative projects, thanks to a significant investment from Ålandsbanken. This year marks a record number of initiatives receiving support, all aimed at improving the health of this vital marine ecosystem.
Imagine a biogel that can soak up oil spills, wind turbines designed to protect birds, and GPS trackers helping to safeguard eider ducks. These are just a few examples of the groundbreaking projects now being funded.
A Decade of Dedication to the Baltic Sea
The Ålandsbanken’s Baltic Sea project, now in its tenth year, was born from a firsthand observation of the sea’s deteriorating condition. Anne-Maria Salonius, Director of Business Area Finland at Ålandsbanken, witnessed the alarming state of the Baltic during a sailing trip.
Since its inception, the project has distributed nearly €5.5 million to initiatives focused on revitalizing the Baltic Sea. This year alone, the project saw a record number of applications, with over 200 submissions.
“It’s heartening to see such strong commitment,” says Therese Nordenberg, Marketing and Communications Manager at Ålandsbanken Sweden. “The Baltic Sea holds immense value for so many. It offers invaluable natural experiences, recreation, and memories that span generations.”
Nordenberg emphasizes the natural fit for Ålandsbanken, given its location in the heart of the Baltic Sea.
Economic Benefits of a Healthy Sea
The benefits of a healthier Baltic extend beyond environmental concerns. A study by Boston Consulting Group revealed that strategic environmental efforts in the Baltic Sea could generate hundreds of thousands of jobs. Conversely, inaction could lead to significant job losses.
“The Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted seas in the world,” Nordenberg explains. “This impacts both the environment and our businesses. A healthier sea means cleaner water, sustainable tourism, and stronger industries – and more jobs.”
She highlights the potential for startup companies supported by the project to drive this growth. “Investing in the Baltic Sea is not just about protecting nature; it’s an investment in sustainable growth,” she adds.
Funded Projects: Innovation in Action
Here are some of the projects receiving funding in 2025:
- Biogel for Oil Spill Cleanup: Researchers are developing a plant-oil-based biogel to absorb oil spills in the Baltic Sea. The gel can be collected mechanically after absorbing the oil.
- Bird-Friendly Wind Power: A project using radar technology to analyze bird movements around offshore wind farms, aiming to minimize the impact on birdlife through strategic shutdowns and optimized site selection.
- Baltic Sea Education for Youth: A free educational resource with 100 film clips in Swedish and Finnish, designed to educate young people about the Baltic Sea’s ecosystem, environmental challenges, and biodiversity.
- GPS Tracking for Eider Ducks: Researchers are attaching GPS transmitters to eider ducks to map their movements and protect critical habitats, with the goal of strengthening the eider population.
- Sustainable Fisheries in the Baltic Sea: A platform connecting fishermen in Finland, Åland, and Sweden to foster dialogue and consensus on herring fishing, promoting ecosystem-based fisheries management.
The Ålandsbanken Baltic Sea Project: A Summary
Launched in 2015, the Ålandsbanken Baltic Sea Project supports ideas and initiatives that contribute to improving the condition of the Baltic Sea. Since its inception, the project has distributed nearly €5.5 million to research projects, startups, non-profit initiatives, and individuals.
Funding is targeted at solutions that create long-term effects for the sea and the environment. The Baltic Sea Project also works long-term with established actors such as Baltic Sea Action Group, John Nurminen Foundation and Race For The Baltic.
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