Race For The Baltic – Restoring a Healthy Baltic Sea

Race For The Baltic is an independent nonprofit organization based in Sweden and Poland, dedicated to restoring the ecological health of the Baltic Sea. Founded through Zennström Philanthropies, the organization works with scientists, businesses, authorities and environmental partners to address one of the Baltic Sea's most serious problems: eutrophication. Excessive amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen enter the sea from agriculture, industry and other land-based sources. These nutrients fuel algal blooms, contribute to oxygen depletion and threaten marine biodiversity.

Reducing Nutrient Pollution

Race For The Baltic focuses on practical projects that prevent nutrients from entering the sea. Its work includes partnerships with fertilizer manufacturers and port operators to identify and reduce phosphorus losses during industrial production, storage and handling. The GYPREG project explores the application of gypsum to agricultural land to reduce phosphorus runoff and soil erosion. These approaches aim to address pollution at its source while remaining economically viable.

Restoring Coastal Ecosystems

The organization also develops and supports restoration projects along the Baltic coast. Its initiatives include improving water quality in coastal bays, exploring solutions for oxygen-depleted environments and investigating the potential of harvesting common reed to remove nutrients from coastal ecosystems. Projects such as Resilient Sea and Restoration Gotland bring together research, local stakeholders and practical environmental management.

Connecting Science and Action

Race For The Baltic works across national borders, collaborating with researchers, businesses, municipalities and policymakers. Its approach emphasizes measurable environmental benefits, cost-effective interventions and solutions that can be expanded across the Baltic Sea region. Rather than focusing exclusively on awareness campaigns, the organization seeks to translate scientific knowledge into practical changes in agriculture, industry and coastal management.

A Healthier Baltic Sea by 2030

Race For The Baltic has set an ambitious goal of contributing to a reduction of 500 tonnes of annual phosphorus inputs by 2030. By addressing the sources of eutrophication and accelerating ecosystem restoration, the organization aims to help the Baltic Sea recover its natural balance and support healthier marine habitats for future generations.

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https://www.raceforthebaltic.com/