MUNI-RISK

Mitigation of Risks Due to Submerged Munitions for a Sustainable Development of the Baltic Sea

About MUNI-RISK

MUNI-RISK, or Mitigation of Risks Due to Submerged Munitions for a Sustainable Development of the Baltic Sea, is an EU-funded project focused on tackling the risks from old munitions lying on the seabed in the Baltic Sea.

These munitions, remnants of past conflicts such as the Second World War, pose environmental and safety risks that need to be carefully managed.

MUNI-RISK brings together scientists and practitioners to find solutions that support safe maritime activities, such as fishing, and responsible marine resource development, including building offshore wind farms. By the end of the MUNI-RISK project, countries around the Baltic Sea will have practical tools and guidelines to safely manage munitions risks. 

Download the MUNI-RISK factsheet (.PDF)
gOALS
  • Help countries decide on actions: Providing countries with scientific tools to determine whether munitions in the sea should be left in place or safely removed.
  • Develop clear risk assessment tools: Developing methods to identify and prioritise high-risk areas for immediate attention.
  • Support environmental planning: Creating guidelines for incorporating munitions risks into Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for projects such as offshore wind farms.
  • Create transferable technologies: Designing methods transferable to other regions, including the Black Sea.
  • Work with local authorities, government bodies, and industry experts: Working closely with local authorities, environmental agencies, and industry experts to ensure sustainable and safe outcomes.
Activities
  • Data collection: We are gathering information about munitions in the Baltic Sea, including their location, type, and environmental effects, while identifying gaps that need to be addressed.
  • Risk evaluation: Using our case study areas, we will assess specific risks and prioritise areas that require immediate action.
  • EIA guidelines: Our team will create guidelines for incorporating munitions risks into environmental planning for marine projects, such as offshore wind farms.
  • Workshops and policy briefs: We engage with local authorities, government bodies, and industry representatives to establish safe practices for managing submerged munitions.
  • Outreach and technology transfer: Findings and methodologies will be shared widely, making MUNI-RISK’s solutions accessible to other regions, including the Black Sea.
Partners

The MUNI-RISK project partners are Aarhus University (lead), Bornholm Regional Municipality, CBSS, GEOMAR, HELCOM, and IOPAN.

THE CBSS & MUNI-RISK

In MUNI-RISK, the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) is tasked with handling communications and policy dialogue.

The project notably builds on earlier initiatives led by the CBSS, including the Kiel Roundtable on Dumped Munitions in the Baltic Sea. This roundtable was a key priority during the German Presidency of the CBSS and contributed to the groundwork for the current cooperation and practical action on munitions in the sea.

In the Declaration of the 20th CBSS Ministerial Session in Wismar, Germany on 2 June 2023, the Council furthermore noted “the environmental, human safety, security and economic risks emanating from the thousands of tons of conventional and chemical munitions dumped in the Baltic Sea. In addition, they can pose a risk to marine life, fishing and navigation, impede the installation of offshore energy infrastructure, and may negatively impact on aquaculture, tourism and other sectors of the blue economy”.

Background

An estimated 40,000 tonnes of chemical munitions from World War II, along with over one million tonnes of unexploded ordnance (UXO), lie submerged in the Baltic Sea. Containing hazardous substances like mustard gas and arsenic compounds, often in corroding containers, these munitions pose serious risks to marine ecosystems, human health, and industries such as fishing and offshore wind energy.

PROJECT Duration

2024 – 2027

Funding

MUNI-RISK is co-funded by the European Union.

Official website

https://projects.au.dk/muni-risk

Contact

Andriy Martynenko, CBSS Adviser at Safe and Secure
Tel.: +46 70 388 36 50
E-mail: [email protected]