1. Nord Stream Gas Pipeline - a nature conservation perspective Jochen Lamp WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme Warsaw, 28.05.2007

2. WWF Position WWF is not against gas pipelines or natural gas in principle It is possible to construct gas pipelines in the marine environment without major negative impacts Environmental Impact Assessments are important and necessary Transparency and stakeholder participation will improve the process and the construction

3. What can you expect? A brief review of the current procedures Major impacts of the pipeline on biodiversity and risks Information gaps and uncertainties in the current Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) EIA process and timelines WWF-suggestions

4. Major Impacts of the pipeline Modified seabed Change of currents/sedimentation and erosion (G. of Finland, Sweden) Sediment dispersion over large areas Effects on cultural heritage (shipwrecks)? Concerned biodiversity: Habitats (sandbanks, reefs, gas vents, benthos and seabird areas) Protected Areas: Gotland, offshore banks, Finnish Archipelago, Germany landfall, Russia New challenges: How will latest additional routes (Estonia, north Bornholm) be assessed?

5. Risks Pipeline could break due to limited flexibility of steel/concrete pipes in a very divers topography Pipe-laying techniques at limits in deep water Non-homogeneous sediment (crystalline rock to mud) is a challenge for safe pipe laying and stable positioning Water chemistry may cause corrosion of the pipe Dumped ammunition and hazardous substances: no precise handling concept Safety Anchorage could conflict with pipeline

6. Lack of Transparency Bathymetry and substrate not detected in detail No data on harmful substances No sediment data Out-of-date data (Birds, seals, shipping, fish) used Handling concepts missing Disposed material (dredged ridges and fill-up of valleys) Ammunition handling in detail No information on inspections during operation Compensation for damages?

7. WWF-Suggestions for EIA: procedure Agree on a joint research standards for the project Make research results accessible to concerned states and NGOs/public Agree on final research programme based on results from Espoo-process and implement agreed comprehensive EIA Revise timeline and secure time for EIA and revision of plans according to the EIA results No permission before critical questions have been solved!

8. WWF-Suggestions for EIA: content Detailed mapping Detailed technical concepts Alternative routeing Handling of ammunitions and dumped hazardous substances Risk assessments Cumulative effects Full compensation for losses New route alternative New route alternative Route alternative?

9. Timelines According to Nord Stream: Autumn 2007: Presentation of EIA report 2008: Start of construction 2010: One pipe in operation Realistic timeline: Autumn 2007: Agreement on EIA Research Programme 2008:Field research 2009:Decision about permit

10. Thank you! More information: www.wwf.dewww.wwf.de, www.bsh.dewww.bsh.de