CCB´s statement on the demolition of the Kakhovka dam in Ukraine

CCB • June 9, 2023

A satellite image shows damaged Nova Kakhovka Dam, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kherson region, Ukraine, June 6, 2023. PLANET LABS PBC/Handout via REUTERS

9 June 2023 - Coalition Clean Baltic – CCB, the international network of environmental NGOs from the Baltic Sea Region, has condemned the unprecedented violence and aggression of Russia against Ukraine since the first day of this brutal war. It was obvious from its very beginning that, besides millions of human lives, nature will be severely damaged in any environmental compartment – land, water and air. Evidences of impacts were piling up and ranged from destruction of environmental infrastructure and contamination of soil to devastation of nature protected areas and extermination of flora and fauna.


On 6 June 2023, the dam of Kakhovka hydropower plant that was under control of Russian troops, was demolished, causing an immediate, uncontrolled and massive discharge of water from its reservoir, the biggest in Ukraine in terms of water volume. It has led to a large-scale man-made disaster across middle and lower Dnipro River catchment, the consequences of which will be felt for decades.


Besides catastrophic flooding of numerous settlements downstream with total population of tens of thousands of people, this accident will inevitably have severe environmental impacts affecting the area of over 5000 km2 both down- and upstream the destroyed dam. These foreseen impacts will include contamination of drinking water, flushing large volumes of polluted water and sediments into the Black Sea, death of large numbers of fish, waterfowls and benthic fauna, destruction of coastal habitats and numerous protected areas, changes in overall climate regime of the region. The lack of water supply upstream will have significant socio-economic consequences causing dehydration of the irrigation system of the agricultural sector in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, shutdown of industrial enterprises, creating risks for cooling reactors of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, largest in Europe.


It will have long-term and potentially even irreversible impacts for both Ukraine and for the European environment in general.


In support of our Ukrainian friends, members and partners, CCB urges the international community:


  • to appeal to your governments to condemn the actions of the Russian Federation causing yet another stage of a humanitarian catastrophe and act of ecocide;


  • to unite the efforts, capacities and competences in thorough investigation and evaluation of impacts of the Kakhovka dam demolition, as well as minimizing those;



Together, we have the power to change the course of events and make those responsible for this disaster liable. Let our voices be heard and our actions be an example of solidarity and responsibility towards nature and humanity.

 

Petition launched to stop new oil and gas drilling in the Baltic Sea

By CCB • October 3, 2025
3 October 2025 - Coalition Clean Baltic, together with its Member Organization BUND - Friends of the Earth Germany and the citizens’ initiative “ Lebensraum Vorpommern ”, have launched a petition to stop new oil and gas drilling projects in the Baltic Sea . The petition comes in response to plans to exploit a deposit just 6 km offshore Świnoujście , Poland, in the transboundary waters of the Oder Estuary and Pomeranian Bay. The planned site lies at the heart of NATURA 2000 protected areas , which are vital for biodiversity, climate action, and local communities. Oil and gas extraction in the Baltic Sea poses severe threats to its fragile ecosystems. Industrial activities such as drilling, pipeline construction, and ship traffic risk polluting the water with chemicals, oil leaks, and toxic waste. Underwater noise from pile driving and increased traffic would further degrade marine habitats. These pressures add to the already critical challenges faced by the Baltic Sea, including biodiversity loss, eutrophication, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. The consequences extend far beyond nature. Local communities rely on a clean and healthy Baltic for tourism, fishing, and quality of life. Expanding fossil fuel infrastructure would also undermine Europe’s climate commitments and lock in carbon emissions for decades to come. The petition calls on the Ministry of Climate and Environment of Poland, the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM), the European Commission, and the Secretariat of the Espoo Convention to : Stop the plans for oil and gas extraction in the Oder Estuary and the Pomeranian Bay; Ban any new oil and gas extraction across the Baltic Sea; Ensure strong cross-border cooperation and communication amongst all involved states. The petition is open through the WeMove Europe´s platform and can be signed here .

Job vacancy: Coalition Campaign Manager - Common Fisheries Policy

By CCB • October 1, 2025
Job Title: Coalition Campaign Manager - Common Fisheries Policy Position type : Full-time consultancy contract. Open to part-time arrangements initially if needed. Contract duration: Short-term contract until end of March 2026, with possibility of extension subject to funding availability Reports to: Steering Committee Location : Flexible(remote/home office) with regular travel. Working in Brussels is of advantage. Starting date : ASAP In close cooperation with the Steering Group of the coalition, lead, plan, coordinate, and support the campaign of an NGO network working together towards the implementation of the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the evaluation thereof. The campaign manager's responsibility is to develop and ensure the successful and timely delivery of political advocacy and public engagement activities of the campaign, both at EU and Member State level. Job description Strategy & Planning Develop and implement short-, and long-term campaign strategies aligned with coalition objectives, in close cooperation with the Steering Group. Set clear goals, timelines, and performance indicators for the campaign and ensure timely delivery thereof. Analyse policy development, political climate, media and public opinion, and stakeholder landscapes to inform tactics. Campaign Delivery Manage day-to-day execution of the campaign activities at Brussels and Member State level. Coordinate coalition partners and ensure communication between Steering Group and coalition members, as well as relevant groups/coalitions/experts and other stakeholders outside the coalition. Advise coalition members on strategic delivery of advocacy activities at all levels, including Member State level. Join Steering Group meetings in an advisory capacity. Report back to the Steering Group on the delivery of the campaign's activities, meeting of targets and milestones, and report back on activities, budget and impact. Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, key stakeholders, and allies to support campaign aims. Analyse opportunities of engagement, advise on policy language. Organise/coordinate/prepare and support relevant activities, including events, briefings, and advocacy activities in close cooperation with coalition members. Ensure relevant knowledge management and information flow within the coalition and across partner organisations. Liaise with communication experts on message framing, strategy and timelines. Management Support CCB administrative and finance staff managing grants to coalition partners. Ensure coalition partners receive information and materials that enable them to effectively contribute to achieving campaign goals (political information, policy briefings, templates, policy language, opportunity analyses). Support fundraising efforts as needed/requested by the Steering Group. Lead on funders narrative reporting. Qualifications & Skills required The consultant must be legally authorised to provide services and work as a consultant within the EU, based in an EU Member State. Fisheries and ocean expertise (preferred), or other environmental background. Degree (or equivalent experience) in communications/campaign management, political science, resource management, fisheries, or related field. Proven track record in designing and delivering successful advocacy or public campaigns at EU or Member State levels involving a larger coalition. Strong understanding of political processes at EU level and Member State levels, media landscapes, and public engagement. Excellent project management and organisational skills. Skilled communicator and coordinator, able to craft persuasive messages and engage a larger network into a common goal within tight deadlines. Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Fluency in English is required; additional EU languages are a plus. Application Should you be interested in applying for this assignment, please send your CV (max. 2 pages) together with a personal letter (max. 1 page) before 9 October 2025 , COB, to secretariat@ccb.se Please include your consultancy rate in your application inclusive VAT (if applicable). Applications should be submitted in English. Incomplete applications (e.g. lacking either CV or personal letter) will not be considered . Any inquiries related to this assignment should be forwarded to the above email or to CCB Executive Secretary Mikhail Durkin at mikhail.durkin@ccb.se and +46 739 770 793. In the application and hiring process, CCB will not discriminate against any individual based on race, colour, sex, language, religion, national or social origin, property, disability, age, family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, economic and social situation. .