The project “Towards sustainable coexistence of seals and humans, CoExist” restarted active collaboration between Russian and Finnish partners related to conservation of freshwater ringed seals living in lakes Saimaa and Ladoga. More specific, the project worked in the areas of conservation biology, technological innovations, environmental awareness, and sustainable use of the lakes habited by the seals. Conservation biology best practices were shared in the protection and management. Science-based actions were taken towards sustainable human- seal coexistence. In addition, environmental awareness among public, locals, visitors, companies, authorities, and other stakeholders was enhanced actively during the project. The project also gained visibility in varied diverse ways and produced broader and updated knowledge on essential ecological issues on the Saimaa and Ladoga ringed seals. Main activities and achievements of the project:

Novel monitoring tools: Photo-ID: Improved knowledge on Saimaa ringed seal site fidelity and long-term population gained. This enables evidence-based management and decision-making. Pilot season in Lake Ladoga conducted and a first photo-ID database for Ladoga seals created.

Novel monitoring tools: Automatic individual identification of seals: A method and software for automatic identification of seal individuals created.

Best practices in seal-fisheries conflict mitigation activity: Improved knowledge on seal-fishery conflict in Lake Ladoga and seal-safe fishing methods was gained and distributed among stakeholders. Across the border, promoted dialogue and information sharing were exchanged among fishermen, managing authorities, scientists, enterprises, and conservation experts.

Sustainable ecotourism: Enhanced knowledge on effects of seal-watching tourism on Saimaa ringed seal behaviour. Discussion between Saimaa tourist operators started, and their points of view were listed. The information distributed to the authorities. Information shared on seals and cooperation started in Lake Ladoga among tourist sites.

Environmental education and awareness: Increased environmental awareness on freshwater seals on both sides of the border. Increased awareness and project visibility among the local public and among school kids and teachers in the project region.

CoExist

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Aim of the project was to enhance the manure management monitoring and coordination of using the organic fertilizer among the farms of the Leningrad region. As a main object the Pervomaisky infrastructure facility for manure processing was build up. Besides Terms of Reference for elaboration of an interactive tool for monitoring of animal waste management and coordination of organic fertilizers use was prepared and commented by the Finnish partner. That interactive tool was finding farms and their location in the map of the Leningrad region territory.

The Finnish partner Luke was actively discussing and giving impact of environmental issues concerning manure, its value and efficient use with Russian partner. Comments on planning papers and documents were given by Luke’s research scientists. In the project, the scientific research results and the practical manure management issues were facing each other. The knowledge and information were exchanged between Finland and Russia. The work was fulfilling also in the webinars of Farmers school and International Days. Research scientists, authorities, farmers, students, teachers, advisory people met by webinars. Awareness of environmental aspects was enhanced.

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The project “Environmental impacts of the Krasny Bor toxic waste landfill – EnviTox” carried out studies in the surroundings of the Krasny Bor landfill to gain an overview of its current environmental status. It introduced risk assessment methods that were applied to estimate the potential risks posed by the hazardous waste landfill to people and the environment near the Krasny Bor area, as well as the potential threat to the water intake of St. Petersburg. The risk assessment was mainly carried out in accordance with Finnish practices. However, the Russian maximum permissible concentrations (MPCs) were used as target values in the risk assessment instead of the Finnish reference values. The fieldwork and sampling were planned to obtain an overview of the environmental status of the hazardous waste landfill surroundings and to collect the information needed for the environmental risk assessment. The samples were taken from surface waters, groundwater, stream sediments and soil. Together with basic chemical parameters and physical characteristics, a wide range of contaminants were analysed from the samples. Ecotoxicological sampling was conducted as well.

In addition, surface water monitoring was established to obtain information about the possible discharge of wastewater from the landfill and other potential sources of pollution entering the river network surrounding the study area, as well as to determine the seasonal variation in the discharge and water quality. The risk assessment was based on the results of the project studies. Initially, conceptual models for the whole study area were established. Furthermore, the likely exposure pathways and risk assessment were defined. The risk was assessed by comparing the results with the Russian MPCs and through calculations of risk quotients, an EPISuite™ model and the bio-met bioavailability tool, as well as modelling with the Risk-Based Corrective Action (RBCA) Tool Kit.  In general, transport via stream waters is probably the most important transport route for contaminants from the landfill to the surrounding environment. The highest chemical concentrations and risk quotients in water and sediment, as well as general water quality indicators, were usually detected in the surroundings of the landfill and along the route of the River Izhora, indicating that there is migration from the landfill especially to this direction.

Some pollutants exceed the MPCs in the Rivers Tosna and Izhora as well. In addition, the sum of risk quotients for different contaminants indicates that the contaminants pose a risk in soil throughout the study area. According to the produced flow model, the migration of pollutants to the wider area may take place in case of accidental leakages or overflows. There is a possibility of a severe leakage, especially from the open or temporarily covered hazardous waste pools. The provided recommendations for feasible risk management and mitigation measures, include suggestions for additional studies, environmental monitoring, preparedness plans for emergency situations, measurements for the abandoned landfill areas, and for public communication and awareness raising. The project results support the decision makers, environmental authorities and land use planners responsible for the environmental management of the Krasny Bor surroundings.

