Via Pontica

On 28 May 2026, the International Conference “Modern Problems of Black Sea Security in the Context of Climate Change” took place in Batumi, Georgia, within the framework of the BSB00091 Harnessing Algae Power for Pollution Reduction and Blue Growth, AlgaeRevive project, co-funded by the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme 2021-2027.

The event was hosted by the Tsotne Mirtskhulava Water Management Institute of the Georgian Technical University and brought together representatives of the AlgaeRevive consortium, researchers, academic institutions and environmental experts working on key challenges related to the Black Sea region.

Via Pontica Foundation, Bulgaria, took part in the conference in its capacity as Lead Partner of the AlgaeRevive project. Its participation reflected the Lead Partner’s continued commitment to the active implementation of the project, knowledge exchange among partners, and the promotion of cross-border cooperation for pollution reduction, environmental protection and sustainable blue growth in the Black Sea Basin.

The conference provided an important platform for scientific exchange and regional dialogue on climate change, marine pollution, coastal zone management, bioremediation, wastewater, ecology, environmental protection and the sustainable use of algae. These themes are closely aligned with the objectives of AlgaeRevive, which aims to strengthen research and innovation capacities in the Black Sea Basin and to promote algae-based solutions for pollution reduction and blue growth.

Throughout the scientific programme, participants presented research and practical approaches addressing the pressures faced by coastal and marine ecosystems. The discussions underlined the importance of stronger cooperation between research institutions, public authorities and environmental stakeholders in developing coordinated responses to the challenges affecting the Black Sea.

For Via Pontica Foundation, participation in the conference was an important opportunity to support knowledge exchange among project partners, contribute to the visibility of AlgaeRevive and reinforce the role of cross-border cooperation in advancing sustainable solutions for the region.

The event strengthened dialogue among institutions from the Black Sea Basin and contributed to the shared efforts of the AlgaeRevive partnership to promote science-based environmental protection, ecosystem resilience and sustainable blue growth.

On 28 and 29 May 2026, a trilateral meeting between the Economic and Social Council of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Economic and Social Council of Spain, and the Economic and Social Council of Portugal was held in Sofia. The forum brought together representatives of institutions, employers’ organizations, trade unions and civil society from the three countries to discuss key issues related to the labour market, young people, competitiveness, entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Ina Agafonova, member of the Economic and Social Council of the Republic of Bulgaria from Group 3, civil society organizations, and representative of Via Pontica Foundation, took part in the meeting. Her participation was part of the second discussion panel, dedicated to policies for economic growth, entrepreneurship and specific measures for young people.

The forum focused on the role and contribution of economic and social councils in shaping policies aimed at socio-economic development, employment, support for young people and the promotion of entrepreneurial activity. Participants exchanged experience and views on labour market challenges, the need for a stronger link between education and the economy, and the importance of dialogue between institutions and representatives of different social groups.

As a representative of civil society organizations in the Economic and Social Council, Ina Agafonova highlighted the importance of active participation by the non-governmental sector in the discussion and formulation of policies with long-term public impact. Topics related to young people, entrepreneurship and sustainable development are closely connected to Via Pontica Foundation’s mission to promote responsible solutions, cross-sector cooperation and commitment to the future of society and nature.

The trilateral meeting provided an opportunity to exchange good practices between Bulgaria, Spain and Portugal and to deepen cooperation on issues of common European interest. Such formats play an important role in building more effective social and civic dialogue by creating space for different perspectives and the search for sustainable solutions.

Via Pontica Foundation’s participation in the forum confirms the importance of civil society as an active partner in public dialogue, policy development and the promotion of sustainable models of cooperation.

On the occasion of European Maritime Day 2026, Via Pontica Foundation organized a creative workshop with students from “N. Y. Vaptsarov” Secondary School in Primorsko, dedicated to the Black Sea, climate change and the protection of the marine environment.

The event brought together students, teachers and representatives of the foundation for an open discussion on the importance of marine ecosystems and the role of young people in their protection. The initiative is part of Via Pontica Foundation’s activities focused on environmental education, awareness raising and encouraging children’s active participation in topics related to the blue economy and the sustainable development of the Black Sea region.

