MUNIMAP: Marine Munitions Remediation Roadmap for a Safer Baltic Sea
Summary:
MUNIMAP (2024-2027) is an international project co-funded by the EU INTERREG Baltic Sea Region programme with 17 partners from all countries of the Baltic Sea region, led by Institute for Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IOPAS).
Its goal is to develop a comprehensive framework and tools for solving the serious threat posed by sea-dumped chemical and conventional munitions in the Baltic Sea and Skagerrak. These underwater munitions, remnants of past conflicts, endanger marine ecosystems, human health, and economic activities. The multidisciplinary team of project experts will establish legal and policy guidelines, advance detection and assessment technologies and test innovative, environmentally-sound remediation methods. By transitioning from science to action, MUNIMAP seeks to enhance regional safety, foster international collaboration, and support sustainable offshore development. The project's outcomes will have broad applicability to similar challenges in other regions, positioning the Baltic Sea region as a leader in addressing this complex environmental and security issue.
Project Activities:
MUNIMAP's core activities focus on developing practical solutions for managing sea-dumped munitions:
1. Mapping and Assessment: Using advanced technologies to accurately locate and evaluate munition sites in the Baltic Sea.
2. Legal and Policy Development: Reviewing existing frameworks and proposing recommendations to harmonize approaches across countries.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Organizing consultations and workshops with national authorities, industry representatives, and international organizations to ensure broad input and buy-in.
4. Technology Innovation: Researching and piloting new, environmentally-sound methods for munitions’ detection and remediation.
5. Monitoring Strategy Development: Creating a pan-Baltic plan for permanent surveillance of affected areas.
6. Decision Support Tools: Developing IT solutions to aid risk-assessment, site prioritization and practical remediation planning.
7. Knowledge Sharing: Producing educational materials, hosting symposiums, and providing accessible web-based IT solutions.
8. Pilot Demonstrations: Conducting real-life tests of the project's methods and technologies at selected sites.
9. International Cooperation: Facilitating cross-border collaboration and information exchange among Baltic Sea experts and governments.
Expected recommendations:
• Implement the Baltic Sea-wide monitoring and early warning system for munitions-related threats.
• All countries should apply common standards and protocols for risk assessment and prioritization of remediation sites.
• Increase funding for proactive remediation of sea-dumped munitions, with application of technologies worked out by the MUNIMAP project.
• Integrate munitions management considerations into marine spatial planning and offshore development projects.
• Create a shared database and information exchange platform for all Baltic Sea countries.
• Enhance training programs for maritime professionals on munitions-related risks and proper response procedures.
• Establish a dedicated international body to coordinate Baltic Sea munitions remediation activities.