Our mission
KIMO is committed to the development of sustainable coastal communities by:
- Preventing pollution of the seas and coastal waters of North Western Europe and preserving, improving and enhancing them for future generations
- Protecting coastal communities from the impacts of marine pollution and climate change.
- Representing its member local authorities and associated members at an international and national level.
Guiding Principles
KIMO works to protect, preserve and enhance the marine environment. Our remit is broad but there are two fundamental principles that guide our work and help keep us focussed on our vision.
Precautionary principle
This approach states that, in the absence of scientific data, where there is concern that an action or policy presents a risk of causing harm to human health or to the marine environment, preventive measures are to be taken.
Polluter Pays principle
This principle requires that the polluter bears the costs of pollution prevention, control and restoration of the natural environment. It was adopted in 1972 by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), was recognised by the ministerial North Sea Conferences in 1984 and included in the 1992 OSPAR Convention.

Who we are
KIMO (Kommunenes Internasjonale Miljøorganisasjon) was founded by local municipalities with a shared concern for the state of the environment, in response to a series of emerging environmental threats. KIMO is a local authorities international environmental organisation designed to give municipalities a political voice at regional, national and international level.
KIMO was founded in Esbjerg, Denmark, in August 1990 by four municipalities and from this modest start has grown in size to represent over 70 members in Belgium, Denmark, The Faroe Islands, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Over the past 25 years KIMO has become a pioneering environmental force which has contributed to a steady reduction in marine pollution in Europe’s seas. This momentum must be sustained to minimise the impact of marine pollution on tourism, fishing, aquaculture and other industries and on the people who reside on our coastlines and to ensure our oceans remain healthy.