The Waterchain project reduces inflows of nutrients and hazardous substances to the Central Baltic Sea region from all types of land-based sources. Prevention of inflows into the Central Baltic Sea region is easier than treating the water body itself. To promote a cleaner future of the Baltic Sea, whole watersheds have to be involved at grass roots level to promote practical actions with real, long lasting impact.

The Waterchain project utilizes pilot watersheds as a bottom-to-up practical tool to tackle these challenges. The main actions are carried out in pilot areas in each partner country resulting in sustainable impact and a cleaner future for the Baltic Sea region. The jointly developed practical actions focus on tackling relevant local problems.

As personal involvement is the most efficient way to achieve consistent changes in habits, the project will focus on these pilot watersheds and aims to increase the commitment and involvement of those living close by or visiting the area.

In addition, the project will develop a common approach, which will include:
• practical tools compiling knowledge of water management,
• effective prevention of pollution with spatial planning and source-specific cost-effective technological solutions for water treatment.

Furthermore, the project aims to prevent nutrients and hazardous substances from land based sources from entering water systems by developing and implementing several practical innovative actions.

Information and communication technologies from face-to-face meetings to social media are carried out to increase the involvement of local people and key stakeholders. The aim is to ensure that project results sustain and scale up in the Central Baltic region.