BSR-NOVA

Baltic Sea Region Network of Volunteer Organisations and Authorities (BSR-NOVA).

About BSR-NOVA

The Baltic Sea Region Network of Volunteer Organisations and Authorities (BSR-NOVA) is a platform established to improve coordination and cooperation between volunteer organisations and public authorities at national and international levels in the field of civil protection.

The network builds on the work of the subgroup on volunteers and local actors, initiated by Finland under the EUSBSR Policy Area Secure and CBSS Civil Protection Network.

BSR-NOVA supports cooperation between civil society and public authorities in preparing for and responding to crises, including natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies. By connecting volunteer organisations, government agencies and other relevant actors, the network aims to strengthen international cooperation and joint preparedness and facilitate the exchange of tools, data and policy guidance for civil protection.

BSR-NOVA was officially launched on 5 September 2024. It is currently chaired by the Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation (LAPAS), until February 2028.

Objectives

The main objectives of the BSR-NOVA are:

  • To serve as a platform to enhance practical international cooperation and joint preparedness among authorities, volunteer organisations and citizens in the field of civil protection;
  • To act as a source of ideas, tools, reliable data and information, analysis, and policy guidance on issues related to civil protection;
  • To increase the appeal of volunteering including among youth and promote the culture of volunteerism in the Baltic Sea Region;
  • To promote the role/mission of volunteers and share information on relevant international and regional standards relating to voluntary work in civil protection;
  • To engage with various stakeholders, including state authorities, civil society, local authorities and communities, the private sector, academia, and other relevant stakeholders, utilising and creating synergies with other existing mechanisms at all levels.
Working principles

In its work, the network is guided by the following principles:

  • Human rights-based, gender-responsive and child-sensitive approach: The network upholds and advocates the laws and principles to respect, protect, and fulfil the human rights of all people.
  • Unity of purpose: All members of the network are jointly committed to its success, placing emphasis on the added value of their coordinated work and of collaborating to achieve common goals.
  • Inclusivity: The network, in its own working methods and in engaging others, operates in an inclusive, systematic, predictable and transparent manner.
  • Results-oriented: The network focuses on supporting the CBSS Member States towards strengthening their resilience and active involvement of volunteers in civil protection.
Structure

BSR-NOVA is chaired by the Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation (LAPAS), from March 2026 to February 2028 and coordinated by the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS).

The CBSS coordinates the network’s activities and acts as its secretariat, responsible for its day-to-day administration.

The network’s members elect a Chair for a two-year term. The Chair may be re-elected. Any member who has actively participated in the network for at least one year may be elected Chair.

Documents
Members

BSR-NOVA includes volunteer organisations, civil protection authorities, universities and international organisations. Its current members come from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden and Ukraine.

Relevant organisations from across the Baltic Sea Region may apply to join the network. Organisations interested in becoming members should contact [email protected].

Contact

Email: [email protected]

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