About BSP

The Baltic Sea Project is an international network among schools for a better environment in the Baltic catchment area.

The countries bordering on the Baltic share many environmental problems, one of which is the pollution of the Baltic Sea.

These problems can only be solved by cooperation among those countries, which have different languages, cultures, habits, traditions and technical standards. 
In attempting to solve the environmental problems, education is one of the key factors.

The Baltic Sea Project (BSP) has therefore initiated cooperation among schools in all the countries around the Baltic.

Today, some 200 schools are active in the BSP. Most are secondary schools situated on the Baltic coast, but the number of inland schools from the entire catchment area is increasing.

In many schools, the BSP has been organized as a joint effort including many subjects.

Objectives

  • To increase the awareness of the students about the environmental problems in the Baltic Sea area and to give them an understanding of the scientific, social and cultural aspects of the interdependence between man and nature.
  • To develop the ability of the students to study changes in the environment.
  • To encourage students to participate in developing a sustainable future.

Practical measures

  • To set up a network of schools and other educational institutions.
  • To create and develop educational approaches and joint programmes for environmental and international education.
  • To organize joint activities and events.
  • To publish the BSP newsletter and other relevant information.

Educational approach

  • To achieve a balance between a holistic view and individual subject studies.
  • To change the role of the student from passive recipient to active constructor.
  • To change the role of the teacher from supervisor to guide in a learning process.
  • To use networks to provide participants with opportunities to learn and pass along new ideas.
  • To use international cooperation as an inherent element of school work.

International contacts

Schools in different countries have contacts through correspondence, exchanging exhibits and videos, by visits etc. During these visits the students usually study a local environmental problem together.

Information on BSP

Information about BSP schools in the different countries can be obtained through the  "Catalogue of School Activities". In this catalogue the schools find names and addresses of teachers and activities in other schools.

A newsletter is produced twice a year and distributed free of charge to all schools. In it, the teachers and students present their work and their contacts with other schools.

Organization 

There is a national coordinator or coordinators in each participating country.  At least once a year the coordinators meet to evaluate the project and to plan future activities.

The general coordinator is responsible, among other things, for contacts among the countries. For the present period from  2009 - 2012 Latvia has the responsibility of general coordination.

Contact the  Coordinator in your country for more information