The geopolitical climate surrounding the Nordic-Baltic region has deteriorated over the past years, introducing complex challenges impacting security and resilience within the region. The importance of building resilience in the whole-of-society, often referred to as a total defence approach, has been revitalised due to the changing security dynamics. Biological threats pose a profound risk, capable of causing human suffering, fear, societal disruption, and economic devastation. Sabotage or antagonistic use of biological agents is usually referred to as bioterrorism, and the use, or threat to use, biological agents is a potential method in hybrid warfare strategy. The advent of advanced life science technologies and synthetic biology has introduced new dimensions to these risks, accelerated by artificial intelligence and easy access to genomic data. A tense geopolitical situation including vast amounts of mis- and disinformation, proliferation of an “infodemic,” and cybersecurity concerns further adds to the complexity.
The overall aim of this project is to strengthen the preparedness against the full spectrum of biological threats; from natural, accidental, to deliberate, by increasing awareness and best practices for effective and harmonised total defence strategies in the Nordic-Baltic region.
To achieve this aim, our primary objective is to perform a comparative study in the Nordic and Baltic countries, focusing on identifying gaps, needs, and best practices regarding i) biological threat detection, ii) risk assessment, iii) risk mitigation, and iv) communication. The consortium includes partners from institutions and stakeholders across the Nordic and Baltic countries, specializing in biological preparedness and crisis communication. The project will improve regional cooperation, resilience, and preparedness against biological threats. It will strengthen detection capabilities, provide risk assessment frameworks, mitigation strategies, and strategies for crisis communication and mitigation of disinformation. Recommendations will assist decision-makers with informed strategies to enhance security and societal resilience in the Nordic-Baltic region.
