Definition: Sustainable development is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (1).

The Agenda 21 resulted from the United Nations Conference on Environment & Development (Earth Summit), 1992 in Rio de Janeiro. It “addresses the pressing problems of today and also aims at preparing the world for the challenges of the next century. It reflects a global consensus and political commitment at the highest level on development and environment cooperation. Its successful implementation is first and foremost the responsibility of governments. National strategies, plans, policies and processes are crucial in achieving this. International cooperation should support and supplement such national efforts…” (2).

Section II addresses the “conservation and management of resources for development” in altogether 14 chapters. Chapter 17 covers “Protection of the oceans, all kinds of seas, including enclosed and semi-enclosed seas, and coastal areas and the protection, rational use and development of their living resources.” It lists 7 programme areas which require concrete actions:

1. Integrated management and sustainable development of coastal areas, including exclusive economic zones (EEZ);
2. Marine environmental protection;
3. Sustainable use and conservation of marine living resources of the high seas;
4. Sustainable use and conservation of marine living resources under national jurisdiction;
5. Addressing critical uncertainties for the management of marine environments and climate change;
6. Strengthening international, including regional, cooperation and coordination;
7. Sustainable development of small islands.

Under management-related activities, the “implementation of integrated coastal and marine management and sustainable development plans and programmes at appropriate levels” is explicitly mentioned.

Under data and information related activities it asks to “Develop and maintain databases for assessment and management of coastal areas and all seas and their resources; Develop socio-economic and environmental indicators; Conduct regular environmental assessment of the state of the environment of coastal and marine areas; Prepare and maintain profiles of coastal area resources, activities, uses, habitats and protected areas based on the criteria of sustainable development; Exchange information and data” (2)

This very detailed and demanding Agenda 21 strongly influenced the European Union’s environmental policy and initiated the development of the coastal and marine policy.

In 2015, the heads of state and government and high representatives, met at the United Nations headquarters in New York and agreed on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda contains 17 new global sustainable development goals. Goal 14: “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”. Sub-goal 14.5: “By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information” (3).

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has initiated the regional Baltic 2030 Action Plan that calls on all countries in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) to help realize a common vision of sustainable development (4).