Via Pontica Foundation Representative Participates in Forum on Europe’s Future Beyond 2030 in Brussels

Via Pontica News, Events

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’s Representative in the ESC, Presented a Separate Opinion on a Council Resolution

Via Pontica News

Via Pontica Foundation’s representative in the Economic and Social Council, Ina Agafonova, presented a separate opinion on the ESC Resolution titled “For a Balanced Approach to the Implementation of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)”, adopted at the Council’s plenary session on 27 April 2026.

In her separate opinion, Ina Agafonova expressed disagreement with the adopted text, stating that the resolution does not achieve the necessary balance between short-term economic considerations and the long-term objectives of the European Union and the Republic of Bulgaria in the areas of climate, health and sustainable development.

According to the position presented, the document places predominant emphasis on the negative effects of the EU ETS and CBAM, without sufficiently recognising their role as key instruments for reducing emissions, encouraging investment and ensuring predictability in the economic transition process.

The separate opinion further underlines that the EU ETS is a central instrument for implementing the European Climate Law, including the target of reducing net emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, as well as Bulgaria’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Ina Agafonova also draws attention to the need for positions on matters of public interest to be based on verifiable sources, thorough analysis and a clear distinction between temporary crisis measures and long-term strategic decisions.

Via Pontica Foundation continues to support consistent policies for sustainable development, climate and nature protection, as well as a just transition that takes into account the interests of society, vulnerable groups, the economy and future generations.

 You can find the text with resolution here 

Bulgaria Takes a New Step Toward Stronger Marine Biodiversity Protection

Via Pontica News

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:

Photo by Erick Morales Oyola on Unsplash 

MoreAdapt BSB Knowledge Exchange Event in Burgas Strengthens Climate Adaptation Cooperation in the Black Sea Region

Via Pontica News, Events

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 presents a photography exhibition in Burgas within the framework of the MoreAdaptBSB project

Via Pontica News, Events

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.

Underwater Deployment of Deep Trekker ROV within the Algae Revive Project

Via Pontica News

As part of the Algae Revive project (BSB00091), Via Pontica has carried out the first underwater deployment of a Deep Trekker remotely operated vehicle (ROV), marking an important step toward integrating innovative technologies into marine research and environmental monitoring.

The Algae Revive project, titled “Harnessing Algae Power for Pollution Reduction and Blue Growth,” is co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme. It aims to address environmental challenges in the Black Sea region by promoting sustainable solutions, including the use of algae for pollution reduction and the development of innovative blue economy practices.

The first deployment of the ROV represents a transition from preparation to practical implementation within the project. For the first time, the Via Pontica team operated the equipment in real conditions, gaining initial hands-on experience with underwater navigation and control.

Equipped with an onboard camera system, the Deep Trekker ROV was used to explore submerged areas and capture visual footage. This initial activity focused on familiarizing the team with the system and understanding how it can be effectively used in future project actions.

Although no detailed measurements or scientific analysis were conducted during this first deployment, the experience provided valuable insight into the potential of ROV technology within the Algae Revive project. In future stages, such tools can support the observation of algae habitats, documentation of underwater conditions, and broader ecosystem monitoring activities.

The project also includes the development of the Black Sea Algae Knowledge Hub and innovative tools for monitoring algae, contributing to knowledge exchange and improved environmental management across the region.

By incorporating advanced equipment such as the Deep Trekker ROV, Via Pontica strengthens its capacity to work in hard-to-reach underwater environments in a safe and efficient way. This approach supports more precise data collection and enhances the overall impact of conservation and research efforts.

The Algae Revive project brings together partners from several Black Sea countries and will continue until 2027, focusing on building a sustainable ecosystem for algae research, innovation, and practical application.

Following this first deployment, Via Pontica will continue to build operational experience with the ROV and explore its use in upcoming activities within the Algae Revive project.

Via Pontica Foundation to host a Knowledge Exchange Meeting under project MoreAdaptBSB

Via Pontica News, Events

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.

