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On March 24, 2025, the Economic and Social Council (ESC) of the Republic of Bulgaria adopted an important declaration unequivocally condemning violence against animals. This significant statement is the result of an initiative by the “Via Pontica” Foundation—an organization with a longstanding commitment to biodiversity conservation and the promotion of high ethical standards in the treatment of animals.

In its declaration, the ESC expresses deep concern and outrage over the increasing cases of animal cruelty, which not only violate the law but also undermine the moral foundations of society. The Council emphasizes that violence against animals is a troubling indicator of deeper social issues—lack of empathy, responsibility, and awareness.

The document makes a firm call to state institutions to take immediate and decisive action. The key proposals include:

• Strengthening criminal liability for perpetrators of animal abuse;

• Increasing penalties for particularly severe cases of cruelty;

• Introducing punishments for filming and distributing videos of animal violence;

• Strict enforcement of the existing provisions of the Penal Code.

The “Via Pontica” Foundation welcomes the adoption of this declaration as a crucial step toward a more humane and responsible society. The organization will continue to advocate for legislative and institutional measures to ensure better animal protection and to reinforce public intolerance toward all forms of cruelty.

The full text of the declaration can be read here:

Declaration_ESC_animal_abuse

See also the letter from the “Via Pontica” Foundation to the ESC Chairmanship Council, calling for urgent and effective actions to protect animals:

letter_PS_ESC_decl_20250323

From 20 to 30 March, the world will celebrate Pesticide Action Week, an international initiative organised by Générations Futures. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness about the risks of synthetic pesticides and to promote environmentally friendly alternatives in agriculture, gardening, urban spaces and everyday life.

Why is it important to talk about pesticides?

Harmful to health – scientific studies have linked pesticides to various diseases, including endocrine disruption and neurological problems.
Dangerous to biodiversity – pesticides affect pollinators, aquatic organisms and soil microorganisms, which are vital to ecosystems.
Dependence on chemicals – instead of long-term solutions for sustainable agriculture, the use of pesticides often creates a “vicious cycle” in which pests develop resistance.

Alternatives to pesticides

This week we share an important document – ​​”Alternatives to pesticides”, prepared by Générations Futures, which presents innovative and effective solutions to reduce harmful chemicals.

Main topics in the guide:
Organic farming and integrated pest management
Ecological methods in gardening – composting, mulching, biological protection
Safe alternatives for the household

You can view the full document here: Alternatives to pesticides

How can we contribute?

Support organic farming and pesticide-free products
Use environmentally friendly methods in the garden and home
Share information on the harms of pesticides and sustainable alternatives

The Via Pontica Foundation supports the Week of Action against Pesticides and calls for more sustainable practices that protect our health and nature.

More information about the initiative: www.semaine-sans-pesticides.fr

Join us in this important cause!

On February 2, 2025, the Via Pontica Foundation will mark World Wetlands Day with a special exhibition titled “Blue Horizons: Inspirations from the Shore”. This exhibition is part of the Foundation’s initiative to raise awareness about the crucial role wetlands play in biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and ecological balance.

What to Expect?

Photographic Exhibition: The exhibition will showcase stunning photographs by photographers Hristo Anestev, Venelin Todorov, and Milush Kiryakov, reflecting the beauty and power of nature.

An Invitation to Reflect: The exhibition invites visitors to enjoy the artwork while considering the significance of wetlands and the importance of their preservation.

Location: In front of the Burgas Municipality building.

Why Do We Celebrate World Wetlands Day?

World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2 each year to honor the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. This day serves as a reminder of the critical role wetlands play in human health and the environment.

Theme for This Year’s Event:
“Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”. Wetlands are vital for mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and safeguarding natural resources.

Bulgaria and the Ramsar Convention:
Bulgaria is a proud member of the Ramsar Convention, with 11 Ramsar Sites, including Atanasovsko Lake, Pomorie Lake, and Srebarna Lake.

Join us as we celebrate this important day and reflect on the vital importance of nature for our shared home!

The founder and chair of the Board of Directors of the “Via Pontica” Foundation, Ina Agafonova, won the online vote for the prestigious “Personality of the Year 2024” award. With 6,993 votes, accounting for 40.71% of the total, Agafonova received strong support from the readers of Flagman.bg.

The award recognizes her tireless work and dedication in building and developing the Vaya Ecopark. With great effort, love for nature, and innovation, Ina Agafonova created a true natural haven, which stands as an example of ecological sustainability in Bulgaria.

The Vaya Ecopark is a place that attracts both children and adults. Visitors can enjoy walks among the beautiful nature, observe various species of birds, and immerse themselves in the tranquility of one of the most significant ecological projects in the region. In addition to its aesthetic value, Agafonova is actively working on the restoration of wetlands in the Burgas region, which are among the largest in the country. She continues to seek new opportunities to improve the ecological situation and enrich the park with new initiatives.