During the workshop, the students learned more about the connection between the sea, the climate and human activity, as well as the challenges currently facing the Black Sea, including pollution, marine litter, biodiversity loss and changing climate conditions. Through discussions and creative activities, the children were encouraged to share their own ideas on how the sea can be cleaner, healthier and better protected.

With great interest and imagination, the students created drawings and artworks inspired by the sea, marine life and life along the coast. Many of their works carried messages about clean nature, the protection of marine species and responsible care for the environment. The workshop became not only a creative activity, but also an opportunity for the children to express their views on the future of the Black Sea.

The drawings created during the initiative will be displayed in the school building, where they can be viewed by students, parents and visitors in the coming weeks. In this way, the children’s messages will reach a wider audience and serve as a reminder of how important it is to build environmental awareness from an early age.

Via Pontica Foundation emphasized that working with children and young people is a key part of its efforts to encourage a more responsible attitude towards nature and the marine environment. The organization’s team believes that young people can be a driving force for positive change and important ambassadors for the sustainable future of the Black Sea.

With the initiative in Primorsko, Via Pontica Foundation once again joined the celebration of European Maritime Day, an initiative that promotes a better understanding of the importance of seas and oceans for society, the economy and nature.

On 8 May 2026, the international event “European Leadership for the Future: Civil Society Driving the Post-2030 Agenda” is taking place in Brussels. The forum is dedicated to the role of civil society in shaping the future European and global agenda for sustainable development beyond 2030.

The event is being held at the European Economic and Social Committee, in Palazzo Van Maerlant, Rue Van Maerlant 2, Brussels. It is organized by ASviS in cooperation with the Civil Society Organisations’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee and SDG Watch Europe.

The Via Pontica Foundation is represented at the forum by Ina Agafonova, founder and Chairperson of the Management Board of the Foundation.

The event brings together representatives of European institutions, the economic sector, civil society, and academia to discuss the European Union’s role in shaping the global agenda beyond 2030. Key topics include accelerating action on the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening the EU’s sustainable competitiveness, developing a strategic vision for the future, enhancing the role of civil society organisations, and exploring broader indicators of progress beyond GDP.

The participation of Via Pontica Foundation in this European forum reflects the organisation’s continued commitment to sustainable development, nature conservation, civic engagement, and the creation of a fairer, more sustainable, and responsible future.

The forum highlights the need for Europe to move from gradual progress towards deeper structural transformation of its development model, so that it can not only meet the objectives of the 2030 Agenda, but also actively contribute to shaping the future framework for sustainable development beyond 2030.

Via Pontica Foundation welcomes the recent decision of the Bulgarian government to approve the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, widely known as the High Seas Treaty.

This is an important step for the future of marine conservation. At a time when marine ecosystems are under growing pressure from pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change, stronger international commitments are essential for protecting ocean life and improving long-term environmental governance.

The agreement creates a framework for better cooperation in the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Although these areas lie outside national borders, their ecological importance is global, and their condition affects coastal regions, marine species, and the overall health of the planet.

For Via Pontica Foundation, this development is closely connected to our mission to protect biodiversity and support sustainable solutions for coastal and marine environments. It also reflects the values behind our work in the Black Sea region, where we promote knowledge exchange, environmental responsibility, and practical action for ecosystem resilience.

We believe that meaningful progress in marine protection depends on cooperation between institutions, scientists, civil society organizations, and local communities. Decisions such as this one show that marine biodiversity is increasingly recognized as a shared responsibility and a priority for the future.

Via Pontica Foundation will continue to support efforts that contribute to healthier ecosystems, better-informed public dialogue, and stronger cooperation for the protection of nature.

References:

• Bulgarian News Agency (BTA): Government approves agreement on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (16 April 2026)
  https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1107523-cabinet-approves-agreement-on-sustainable-use-of-marine-biodiversity-within-un-l
• Via Pontica Foundation official website: About the Foundation
  https://viapontica.org/en/about-the-foundation/

Photo by Erick Morales Oyola on Unsplash 

On April 2, 2026, Burgas, Bulgaria hosted the MoreAdapt BSB Knowledge Exchange Event, organized by Via Pontica Foundation. The event brought together project partners, experts, and stakeholders from Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine to exchange knowledge, experience, and practical approaches to climate adaptation in the Black Sea region.

