Coastal Accessibility: a Multi-level Perspective on Challenges and Solutions in the Baltic Sea Region

Taking place: 11 November 2025  15:45-17:00 EET

Coastal accessibility is a multifaceted issue with significant implications for both local communities and regional economies. This session delves into the challenges and opportunities related to coastal accessibility in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR), with a particular focus on Latvia, Poland, and Estonia. By examining the issue at national, regional, and local levels, we aim to identify common challenges and explore innovative solutions. Multi-level governance is necessary to tackle both landward and seaward access.
The session will bring together academics, policymakers, and practitioners to share experiences, lessons learned, and best practices. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, we aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues surrounding coastal accessibility and identify effective strategies to enhance coastal regions for the benefit of both residents and visitors.

This session will explore:

• What are the main obstacles to access coastline?
• What has been done to make the coast more accessible?
• What solutions have projects offered to increase the accessibility, both on land- and seaward?

SPEAKERS:

• Visitor flow management along the Baltic Sea coast in Latvia: identified changes over 10 years. Andris Klepers, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Latvia
• Sustainable coastal accessibility in the Baltic Sea Region: challenges and solutions from the perspective of Polish coastal municipalities. Jacek Zaucha, Gdańsk University, Poland
• Navigating Saaremaa coastal challenges: balancing access, sustainability, and tradition in the Baltic Sea Region. Helen Erik, Saaremaa Municipality, Estonia

Organiser: Tallinn University

Key words: Coastal planning, accessibility, local inhabitants, tourism, beach, marinas