Sustainable management and protection of the Black Sea requires realistic goals and approaches that balance economic realities with environmental requirements – with this message, the Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov addressed the participants at the International Forum “Black Sea 2030: Partnership for a Sustainable Future”.

The event was held today at the Congress Center of the Maritime Station in Burgas and focused on several key topics - the green transition, the protection of the marine and coastal environment, digitalization and the promotion of innovations in the blue economy.

“Regional cooperation is the key to success, as environmental challenges do not recognize borders and require joint actions from both the countries in the geographical region of the Black Sea and those that are part of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation”, pointed out Minister Genov. He emphasized that the sea is of strategic importance not only for Bulgaria, but also for the European Union, and the country remains committed to achieving European goals in the policy for the protection of the oceans and seas.

Bulgaria took over the chairmanship of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation on July 1 this year, and one of the priorities is environmental protection and sustainable management of marine resources, recalled Manol Genov. “The aim is to address the challenges we face, namely marine pollution, biodiversity loss, and the promotion of sustainable solutions in fisheries and aquaculture,” he explained.

In his speech, Minister Genov specifically pointed out the vulnerability of the Black Sea as a closed ecosystem, noting the consequences of the recent floods along the Bulgarian coast and the need for consistent implementation of preventive measures in risk areas.

During the discussion panels, participants discussed practical steps to accelerate the transition to a model of sustainable development and to strengthen the cooperation among Black Sea region countries.

Deputy Minister of Environment and Water Reneta Koleva was a speaker in the discussion panel on “Protection of the Marine Environment and Adaptation to Climate Change”. She spoke about the measures set out in the government's strategic documents for integrated management and good condition of the marine environment by reducing pollution and introducing a circular economy, as well as for flood risk prevention and management. Reneta Koleva noted that as a result of their implementation, a permanent improvement in the quality of bathing water in the country is being reported, a trend is observed for reducing beach litter, projects are being implemented for the rehabilitation of the existing and the construction of new water supply and sewage infrastructure.

Representatives of the public sector, academia, and the maritime business participated in the forum. The event was organized by the Municipality of Burgas, in partnership with the Association "ProspectiM" and with the support of the scientific community, business circles, and the non-governmental sector. The forum is being held with the objective of becoming a permanent platform for the exchange of ideas and good practices aimed at the sustainable development of the region and building partnerships for the future.