Plastic Pollution in the Oceans – From Global Strategy to Local Action in the Baltic Sea

March 14, 2026, online, 9.00-10.30 CET (10.00 -11.30 EET)

REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WA-QUGX9TMabYZympfQMtA 

The three presentations and the subsequent discussion will focus, among other topics, on the following questions: 

* What comes next after the failure of the Global Plastics Treaty?

* What is the current state of scientific knowledge regarding plastic waste in the world’s oceans?

* Which measures against marine plastic pollution have proven effective?

* How should we, as the Rotary community and civil society, join forces?

We invite you to gain new insights and take part in the discussion on how global strategies and developments can be translated into concrete regional and local action – especially in the Baltic Sea region.

The webinar is intended for everyone interested in engaging in marine and environmental protection – particularly EndPlasticSoup.

We look forward to your participation and to an inspiring exchange!

PROGRAMME OF THE WEBINAR (times are CET)

8:45  ZOOM LINK OPENS with Music

THE EYES OF ALL FUTURE GENERATIONS ARE ON US

Anders Paulsson

We Care for Our World

Rotary, Mark Krawczynski (Poland), Gilber Beveridge (Australia)

9.00 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION (times are CET)

Opening words - Welcome to the webinar

Martin Weigel, Chair of BASRAN, Rotary Club Greifswald, D1940, Germany

Moderator

Rolf Schwerdtfeger, Chair of BASRAN Action Committee “Beach cleaning and macro and micro plastic"

Dänischer Wohld Rotary Club, Germany

PRESENTATIONS                                                                   >>> Meet the Speakers! 

1. Political Perspective 

Fighting Plastic Pollution Together: HELCOM's role in supporting global action together with scientists and NGOs 

Marta Ruiz, Associate Professional Secretary, HELCOM Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission

2. Scientific Perspective – International 

From Land to Deep Sea: Where do Ocean Plastics go? 

Prof. Dr. Anja Engel, GEOMAR, Kiel

3. Rotary Perspective: Strategy & Action 

How Rotary can make a difference: Why this topic is relevant – and which actions should start now

Gert-Jan van Dommelen, ESRAG (Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group)/EPS

4. Discussion & Q&A 

Moderated exchange – leading to action-based reflection:

How could Rotary initiate a tangible project following this webinar?

5. Closing Remarks 

10.30 THE WEBINAR ENDS

Contacts: 

Rolf Schwerdtfeger, Chair of BASRAN Action Committee “Beach cleaning and macro and micro plastic"

Dänischer Wohld Rotary Club, Germany, rolfschwerdtfeger@t-online.de