13
1.4 Structure and Content of the Book
Following this introduction (Chap. 1 ), the book is divided into two parts. In the fi rst
part, fi ve in-depth interdisciplinary case studies of environmental governance associated with large-scale environmental problems and risks in the Baltic Sea region
(i.e. eutrophication, overfi shing , invasive alien species , chemical pollution and oil
discharges ) are presented and analysed. In the second part of the book, key challenges and possible avenues for improvements are identifi ed and analysed across
the covered environmental issues, based on the three governance dimensions identifi ed (Fig. 1.2 ; Table 1.1 ). Particular emphasis is placed on challenges for EAM
implementation linked to multilevel and multi-sector environmental governance,
science-policy interfaces, as well as stakeholder communication and participation.
The fi rst part of the book starts with the case of eutrophication, one of the most
serious environmental problems in the Baltic Sea. Karlsson and co-workers (Chap. 2 )
describe the complex problem and the governance structures and processes in place.
The case shows how science-policy interactions have so far worked comparatively
well, resulting in an ongoing implementation of EAM , although fundamental
societal change is still needed in order to reach agreed objectives. In Chap. 3 , Sellke
and colleagues analyse the fi sheries case, where scientifi c uncertainty , a multitude
of actors representing contradictory interests and the tensions between top-down
EU and bottom-up regional policies may paralyse decision-making. By pointing out
the most pressing issues, the authors aim to provide input that may contribute to
improving fi sheries governance. In Chap. 4 , Smolarz and co-workers take on the
case of invasive alien species and describe the striking uncertainty on the one hand
and the low interest among policy-makers and stakeholders on the other. In elaborating on a governance framework, including voluntary measures and improved
coordination of public policies at various levels, the authors give attention to a
severe problem that cannot continue to be neglected. Uncertainty is a striking component also in the following case of hazardous chemicals (Chap. 5 ). Karlsson and
Gilek zoom in on the governance of three specifi c organohalogens that have caused
severe problems and risks in the Baltic Sea. The authors compare measures taken
over time by EU and HELCOM, respectively, and analyse what those experiences
might mean for improving public governance in the future. Finally, Hassler
(Chap. 6 ) identifi es the primary drivers behind accidental oil spills and intentional
oil discharges into the Baltic Sea. The author makes a case for global conventions
and coordinated Port State Control in the former case and development of changed
incentives for operators in the latter case, e.g. by institutionalising no-special-fee
systems for waste management in ports.
The second part of the book is structured according to the three governance
dimensions (governance structures, assessment -management processes and interactions and stakeholder participation and communication, see Fig. 1.2 ). Each chapter
discusses and compares certain characteristics of the fi ve specifi c cases presented in
the fi rst part of the book. In Chap. 7 , Boström and colleagues describe the evolution
of governance structures over time up to the present-day ambitions of implementing
1 Environmental Governance of the Baltic Sea: Identifying Key Challenges,…
1.4 Structure and Content of the Book
Following this introduction (Chap. 1 ), the book is divided into two parts. In the fi rst
part, fi ve in-depth interdisciplinary case studies of environmental governance associated with large-scale environmental problems and risks in the Baltic Sea region
(i.e. eutrophication, overfi shing , invasive alien species , chemical pollution and oil
discharges ) are presented and analysed. In the second part of the book, key challenges and possible avenues for improvements are identifi ed and analysed across
the covered environmental issues, based on the three governance dimensions identifi ed (Fig. 1.2 ; Table 1.1 ). Particular emphasis is placed on challenges for EAM
implementation linked to multilevel and multi-sector environmental governance,
science-policy interfaces, as well as stakeholder communication and participation.
The fi rst part of the book starts with the case of eutrophication, one of the most
serious environmental problems in the Baltic Sea. Karlsson and co-workers (Chap. 2 )
describe the complex problem and the governance structures and processes in place.
The case shows how science-policy interactions have so far worked comparatively
well, resulting in an ongoing implementation of EAM , although fundamental
societal change is still needed in order to reach agreed objectives. In Chap. 3 , Sellke
and colleagues analyse the fi sheries case, where scientifi c uncertainty , a multitude
of actors representing contradictory interests and the tensions between top-down
EU and bottom-up regional policies may paralyse decision-making. By pointing out
the most pressing issues, the authors aim to provide input that may contribute to
improving fi sheries governance. In Chap. 4 , Smolarz and co-workers take on the
case of invasive alien species and describe the striking uncertainty on the one hand
and the low interest among policy-makers and stakeholders on the other. In elaborating on a governance framework, including voluntary measures and improved
coordination of public policies at various levels, the authors give attention to a
severe problem that cannot continue to be neglected. Uncertainty is a striking component also in the following case of hazardous chemicals (Chap. 5 ). Karlsson and
Gilek zoom in on the governance of three specifi c organohalogens that have caused
severe problems and risks in the Baltic Sea. The authors compare measures taken
over time by EU and HELCOM, respectively, and analyse what those experiences
might mean for improving public governance in the future. Finally, Hassler
(Chap. 6 ) identifi es the primary drivers behind accidental oil spills and intentional
oil discharges into the Baltic Sea. The author makes a case for global conventions
and coordinated Port State Control in the former case and development of changed
incentives for operators in the latter case, e.g. by institutionalising no-special-fee
systems for waste management in ports.
The second part of the book is structured according to the three governance
dimensions (governance structures, assessment -management processes and interactions and stakeholder participation and communication, see Fig. 1.2 ). Each chapter
discusses and compares certain characteristics of the fi ve specifi c cases presented in
the fi rst part of the book. In Chap. 7 , Boström and colleagues describe the evolution
of governance structures over time up to the present-day ambitions of implementing
1 Environmental Governance of the Baltic Sea: Identifying Key Challenges,…