For members of the public

This section provides information about possibilities for members of the wider public to engage with the common aim of making our region environmentally, socially and economically attractive and a wealthy place to live.

More information becoming available here soon.

In particular, with the increasingly evident unsustainable lifestyle of modern societies, a need for a clear shift towards sustainable living is needed. The role of science is to provide and promote credible scenarios, justifying the measures required, combating misconceptions and substantiating revised value systems involving externalities of environmental goods and services.

There are many opportunities for the wider public to engage with the efforts that aim to ensure a sustainable future for the Baltic Sea region.

Public engagement from the science perspective include activities that inform, exchange and encourage interaction amongst different people in the society. Here are some types of activities available in the society. For details, contact the academy of science, key universities, different marine and maritime institutions and/or their noticeboards, email lists, blogs etc. in your local communities:

Informing

Presentations and talks for the public
Open days or festivals of science held in many cities in the countries around the Baltic Sea
Broadcast and social media on Baltic Sea relevant topics that can be commented on, forwarded to friends etc.
Advice and knowledge sharing events for members of the public are being convened in different countries, check for your local opportunities

Exchanging

Interactive discussion formats, e.g. taking part in a public debate or dialogue
Lifelong learning
Opportunities in the local community to get involved and be consulted about research development topics

Collaborating

The public is at times invited to get involved in shaping research question, design and delivery as co-researchers of collaborative co-inquiry research, e.g. co-produced research
Dialogue where researchers, policymakers and the public explore the future direction of a particular research topic
Often public engagement activities are also run in partnership with others e.g. museums, galleries, science centres and other cultural venues, festivals, exhibitions, teachers communities and schools, community organisations etc. which can advise you further.

What else can I do?

If you are a citizen interested in protecting the Baltic Sea, you can follow the discussion and science based information from the media and through the channels described above.

In particular, you should follow the advice on what kind of life style creates the minimum negative impact in the Baltic Sea, and change your every day habits accordingly.

You can be active in NGOs (e.g. nature conservation associations, WWF, Green Peace) addressing the Baltic Sea issues and have your voice heard through them.

Interactive space coming soon, in the meantime, email your question to the BONUS Secretariat at bonus(at)bonuseeig.fi.