Baltic Sea Docs Sustainability Policy

As an international documentary co-production forum, Baltic Sea Docs aims to organise its activities responsibly while fostering meaningful international exchange. We recognise that international mobility remains an essential part of documentary industry collaboration, while also acknowledging the environmental impact connected to travel and event organisation.

The sustainability approach of Baltic Sea Docs is based on three interconnected dimensions:

  • environmental responsibility,
  • social sustainability,
  • and responsible economic management.

We approach sustainability as an ongoing process of evaluation, learning, and gradual improvement, adapted to the scale and context of the forum.

Environmental sustainability

Baltic Sea Docs aims to reduce the environmental impact of its activities through careful resource management and long-term planning.

We prioritise:

  • awareness and monitoring of travel-related emissions, while encouraging lower-emission travel options where feasible;
  • reuse and long-term use of materials, signage, equipment, and event infrastructure;
  • reduction of single-use materials and minimised printing;
  • catering practices with vegetarian options, local and seasonal ingredients, and reduced food waste;
  • event venues within walking distance;
  • ongoing evaluation and improvement of sustainability practices.

Social sustainability

Baltic Sea Docs is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative environment for participants, visitors, and team members.

The forum aims to:

  • maintain respectful and inclusive communication practices;
  • support collaborative decision-making within the team;
  • support accessibility and flexible participation formats where feasible;
  • develop safer space practices and tools that contribute to a positive working and networking environment;
  • continue collaboration with local cultural venues, educational institutions, suppliers, and communities through the public film programme and related activities;
  • support balanced representation among moderators, tutors, speakers, and decision makers involved in BSD activities.

Economic sustainability

Baltic Sea Docs approaches sustainability through responsible and efficient use of financial and material resources.

The forum aims to:

  • plan resources carefully and avoid unnecessary consumption;
  • prioritise long-term usability and reuse over short-term solutions;
  • collaborate with reliable local partners and suppliers;
  • integrate sustainability considerations into planning and organisational decision-making.

2026 Sustainability Targets

  • Introduce 10% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) contributions for flights booked directly by BSD where available;
  • Eliminate lamb and beef from catering provided by BSD during the forum and ensure that vegetarian and vegan options are available throughout the event;
  • Develop and introduce Baltic Sea Docs Safer Space Guidelines and related communication tools.

Monitoring and future development

Baltic Sea Docs will continue to:

  • review and update its sustainability practices annually;
  • collect data related to travel, materials, catering, and resource use;
  • communicate sustainability-related actions and developments where relevant;
  • further develop its sustainability work in dialogue with participants, partners, venues, suppliers, and the wider documentary film community.