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Main activities include investigations and BAT (Best Available Technology) for improvement the status of waterways of Luga river catchment area and Lake Saimaa nearby City of Mikkeli and the rivers running to Lake Saimaa. Project support to establishing Luga Public Environmental Center by using relevant examples implemented in Finland and enabling development of sustainable environmental research and education cooperation between Russian and Finnish experts.

In order to show the beauty of natural landscapes, the life of animals and plants, the interaction of man and nature in the basins of the Luga River and Lake Saimaa, a photo contest “Living Rivers” was held, which was held in a remote format. The photo contest helped create a compelling motivation to conserve and protect these beautiful and highly vulnerable areas of nature.

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The three main objectives of the project were: 1) to promote preservation of biodiversity and nature values in the River Vuoksi and surroundings on both sides of the border, 2) to increase discussion and mutual understanding among the cross-border authorities of the nature values and of the common good of sustainable use of River Vuoksi environment and its natural resources, and 3) to enhance environmental awareness of local inhabitants and visitors on both sides of the border.

To achieve these goals, the project gathered information on nature values on both the riverside and the river channel of the River Vuoksi and on potential threats to them. As a result, nature values were quantified and knowledge of biodiversity and of endangered species and their habitats in the River Vuoksi and riverside was increased. Biological monitoring and research for nature values on the river side, studies on the state and structure of valuable fish populations and their habitats as well as the study of the distribution of invasive species, signal crayfish, and of the impact of water construction and climate change on valuable salmonid populations, enabled making of evidence-based plans and recommendations for authorities and managers about preservation of biodiversity and nature values as well as about sustainable use of the shared natural resources in the Vuoksi area. The plans and recommendations were communicated to relevant authorities to enable evidence-based management and decision-making concerning conservation and sustainable use of land and natural resources in the River Vuoksi region, i.e., to be used for example in land use planning. The new information on habitats, flora and fauna was also important for producing education and dissemination materials aimed at increasing knowledge and environmental awareness of the public, especially the youth.

Practical actions were also taken to preserve the valuable Vuoksi nature and its biodiversity. Concrete actions, the river restorations, to improve environmental conditions for salmonid reproduction and thus the state of salmonid populations, will have a positive influence on valuable salmonids that utilise the restored rapids areas for reproduction. The status of the salmonid populations will improve. In addition to promoting preservation of biodiversity, the increase in fish numbers also enables their utilization sustainably by the fishermen. The development and applying of the web-based interactive waste map facilitates more efficient solid waste management (litter, abandoned fishing gear) and the efforts of the public and administrations to reach decreased anthropogenic load on the Vuoksi basin for the well-being of local inhabitants and for attracting tourists with a clean environment.

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The project developed of the solutions to reduce emissions and pollution and promoting cross-border cooperation aiming at reducing the environmental load and risks related to increasing traffic by improving the environmental safety of international transportation (Intertraffic) to ensure effective, sustainable, and balanced development.

Within the framework of the Green InterTraffic project, Russian and Finnish partners have developed a unified approach to calculate greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants from vehicles using different types of fuel and energy. The project implemented the four seasons thermal mapping measurement of the road E-18 and built the temperature profile of the road and forecast weather conditions along the road E-18. Air quality measurements were made with Vaisala’s innovative AQT sensors and based on the results, Air Quality Survey of the road E18 between Helsinki and Saint Petersburg -report was concluded, complemented with the report on the Health Risk Assessment of Human Exposure to Ambient Air Chemical Emissions from Scandinavia Highway Traffic. In addition, the project created the Road Pollution Assessment Methods and Environmental Load Reduction Approaches -training course for distance learning.

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The RAINMAN project examined the challenges posed by climate change and urban development to freshwater reservoirs in Mikkeli, Lahti, the Helsinki Metropolitan Area and St. Petersburg. The focus was on the potential impacts of changes in precipitation patterns and extreme rain events on the urban environment.

The project provided deepened knowledge about the impacts of climate change on groundwater, surface water, and sewage systems. Based on this knowledge, suitable adaptation measures were either directly implemented (e.g. the monitoring wastewater flow in St. Petersburg or  a stormwater data management system in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area), integrated into documents guiding urban water management (the groundwater protection plan for the Hanhikangas aquifer in Mikkeli and the report about Nature-based solutions for stormwater management in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area), or made available for the update of guiding documents and regulations (e.g. the update of the groundwater protection plan in Lahti and standard for the construction of water supply and sewerage networks in St. Petersburg).

The results in the case studies allow to give the following general recommendations. Because urban water management depends on many different actors and organizations, a clear distribution of responsibilities is indispensable. Legislation can be an enabling or restricting factor for the adaptation of urban water management. Robust water management must be able to cope with a range of possible future climatic and urban developments. Facing an uncertain future, informed decisions need a sound basis of information. Monitoring of water quality and quantity parameters can provide information regarding when to start adaptation or risk mitigation activities to safeguard groundwater quality or when to act proactively to avoid flooding.

