AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT IN THE BALTIC-SEA REGION - AN AGENDA FOR ACTION

A major challenge in the restoration of the ecological balance of the Baltic Sea is the successful development and implementation of environ mental management measures for the diverse and dynamic agricultural se ctor and rural settlements. This challenge exists throughout the Balti c Sea region; both the countries in economic transition and traditiona l market economies are involved with significant changes in the struct ure of agriculture, with associated impacts on rural settlements. This process will be become more complex with the continued economic recov ery of countries which have undertaken economic restructuring and anti cipated expansion of membership in the European Union. Addressing thes e concerns is a longterm process which involves support for policy, fi nancial, technical and educational interventions. Success could be acc elerated by promoting regional partnerships, sharing experience, and r egular assessment of performance. Adoption of participatory approaches which directly involve agricultural interests and rural communities i s an important element of this process. Agriculturists and rural commu nities should be viewed as critical partners in environmental manageme nt and actively engaged in a program of actions cooperatively develope d for their specific conditions.