“Wetlands Speak” 2026

Via Pontica News

Today, 2 February 2026, we mark World Wetlands Day. On this occasion, we present Wetlands Speak—an initiative that draws attention to wetlands through their natural sound. Birds, water, and the surrounding environment create a unique soundscape that tells the story of the richness, vulnerability, and importance of these ecosystems for biodiversity and the climate.

Take a moment to listen to how wetlands sound and why they matter.

Title: Via Pontica Foundation Will Mark World Wetlands Day with the Audio Initiative “Wetlands Speak”

Via Pontica News

On the occasion of World Wetlands Day 2026, Via Pontica Foundation will implement Wetlands Speak, an audio-based initiative that will highlight the soundscape of Lake Vaya, with additional recordings from Lake Mandra.

The initiative will present authentic sound recordings captured directly in the wetland environment, including bird calls, water movement, wind, and other characteristic natural sounds. Through this approach, Lake Vaya will be presented as an active and living ecosystem with a central role for biodiversity, environmental balance, and ecological resilience in the city of Burgas. Lake Mandra will be included as a complementary wetland of regional importance.

Rather than relying on traditional visual formats, Wetlands Speak will encourage listening as a way to better understand natural processes that often remain unnoticed. Sound offers a direct connection to wetlands and reflects their continuous interaction with both nature and people.

The initiative aligns with the theme of World Wetlands Day, which highlights the link between wetlands and traditional knowledge. For generations, Lake Vaya and Lake Mandra have been part of the natural and cultural landscape of the region, supporting livelihoods, seasonal knowledge, and long-standing relationships between communities and water.

The audio experience will be accessible through QR codes placed at selected public locations in Burgas, as well as through Via Pontica Foundation’s online platforms, ensuring access for both local residents and a wider audience.

Through Wetlands Speak, Via Pontica Foundation aims to raise awareness of the importance of Lake Vaya as a leading wetland ecosystem for Burgas, while also drawing attention to the role of Lake Mandra within the wider network of wetlands in the region and the need for their long-term conservation.

https://www.worldwetlandsday.org/

Creative Workshop Inspiring Fifth Graders to Care for the Sea

Via Pontica News

As part of the initiatives accompanying the photo exhibition “Reflections on the Sea”, the Via Pontica Foundation held a creative workshop with fifth-grade students from Hristo Botev Primary School, focused on environmental education and the protection of the marine environment. The meeting with the children was a natural continuation of the idea that the exhibition should not be merely a visual experience, but also an opportunity for dialogue, reflection, and active engagement of young people with topics related to nature and its future.

The workshop was led by Prof. Pepa Miteva, who introduced the students to the role of art as a means of expressing attitudes toward the environment. Through discussions and creative tasks, the children were encouraged to share their vision of the sea—how they perceive it today and how they would like it to look tomorrow. A key emphasis of the activity was the idea of a clean, vibrant, and protected sea that can remain so for future generations.

With great imagination and enthusiasm, the students created their own drawings in which the sea came to life as a space filled with colors, life, and harmony. Many of the artworks clearly reflected the children’s personal relationship with nature—their desire to see it preserved, respected, and loved. The drawing process became not only a creative activity, but also a way for the children to reflect on their own role in protecting the environment.

The drawings created during the workshop will be exhibited in the school building, where they will remain accessible to students, parents, and visitors over the coming weeks. In this way, the message of the workshop will reach a wider audience and continue to remind everyone that caring for the sea begins at an early age—through knowledge, sensitivity, and personal example.

The creative workshop is part of the broader efforts of the Via Pontica Foundation to work with children and young people on topics related to the blue economy, sustainable development, and the protection of the Black Sea ecosystem. Through such initiatives, the foundation aims to build not only awareness among young people, but also a lasting sense of responsibility and commitment to nature.

The event was implemented with the support of the European Union – NextGenerationEU.