The modelling of climate change impacts on groundwater, surface water, and sewage systems provides new data for climate change adaptation. The adaptive capacity of urban water management systems strongly depends on sharing information and knowledge. A good state of the environment is a precondition to minimize harmful climate change impacts on urban water management. Depending on the type of land use, different aspects come to the fore. In green or natural areas and areas with many waterbodies, the quality of surface waters is important. Good surface water quality reduces the risk of groundwater contamination through surface water infiltration. In built-up areas, soil contamination can be mobilized due to changes in the hydrological or groundwater regime. Therefore, it is important to avoid, reduce or remediate soil contamination. In areas where climate change causes more freeze and thaw cycles, there will be an increased need for road de-icing. Salt has a negative impact on the environment. It is advisable to change or reduce the use of de-icing agents. Nature-based solutions are an excellent way to adapt urban water management systems to the challenges of climate change.

If there is a limited amount of space, hybrid solutions can combine nature-based solutions with grey solutions or impermeable surfaces can be replaced by permeable surfaces. In very densely built areas and in historical centers, the drainage of stormwater via the sewage system might be the only feasible solution. Under these conditions, adaptation can occur either through changes in the operation of the network or through adapting the network either by creating more retention space or separating the stormwater and sewage networks.

Project report: “General recommendations on adapting water management practices to climate change impacts in eastern and southern Finland and St. Petersburg”

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The main goal of the project was to improve the state of the study area (a sub-area of the Gulf of Finland: the catchments of Virojoki, Rakkolanjoki/Seleznevka and Sestra located in Kymenlaakso, Leningrad region, St. Petersburg). Project’s main targets were reached by combing scientific and societal actions in the surrounding area.

SEVIRA-project strengthened strongly important transboundary environmental activities. It served both the overall conservation and scientific project goals and raised public awareness and consciousness. Public awareness is a key ingredient for positive environmental outcomes that also impact sustainable socio-economic objectives. Clarifying cross-border similarities and differences provided insights on how to best practically address and strengthen joint Finnish and Russian efforts on these important issues. Project added value included the following:

An improved transboundary river monitoring system.

Increased spatial extent and observation frequency utilizing quality assurance methods and procedures in hydrological and water quality monitoring improved the robustness of the overall system. Novel monitoring techniques and modelling also enabled the ability to propose a more cost-effective monitoring program. This is very important, while the funds for monitoring are always limited. Finland’s expertise in designing cost-effective monitoring networks, including the use of automatized sensors and satellite observations, and in analytical protocols, was shared with Russia.

 The exchange of Finnish and Russian environmental information and methods increased.

Sharing of data through the River Watch Programme, enhanced by the above-mentioned monitoring of the area, enabled a better understanding of the current situation, and served as a basis for more informed decision-making. This will impact future restoration or management measures needed to improve the state of river conservation. For example, the data collected from joint cross-boundary river monitoring increased the common awareness of environmental problems with experts producing new scenarios, based on the enhanced data flow, for future climate change mitigation efforts.

 The exchange of accurate data increased environmental information for environmental administrations and citizen involvement.

Increasing data exchange is now providing more accurate information for the environmental administrations and citizen involvement. Through the surveys the project obtained new knowledge of the public’s attitudes and perceptions in dealing with ongoing water quality challenges. Still needed is more reliable and frequent water quantity and quality data to serve as the basis of all public discussions.

Experts are joining more in the public dialogue, providing new facts on the study area state of conservation.

Experts and environmental organizations are increasing public awareness. In both countries, the environmental organizations were actively co-operating with citizens solving environmental problems. The project’s scientific results were written for laymen so that the broader public might follow them in their everyday activities.

The increased environmental awareness of the local people enhanced willingness to participate in environmental decision-making. Particularly the idea was to motivate and increase people’s willingness to influence common environmental matters. Environmentally conscious citizens tend to make decisions beneficial for the environment in their every-day life and are more willing to deliver their concerns and messages to decision-makers within the industry and environmental administration.

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Project developed a new chemical free purification system for urban runoff waters. The three main step in the concept are 1) mechanical separation, 2) sorption of urban pollutants, and 3) biological cultivation unit for biodiversity support in recipient water body.

The system applied shungite (SH) mineral and effective micro-organisms (EM). The overall objective of the project was to maintain and preserve freshwater reservoirs, which was addressed by developing the methodology that can be implemented into conveyance systems existing in cities.

Improvement in water quality in various water elements (constructed wetlands, parks, canals, and their recipients) improves the wellbeing of citizens and attracts tourists with cleaner environment. The activities covered material studies to optimize shungite rock grade, filtration studies and design and piloting of filtration system. The prototypes were verified in field test: 2 sites in Lappeenranta, and 4 sites in St. Petersburg. As an outcome the project presents novel concept for innovative runoff water purification systems that is based on natural materials and aiming to be implemented as part of existing natural based solutions. The solutions and results have been assessed for economic, technological, social, and environmental feasibility, and concluded as a highly promising novel concept in an extensive work report.

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