the problem the project is planning to solve and how it has been identified;
In the coastal zone of the Eastern Gulf of Finland (EGoF) both on Russian and Finnish sides, a network of new ports
has been established aimed at diversification of traffic flows and sustainable development of the coastal
infrastructure.
This network is the carcass of the «coastal technosphere» of the EGoF region. The operation of the network ensures
the exchange of goods, raw materials and intellectual information between the eastern and western Baltic countries,
which is a prerequisite for sustainable development of the Baltic region as a whole.
At the same time, the coastal zone of the EGoF is recognized as a valuable natural object, highly sensitive to
anthropogenic impact and effects of global warming. It is characterized by diversity of biotopes and biological
communities, and plays a key and comprehensive role in many ecological processes (reproduction of aquatic
biological resources, formation of migration channels of birds and fish, self-purification of water ecosystems etc.).
Development of the «coastal technosphere» is accompanied by an increase of uncertainty levels in the coastal zone
of EGoF, and a significant environmental risks, including those occurring at a transboundary level. The appearance (or
enlargement) of each new object in the «coastal technosphere» leads to an intensification of the anthropogenic press
on the natural environment. These process can be considered in a comparative aspect by the example of the new
Russian ports and the modernized port complex Hamina-Kotka (Finland).
In the area of both these ports, a specific «port environment» is being formed, supported by development of
transport infrastructure facilities. Within the «port environment», contradictions between natural and technospheric
objects of the coastal zone come out. Prevention and solving of these contradictions is possible only on the basis of a
balanced, holistic approach to the management and use of the coastal zone, ensuring a stable interaction between
the natural and technospheric sectors (components) of the «port environment» for the long term perspective.