HOLAS 3 PRODUCTS
HELCOM holistic assessment is a compilation of knowledge products
State of the Baltic Sea 2023 is a synthesis report that builds on, and integrates, results from a wide range of assessment products produced within the third HELCOM holistic assessment. HOLAS is a multi-layered product representing varying levels of detail for each of the topics covered, and several assessment products underpin this summary report. Detailed data and results generated by national monitoring and regional data collection form the basis of the assessment, contributing to indicator evaluations. These, in turn, contribute to integrated results at overarching levels in the thematic assessments. This approach allows anyone to explore and utilise the results at whatever scale is most relevant while maintaining ecological relevance at the core.
State of the Baltic Sea 2023 in brief
This brief provides short overview of the key findings from the State of the Baltic Sea report.
Thematic assessments 2023
HELCOM thematic assessments provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of specific environmental issues and challenges in the Baltic Sea. The five assessment reports each focus on a specific topic, addressing the state of biodiversity, environmental pressures, eutrophication, and the relationship between humanity and nature.
HELCOM Thematic assessment of biodiversity 2016-2021
(Main report compressed)
Full resolution downloads:
- HELCOM Thematic assessment of biodiversity 2016-2021 PART 1 (Preface – Chapter 7)
- HELCOM Thematic assessment of biodiversity 2016-2021 PART 2 (Chapter 8 – References)
- HELCOM Thematic assessment of biodiversity 2016-2021 ANNEXES
The HELCOM indicators are the basis for evaluating progress towards our identified objectives for the marine environment.
The latest indicator evaluations on the status of the Baltic Sea marine environment have been published on the new HELCOM indicator website. The total number of indicators now amounts to 59. This includes 42 core, 11 pre-core, 1 supplementary and 4 driver indicators.
HELCOM indicators are measured in relation to regionally agreed threshold values, which are specific to each indicator. They may take the form of maximum, minimum or a range of values, and there can be variation in the threshold value(s) within an indicator (sub-regional) and between indicators. Each indicator is regularly reviewed and updated by technical and policy experts from across the region (HELCOM Expert and Working Groups). The work on introducing new indicators continues to cover all relevant topics and issues.
Data and maps
HELCOM Map and data service (MADS) contains all geospatial data relevant for HELCOM’s work from status assessments to shipping density maps. The HELCOM Map and data service contains various functionalities for viewing datasets, for example, identify features and attribute table functionalities and print maps to pdf.
The service is linked with HELCOM Metadata catalogue to view metadata of each dataset and to enable download.
Presentation
Download the State of the Baltic Sea PowerPoint presentation.
State of the Baltic Sea 2023 — The third HELCOM holistic assessment (HOLAS 3)
State of the Baltic Sea 2023 is a synthesis report that builds on, and integrates, results from a wide range of assessment products produced within the third HELCOM holistic assessment. Its role is to link information from the underpinning assessment products together, thus highlighting the holistic aspects. With this in mind, the summary report focuses on presenting the results and on an in-depth look at why we are seeing these results, providing over-arching context and analysis. The report helps develop a clearer picture of where we are and how things are connected, supporting coordinated and effective measures to strengthen the Baltic Sea environment.