The event is part of the MoreAdapt BSB project, which aims to enhance regional resilience to climate change by combining innovative remote sensing technologies with nature-based solutions. Through transnational cooperation, the project supports coastal and urban areas in becoming less vulnerable and more adaptable to climate-related risks.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in a structured programme that included presentations, expert discussions, and interactive sessions. Key topics focused on remote sensing methodologies for assessing vulnerability and resilience, as well as the integration of nature-based solutions into local and regional planning processes .

A central element of the event was the exchange between research, policy, and practice. Representatives from municipalities and partner institutions shared real-life examples and experiences, demonstrating how climate data and environmental monitoring can support informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Interactive sessions, including discussions on “From data to decision-making” and brainstorming on nature-based restoration measures, encouraged active participation and collaboration among attendees. These sessions highlighted the importance of translating scientific knowledge into practical tools and policies that can be applied at local and regional levels .

The Knowledge Exchange Event also reinforced the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing shared environmental challenges in the Black Sea region. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event contributed to building a common understanding and fostering long-term collaboration among partner countries.

As part of the project’s broader dissemination and engagement efforts, such events play a key role in raising awareness, strengthening stakeholder involvement, and ensuring that project results are accessible and applicable beyond the partnership itself .

The MoreAdapt BSB project continues to work towards developing innovative tools, restoring green spaces, and supporting climate adaptation planning across the region, contributing to more resilient and sustainable coastal and urban environments.

Via Pontica Foundation is organising an open-air photography exhibition in front of Burgas Municipality, highlighting the natural richness of the Black Sea region and the importance of its sustainable management.

The exhibition is realised with the support of Primorsko Municipality. Primorsko has provided several photographs presenting the natural wealth of the municipality, contributing to the overall visual narrative of the exhibition. Artist of IAAP Venelin Todorov, an internationally recognised photographer from Burgas, is also featured with photographs showcasing other parts of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The selected images capture both the beauty and the vulnerability of the coastal environment, creating a strong visual basis for reflection on climate change impacts and the need for adaptation measures.

The initiative is part of the activities of Via Pontica Foundation as a partner in the MoreAdaptBSB project (“Less vulnerability, more adaptability – pilot remote sensing assisted restoration of green spaces in coastal and urban areas within the Black Sea region”), co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme.

In this context, the exhibition serves an important communication and outreach function, making project themes accessible to the wider public and raising awareness about the role of nature-based solutions and innovative remote sensing approaches in restoring green spaces in coastal and urban areas.

Via Pontica Foundation is the host of the upcoming Knowledge Exchange meeting, which will take place on April 2, 2026. The event will bring together institutional representatives, researchers, and local stakeholders to discuss practical approaches for improving climate resilience in the Black Sea region.

The MoreAdaptBSB project is led by Ovidius University of Constanta (Romania), in partnership with organisations from Greece, Bulgaria, and Ukraine, under the programme priority “Clean and Green Region”. The project duration is 30 months (July 2024 – January 2027), with a total budget of €1,594,728, of which €1,435,255.20 is EU funding.

The exhibition is freely accessible to residents and visitors of Burgas and serves as a natural introduction to the topics that will be further explored during the upcoming meeting.

On 2 April 2026, Via Pontica Foundation will host an international Knowledge Exchange Meeting in Burgas (Hotel Bulgaria), organized within the framework of the project MoreAdaptBSB – “Reducing vulnerability, increasing adaptive capacity – pilot restoration of green spaces in coastal and urban areas of the Black Sea Basin using remote sensing methods”.

The event brings together representatives of local and regional authorities, public institutions, research organizations, universities, and experts working in the fields of sustainable development, natural resource management, and climate change adaptation.

During the meeting, key project results will be presented, including a decision-support model designed to support planning of climate adaptation measures based on nature-based solutions and an integrated territorial approach.

The programme also includes a discussion focused on the practical application of the model and its potential integration into strategic planning and regional development processes.

Working languages of the event will be Bulgarian and English, with simultaneous interpretation provided.

For more information, please contact us at: office@viapontica.org

Project information:
The project MoreAdaptBSB (ID: BSB000479) is funded under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme 2021–2027 and co-funded by the European Union.