The “Personality of the Year” award is a recognition of the efforts of individuals who, through their work and commitment, are changing the face of society and nature in Bulgaria. The online voting, organized between January 13 and 20, 2025, attracted more than 17,000 participants. According to the results of the online survey, Ina Agafonova firmly took first place, demonstrating strong support for her work in nature conservation and the development of Vaya Ecopark.

This recognition comes at a time when Ina Agafonova and her team’s efforts continue to inspire and serve as an example for other environmental initiatives in the country. Her contribution to the preservation of natural resources and sustainable development in the region is undeniable and proves that each person can make a big difference in improving the environment.

The results of the online voting will be combined with the evaluation of a competent jury, which will determine the final winner of the “Personality of the Year 2024” award. Certainly, this award is another recognition of Ina Agafonova’s dedication and hard work as she continues to develop Vaya Ecopark and make it more accessible and attractive to all.

This article discusses the critical role of urban green spaces in coastal regions for combating the impacts of climate change, aligning closely with the goals of the MoreAdaptBSB project. It emphasizes how nature-based solutions such as replanting native vegetation, restoring degraded wetlands, and integrating green infrastructure into urban planning can mitigate the risks of erosion, flooding, and rising sea levels. The article highlights successful case studies from Europe, demonstrating how innovative technologies like remote sensing and AI tools have been utilized to monitor and manage these spaces effectively. Additionally, it explores the importance of community engagement and cross-border collaboration in ensuring the long-term sustainability of these initiatives.

Full Article

Enhancing Coastal Resilience: The Role of Urban Green Spaces in Climate Adaptation

As coastal cities face increasing threats from climate change—ranging from rising sea levels to severe storms—urban green spaces are emerging as a vital tool for resilience. Coastal wetlands, urban parks, and green corridors provide natural defenses against environmental hazards while offering significant ecological, social, and economic benefits.

The Challenge of Coastal Vulnerability

The regions surrounding the Black Sea are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Issues such as erosion, flooding, and habitat loss are compounded by rapid urbanization, which often reduces the natural capacity of ecosystems to absorb shocks. These challenges demand innovative, scalable, and nature-based solutions.

Green Spaces as Nature-Based Solutions

Urban green spaces act as buffers, absorbing excess rainwater during storms and reducing the urban heat island effect. In coastal areas, wetlands and mangroves play an essential role in stabilizing shorelines and providing critical habitats for biodiversity. Restoring these spaces can significantly reduce the physical and financial costs of climate-related disasters.

Technological Integration

Recent advancements in technology have revolutionized how we manage and monitor green spaces. Tools such as drones, remote sensors, and artificial intelligence enable real-time data collection, allowing for early detection of vulnerabilities. These   technologies not only enhance efficiency but also foster greater transparency and collaboration across borders.

The Role of Community Engagement

One of the most effective ways to ensure the success of green space initiatives is through community involvement. Educating local populations about the importance of these spaces and actively involving them in their management builds long-term stewardship. Programs like citizen science, where individuals contribute to monitoring biodiversity, can have a lasting impact on public awareness and action.

Cross-Border Collaboration

Projects like MoreAdaptBSB highlight the importance of transnational partnerships in addressing climate change. By sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise, countries in the Black Sea basin can collectively develop innovative solutions and ensure their effective implementation.

Conclusion

Urban green spaces are not just aesthetic additions to our cities—they are critical components of a sustainable and resilient future. Investing in their restoration and integration, especially in coastal areas, is essential for adapting to the realities of a changing climate. Collaborative efforts like MoreAdaptBSB serve as a model for how countries can work together to protect their shared environment while empowering local communities.

On December 17, the AlgaeRevive project co-financed by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin programme, marked a significant milestone with the first in-person meeting of its partners. The meeting, held in Burgas, Bulgaria, brought together representatives from Greece, Romania, Georgia, and Ukraine, offering an opportunity for direct collaboration and progress review.

The AlgaeRevive project, which focuses on creating a sustainable ecosystem for research and innovation in the Black Sea region, is dedicated to utilizing algae as a tool for reducing marine pollution and promoting the growth of the blue economy. The project’s ambition is to address pressing environmental challenges while fostering long-term economic growth through eco-friendly solutions.

The meeting covered a wide range of important topics, with partners discussing the progress made so far and outlining the next steps. One key area of focus was the preparation for upcoming pilot projects, which will play a pivotal role in demonstrating the potential of algae-based solutions for pollution reduction in the Black Sea. Partners also delved into financial matters, ensuring the project remains on track and properly resourced.

Effective communication is crucial for the success of the project, and strategies for promoting the AlgaeRevive initiative across various platforms were also discussed. Emphasis was placed on engaging the broader public and stakeholders through social media and other channels, ensuring the project’s impact extends beyond the scientific community.

Collaborative efforts were central to the meeting, with all partners contributing valuable insights and expertise. The spirit of teamwork and dedication to the project was evident throughout the discussions. As the project moves forward, the partners are committed to continued cooperation, ensuring that the AlgaeRevive initiative achieves its goals and makes a lasting impact on the ecological and economic development of the Black Sea region.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all partners for their active participation and continued commitment to the project. Stay tuned for more updates as we work together to build a healthier, more sustainable future for the Black Sea.

