Online Test

Question 1

Which of the following statements related to the ‘Baltic Sea - Blue Growth and Spatial Planning’ is correct?

The Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme is a non-governmental organization with the aim to promote Maritime Spatial Planning in the BSR
HELCOM is the governing body of the Helsinki Convention
In 2010, HELCOM and VASAB jointly adopted ‘Maritime Spatial Planning Principles’ for the BSR
EUSBSR is a macro-regional strategy, approved by the European Council in 2009
VASAB (Visions and Strategies Around the Baltic Sea) is an intergovernmental multilateral co-operation of 10 countries of the BSR
In 2014, the European Commission adopted ‘A Sustainable Blue Growth Agenda for the Baltic Sea Region’

Question 2

Which of the following statements about climate change and the ‘EU Climate Change Strategy’ is correct?

Ocean surface pH is projected to decrease to values between 4.05 and 3.75 by the end of 21st century, depending on future CO2 emissions levels
Several recent model-based studies and expert assessments have suggested an upper boundary for the global mean sea level rise in the 21st century in the range of 1.5–2.0 m
Sea surface temperature is projected to increase faster than atmospheric temperature
Oxygen-depleted zones in the Baltic Sea have increased more than 10-fold since 1900
A first ‘EU strategy on adaptation to climate change’ was adopted already in 1990 and aimed at promoting research on climate change
Some water-borne diseases, such as vibriosis infections are likely to increase with increasing sea surface temperatures

Question 3

Which of the following statements about ‘Participation and Stakeholder Engagement’ is false?

An early involvement of stakeholders in the planning process is considered to be beneficial in order to allow exchange and avoid conflicts
Different levels of participation exist, ranging from the provision of information to an active involvement
An active involvement of stakeholders for all EU environmental policies is required by the Aarhus Convention
Participation is a process in which the concerns, needs and values of the public are incorporated into decision making
Public participation is a fundamental principle within all EU environmental policies
Public participation can be costly, time-consuming, labour-intensive and potentially create new conflicts

Question 4

Which of the following statements related to the ‘Baltic Sea – State, Trends & Challenges’ is correct?

In 2009, about 13 wind farms existed in the Baltic Sea. Until 2030 the number could increase to 67 offshore wind farms
Recently, the number of improving trends outweighs the number of deteriorating trends in the monitored hazardous substances
In 1992, HELCOM listed 162 major pollution hot spots in the Baltic Sea Region. In 2019, 19 industrial hot spots and 23 municipal or combined municipal and industrial sites still existed
Around 140 non-indigenous species have so far been recorded in the Baltic Sea
12 % of the Baltic Sea is protected through marine protected areas and the Baltic Sea is worldwide leading in this respect
The assessment of fish from a biodiversity perspective indicates good status in about half of the assessed coastal areas

Question 5

Which of the following steps does not belong to the development and implementation of ‘Maritime Spatial Planning’ (MSP) according to Ehler & Douvere

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the spatial management plan
Adapting the maritime spatial management process
Organizing stakeholder participation
Identifying needs and establishing authority
Approving, implementing and enforcing the spatial management plan
Defining and analysing existing conditions and future conditions

Question 6

Which of the following statements related to ‘Baltic Sea - Helsinki Convention’ is correct?

The HELCOM-GEAR group promotes the implementation of the ecosystem approach and supports region-wide co-operation on all elements of national marine strategies
HELCOM funds the implementation of major environmental EU directives
HELCOM sees itself as a developing, supervisory and coordinating body with respect to the BSR
The Helsinki Commission meets annually and decides on legally binding environmental laws for the BSR
The HELCOM-RESPONSE group enables and promotes public participation and stakeholder involvement in the BSR
HELCOM sees itself as an environmental policy maker and focal point for the Baltic Sea Region (BSR)