HELCOM, the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, is not prone to exaggerations. When they, in their latest report on the “State of the Baltic Sea”, write that the state of the Baltic Sea ecosystem has not improved, we should take that as a grave warning.
The Baltic Sea is in such a bad condition that the Association of Fishermen on Bornholm has decided to dissolve itself. After 142 years, they are forced to accept that there is no fish left to catch, and although overfishing may play a role here, pollution from agriculture seems to be the biggest problem.
The urgency to address pesticide use has never been more pronounced. The alarming state of marine ecosystems, highlighted by issues such as declining fish populations, and deteriorating water quality, underscores the critical need for sustainable agricultural practices.
The consumption of pesticides in European agriculture has seen a decrease from 2011 to 2022, yet its environmental impact remains a pressing concern. Pesticides, including fungicides and herbicides, can leach into waterways, adversely affecting marine ecosystems.
These chemicals can harm aquatic life, disrupt food chains, and lead to biodiversity loss. Despite regulatory efforts like the EU Farm to Fork Strategy aiming to reduce pesticide use by 50% by 2030, the persistent presence of these substances in the environment underscores the need for sustainable agricultural practices and stricter controls.
- Finland: Minor increases in pesticide sales indicate a need for stronger measures and more effective implementation of sustainable practices.
- Sweden: Modest reductions suggest progress, but greater efforts are required to meet the 2030 targets.
- Denmark: Showing more promising reductions, Denmark’s approach could serve as a model for neighbouring countries.
The progress towards the EU’s pesticide reduction goals remains uneven, and the Nordic countries must intensify their efforts to contribute effectively to the collective environmental targets.
For more detailed information, visit the Eurostat article on pesticide consumption.
Our forthcoming, “Nordic Insights”, will delve further into aspects on sustainable development, providing more of the data we cherish so much.
đź‘€ Stay tuned!
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