On December 5, 2024, the 43rd meeting of the Basin Council to the Black Sea Basin Directorate was held at the Directorate’s headquarters in Varna. The event, which gathered representatives of various organizations and institutions, was also attended by representatives of the Via Pontica Foundation, led by the Chair of the Management Board, Mrs. Ina Agafonova.

The meeting commenced with a review and approval of the minutes from the previous 42nd session. The agenda included significant topics such as the presentation of the draft River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) for the 2022–2027 period, updated following public consultations, and the Marine Strategy for the same period. Additions to the environmental assessment reports for these documents were also discussed.

The implementation of the SCIRENA project, an initiative aimed at improving the ecological status of the Black Sea, was also on the agenda. The subsequent discussion provided an opportunity for participants to ask questions and offer suggestions for the future management of water resources in the region.

The Via Pontica Foundation is actively engaged in topics related to the sustainable management of ecosystems and biodiversity conservation. Our participation in such forums is part of our commitment to contribute to the preservation and restoration of resilient aquatic and marine ecosystems.

For more information about the foundation’s activities and our work in environmental conservation, visit our website or follow us on social media.

Over the Last 22 Years, the European Union Has Not Blocked a Single Insect-Killing Pesticide, Despite Clear Environmental Protection Laws

This is the conclusion of a concerning report by PAN Europe (Pesticide Action Network Europe), which the Via Pontica Foundation, as a member, is actively engaged with. The report exposes large-scale manipulations in favor of the chemical industry that are endangering our ecosystems and worsening biodiversity.

How Did We Get Here?

Instead of enforcing laws that require the ban of dangerous pesticides, the EU has relied on guidelines developed with the help of major chemical corporations such as Bayer and Syngenta. These “guidelines” allow producers to bypass regulations, causing catastrophic harm to insects, which are the foundation of food chains and pollination.

Here’s what the report reveals:

• Total Lack of Protection: Not a single substance has been blocked due to harm to insects, despite accumulating evidence of their devastating impact.

• Manipulation of Scientific Data: Degraded lands are used as a standard for a “healthy” ecosystem, and the long-term effects of pesticides are hidden through short-term tests.

• Conflicts of Interest: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has hired experts with links to the chemical industry to develop new methodologies that further weaken environmental protection.

What’s at Stake?

Insects are an indispensable part of nature. They not only pollinate plants, but also keep the soil healthy, regulate pests, and provide food for many other animals. Without them, ecosystems collapse, along with agriculture and our future.

Instead of working to protect them, the new EFSA guidelines will further reduce the protection of insects. If these methodologies are adopted:

• Herbivorous insects will be classified as “pests,” justifying their destruction.

• Computer models will be used instead of real tests, making the results difficult to verify.

• Pesticides will continue to be tested for only 48 hours, ignoring their long-term effects.

Is There Hope?

“This is not the final outcome,” says Dr. Martin Dermin, Executive Director of PAN Europe. “We still have time to correct this massive mistake. The EU must return to its core principles – placing nature above the profits of chemical giants.”

The Via Pontica Foundation and other organizations are calling for:

• Immediate removal of conflicts of interest in regulations;

• Appointment of independent scientists to create guidelines based on real scientific data;

• Accelerated banning of pesticides that destroy insects and ecosystems.

What’s Next?

The “Licence to Kill” report is a call to action. The Via Pontica Foundation will continue to fight for the creation of effective regulations to protect insects and nature. Because this is not only an ecological but a moral duty towards future generations.

For more information on the report, click here.

The Via Pontica Foundation joins the initiative to ban the export of dangerous pesticides, banned in the territory of the European Union, to third countries. This practice creates a double standard where banned pesticides are brought back into the EU through imported products, putting citizens’ health and the environment at risk.

More than 86,000 people have already signed the petition. The importance of signing this petition is huge. Every voice matters and can contribute to changing the current policy related to food safety and environmental protection.

Join us and sign the petition here!

On October 3, the first online meeting for the project “Harnessing the Power of Algae to Reduce Pollution and Support Blue Growth” – BSB00091 AlgaeRevive, took place.

This project is funded by the European Union through the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin program.

The partners—”Via Pontica” Foundation, Bulgaria (Lead Partner); “Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov” University, Burgas, Bulgaria; the Institute of Water Management “Tsotne Mirtskhulava” at the Technical University of Georgia; Odessa State Agrarian University, Ukraine; the Greek agricultural organization “DIMITRA”; and “Ovidius” University in Constanta, Romania—reviewed the project’s main objectives, upcoming activities, and the action plan for the months ahead. The key points discussed were the algae-based seawater purification strategy, research methodologies, and the importance of collaboration for the project’s success.

The “Via Pontica” Foundation team would like to thank all partners for their active participation and valuable input. We were proud to host this event, even virtually!

Keep an eye out for updates on the project’s progress here, and on the Project’s Facebook Page