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Zero Eutrophication
Illustration by Tobias Flygar
"Nutrient levels in soil and water must not be such that they adversely affect human health, the conditions for biological diversity or the possibility of varied use of land and water."
This is how the objective is defined on the Environmental Objectives Portal
. Eutrophication occurs when nutrient levels in the environment become too great. Sources of eutrophication include manure from agriculture, discharge of waste water, or the deposition of airborne nitrogen compounds.
. Eutrophication occurs when nutrient levels in the environment become too great. Sources of eutrophication include manure from agriculture, discharge of waste water, or the deposition of airborne nitrogen compounds.The need for this objective
The eutrophication of the marine environment is a major problem, the most severely affected area being the Baltic Sea. Negative consequences of eutrophication include algal blooms and deteriorating oxygen conditions in the water and sediment.
How do we achieve it?
Because many countries are responsible for emissions containing the eutrophic substances phosphorous and nitrogen, efforts to reduce these materials must be done at an international level in order to achieve this objective. In addition, there are several international conventions and directives that Sweden is a part of and must follow.
The Helsinki Commission (HELCOM), comprised of countries around the Baltic Sea, has drawn up the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) which includes efforts to reduce eutrophication. The plan states the maximum load which member states within the commission have agreed upon with regard to the Baltic. The objective is also linked to the implementation of the EU's Marine Strategy Directive and objectives in the Marine Environmental Regulation.
Contact Person
Malin Hemmingsson
mailn.hemmingsson@havochvatten.se
tel: +46 (0)10-698 61 84
Related Information
External Resources
External Publications
Sweden's Environmental Objectives — a brief overview
— a brief overview
Sweden's Environmental Objectives in Brief [2009] — a more detailed description of the objectives
— a more detailed description of the objectives
Sweden's Environmental Objectives: No Time to Lose — A comprehensive evaluation by the Environmental Objectives Council of the prospects of achieving the objectives on time.
— A comprehensive evaluation by the Environmental Objectives Council of the prospects of achieving the objectives on time.
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