Environmental Policy-Making in the Northwest of Russia: Ecological Problems and Management of the Eastern Gulf of Finland Coastal Zone

Abstract

The ecological situation in north-western Russia is very complicated. The increasing anthropogenic loads inevitably cause alterations in the aquatic ecosystems of the Gulf of Finland, often resulting in a decrease of natural biological diversity and ecosystem stability. Coastal development activities (construction of ports, mining, dredging, transportation etc.) significantly affect the environment and the functioning of coastal processes and resources. With the intensification of ship traffic, the risk of accidental oil spills increases to a dangerous degree. Certain steps are being made by the Russian government towards solving urgent environmental problems, especially in a number of highly polluted regions such as the eastern Gulf of Finland, for example, the implementation of responsibility for ecological crimes and obligatory ecological investigations which are done when anticipating construction projects. However, for keeping the system under control by means of effective and scientifically-based management, a better linkage and exchange of experience between scientists, stakeholders and legislators in the Northwest of Russia are essentially needed to work out the proper management strategies for the environmental policy-making in the eastern Gulf of Finland coastal zone.