“With its specificity, the Black Sea is one of the most vulnerable marine ecosystems in the world. In order to preserve its vitality and resources, there is a rising need for intensive human activities in the sea to be very carefully considered and more sparingly applied”, said Deputy Minister of Environment and Waters Petar Dimitrov in Varna during a discussion dedicated to the holiday.

“30 years ago, together with Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine, we set the stage by signing the Convention for the Protection of the Black Sea from Pollution. Through the Strategic Action Plan we designed the cooperation framework for a better future for the Black Sea and the region. Today we celebrate Black Sea Day in an unprecedented setting. The geopolitical situation affects the environment not only of Ukraine, but also of large parts of Eastern Europe,” added Deputy Minister Dimitrov.

The celebration of Black Sea Day (October 31) aims to draw public attention to the problems of the sea and ways to protect it. On this occasion, Deputy Minister Dimitrov together with experts from the Basin Directorate “Black Sea Region”, the Regional Inspectorate for Environment and Water - Varna (RIEW), the Regional Laboratory – Varna, and the Institute of Oceanology at the Bulgarian Academy of Science participated in the cleaning of the “Asparuhovo” beach.

Traditionally, the Basin Directorate “Black Sea Region” will have an open-doors day on November 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., whereby citizens will have the opportunity to talk with experts on issues related to the state of sea waters, as well as to learn about the measures for water protection, laid down in the River Basin Management Plan.

Every year, the Ministry of Environment and Water celebrates the International Day of the Black Sea with a variety of informational and educational initiatives, mainly aimed at children and young people, with the assistance of local authorities, kindergartens, schools, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations.

Once again, the children from the “Zvezdichka” Children Center No. 3 celebrate the holiday with an interactive class on the topic “Children take care of the Black Sea”. The celebration will be accompanied by an exhibition of children’s drawings.