The Baltic Sea is our shared, invaluable basin—a closed and fragile ecosystem where the interests of multiple nations converge. Every conflict leaves an imprint on its ecology, but the reverse is also true: cooperation in protecting the sea can serve as a bridge to peace.

The Baltic in Crisis: Pollution and Climate Change

Today, the Baltic is suffering from pollution and the impacts of climate change. Its waters are warming, disrupting marine ecosystems. Overfishing has decimated populations of large predatory fish. Along the seabed and coastlines, remnants of past wars linger—bombs, toxic waste, and sunken munitions. During the Cold War, the Baltic was once called “the Sea of Peace,” and proposals even surfaced to designate it as a nuclear-free zone. Now, we must revive that idea on a new level: transforming the Baltic Sea into a model for setting aside conflict and addressing environmental challenges together.

Can we directly link every war to every environmental disaster? Not always in a straightforward way. But one thing is clear: when people fight, they stop caring about water treatment plants. When missiles fly, no one sorts their recycling. War diverts resources and attention—both of which are desperately needed to protect nature.

Budgets and Priorities: A Call for Change

Consider national budgets: NATO members are required to allocate 2% of GDP to defense. Russia is increasing its military expenditures. But how much is being allocated to environmental protection? Comparatively little. Every tank produced means one less waste treatment center. Every fighter jet funded means another underfunded climate project. Is this a fair trade-off? As citizens, we must demand a shift in priorities.

The Baltic region could become a model for disarmament in the name of environmental protection. Nations could agree to ban military exercises in large marine areas, prohibit drills during fish spawning seasons, and enforce speed restrictions on vessels in protected zones to reduce noise pollution for marine life. Some may dismiss these ideas as unrealistic—but banning chemical pollution once seemed utopian, and today, we have the Helsinki Convention. Cooperation already exists—why not expand it?

Ultimately, we all face the same existential threat: the climate crisis. No missiles can stop it. Only through disarmament and collaboration can we hope to survive.

From Words to Action: A Shared Path to Solutions

So, what concrete steps can we take? Here is a manifesto for environmentalists and activists in Belarus, the Baltic, and beyond. These challenges are universal, and our response must be collective.

1. 1. Protecting Rivers and Ecosystems

We must stand against projects that destroy natural ecosystems for short-term gains. Take the Neris River, for example: the proposed deepening project must be stopped. We must support scientists and NGOs working to preserve the river and advocate for alternative transport solutions such as rail or electric transport. Environmental funds like Natura 2000 should be used for actual restoration, not militarization. More broadly, we must defend every protected area—from the Białowieża Forest to the Curonian Spit—against both military and commercial encroachment.

1. 2. A Nuclear-Free and Radiation-Safe Region

A campaign against the deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus is critical. Public awareness must be raised, international organizations engaged, and global opposition mobilized. Additionally, we must push for greater transparency and safety measures at the Ostrovets Nuclear Power Plant, demanding international monitoring and accountability. A moratorium on new nuclear power plants in the region should be enforced until security concerns are fully addressed and responsible waste disposal is guaranteed. Instead, we must advocate for joint renewable energy initiatives. Why doesn’t the EU invest in wind farms in Belarus rather than expanding nuclear infrastructure? Sustainable energy fosters security, while nuclear power poses risks.

1. 3. Disarmament and Decarbonization in the Name of Climate

Military emissions must be included in national climate plans. Every country should report every liter of jet fuel burned by its military aircraft. Defense budgets should be reduced, with funds redirected toward climate adaptation and a green economy. Fewer tanks, more electric buses. Fewer missiles, more wind farms. This should be the rallying cry of both pacifists and climate activists. Our survival depends on it. Through organized actions, educational campaigns, and public awareness efforts, we can create the political pressure needed to shift priorities.

1. 4. A Clean Baltic: A Shared Responsibility

A regional dialogue on a joint Baltic Sea cleanup program must be initiated. This initiative should include:

• • • Safe removal or neutralization of sunken chemical weapons and munitions.
    • Reduction of wastewater and agricultural runoff to combat eutrophication.
    • Establishment of transboundary marine reserves where military activity is prohibited and industrial fishing is restricted, allowing ecosystems to recover.

Governments must prioritize environmental cooperation over political disputes. As Jacques Cousteau once said, “We are all in the same boat.” If the Baltic Sea dies, there will be no winners—only nations that lose.

1. 5. Solidarity and Education

Environmental and peace movements must unite. Fortunately, today’s youth are active in both areas—climate marches often include anti-war slogans, and peace rallies emphasize environmental destruction. This connection must be strengthened. We should organize joint forums on “Climate and Peace,” share knowledge, and promote education on the interplay between military conflicts and ecological collapse. Schools and universities must teach that peace is the foundation of environmental well-being, just as environmental well-being is the foundation of peace.

Conclusion: A Future Built on Cooperation

The Baltic Sea is more than just a body of water. It is a shared ecosystem, a historical crossroads, and a potential symbol of cooperation. Instead of allowing conflicts to dictate its fate, we must seize the opportunity to make it a model for environmental protection and peace. Let us demand accountability from governments, push for policies that prioritize sustainability over militarization, and take active steps toward a cleaner, safer, and more cooperative Baltic region. The future of the sea, and of our planet, depends on the choices we make today.

Credits Unsplash and Unsplash