Project PRESTO (Project on Reduction of the Eutrophication of the Baltic Sea TOday) tackles with eutrophication which is the main environmental problem of the Baltic Sea. Eutrophication is caused by excess load of nutrients - nitrogen and phosphorus - to the sea mainly from land-based sources.

Good environmental state of the Baltic Sea is important for attractiveness, living conditions and welfare of the cities and communities along its shoreline. It is also important to realize that the symptoms of eutrophication are not a problem only by the Sea but also excess load of nutrients has very negative effect on rivers and lakes in Baltic Sea catchment area.

PRESTO aims at significant nutrient load reduction: app. 500 tons reduction of phosphorus load to the Baltic Sea. This can be achieved with joint investments that are realised in Belarusian municipal wastewater treatment plants. Reducing transboundary nutrient load from Belarus improves also water quality of European rivers and in the end actions are improving the state of the Baltic Sea. In addition to investments, PRESTO increases the competence of operating staff of the waste water treatment plants, plant designers and trainers of future wastewater engineers by organizing courses on modern waste water treatment and showing practical examples of reconstruction projects in their different stages.

• More information on the PRESTO project page

Contact: Pekka Salminen, Project Manager
Mob: +358 44 9075 999
Pekka.salminen(at)ubc.net