BSB00479 / MoreAdaptBSB

The MoreAdaptBSB Project Kicks Off: Partners from Four Countries Unite for Sustainable Development in the Black Sea Region

The Via Pontica Foundation has launched its work on the MoreAdaptBSB project – “Less Vulnerability, More Adaptability – Pilot Remote Sensing-Assisted Restoration of Green Spaces in Coastal and Urban Areas in the Black Sea Region,” co-financed by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin programme. The project will be implemented in partnership with stakeholders from Greece (Chamber of Halkidiki and Municipality of Kassandra), Bulgaria (Via Pontica Foundation and Municipality of Primorsko), and Ukraine (Odessa State Agrarian University), with the lead partner being the Ovidius University of Constanta, Romania.

The MoreAdaptBSB project focuses on addressing the impacts of climate change in the Black Sea region, which is particularly vulnerable to erosion, landslides, sea level rise, flooding, storms, heatwaves, new plant diseases, and droughts. To tackle these challenges, the project leverages innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and small sensors that collect real-time data, supporting disaster prevention and enhancing climate change preparedness. The main goal is to strengthen cross-border cooperation, enhancing regional readiness and adaptability through nature-based solutions and advanced remote sensing techniques. The project also promotes experience exchange and co-development of green space restoration measures, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in tackling climate challenges.

The project aims to create a tool for visualizing climate vulnerability and to restore 60 decares of green spaces in coastal areas of Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. Through cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange, the region’s climate resilience and the capacity of local authorities will be strengthened. The project will also introduce innovative remote sensing methods that will benefit scientific institutions and civil society organizations.

• Total budget: €1,594,728.00

• EU funding: €1,435,255.20

• Start date: July 2024

• Duration: 30 months (until January 2027)

Our representative, Georgi Kostadinov, attended the Kick-off Meeting for the project “Less vulnerability, more adaptability – Pilot Remote Sensing Assisted Restoration of Green Spaces in Coastal and Urban Areas within the Black Sea Region” (MoreAdapt BSB). The meeting took place on November 5-6 in Polygyros, Chalkidiki, organized by the Chamber of Chalkidiki.

This project, part of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme, focuses on enhancing the adaptability of communities and ecosystems in the Black Sea region to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The Black Sea area faces significant climate-related risks, including coastal erosion, landslides, sea level rise, flooding, storms, heatwaves, emerging plant diseases, and droughts. MoreAdapt BSB brings together partners from Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine to share experiences, develop innovative solutions, and create a nature-based adaptation plan.

The project’s core objectives include strengthening regional collaboration, enhancing preparedness, and building the capacity of local stakeholders to utilize remote sensing tools. This will enable better assessment and response to climate challenges.

The project duration is 30 months (July 2024 – January 2027) and includes six key partners:

1. OVIDIUS University of Constanta (Leader)
2. Odessa State Agrarian University
3. Via Pontica Foundation
4. Municipality of Primorsko
5. Municipality of Kassandra
6. Chamber of Chalkidiki

During the initial meeting, partners presented their expertise and outlined responsibilities. OVIDIUS University will lead the project coordination and financial management. Via Pontica Foundation and the Municipality of Kassandra will focus on data collection and pilot testing. Pilot site coordinators (Municipality of Kassandra, Municipality of Primorsko, and Odessa State Agrarian University) will manage the restoration activities with local stakeholders. The Chamber of Chalkidiki, leading project communication, will work on outreach and dissemination efforts.

Additionally, the partners discussed the methodology for a tool to visualize climate vulnerability and resilience across the region. Knowledge groups will conduct on-site research to refine technologies and methodologies.

Stay tuned for updates on the project’s progress!

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Successful Training: A Step Forward Towards New Opportunities

Employees of the Via Pontica Foundation participated in a specialized training organized by the Managing Authority of the Program (Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration of Romania) in Varna. The training was part of a series of initiatives aimed at building the capacity of organizations involved in implementing projects under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme.

The event covered a wide range of topics related to effective project management and ensuring transparency and accountability within the program. Key focuses of the training included:

• key provisions of financing contracts;
• working with the JEMS platform for project reporting and management;
• public procurement rules and their application in an international context;
• risk management and addressing challenges during project implementation.

Participants had the opportunity to explore real-life examples and case studies, enhancing their understanding of the complex processes of coordination and accountability. They exchanged experiences with representatives of other organizations, thus expanding their knowledge and establishing valuable professional connections.

Via Pontica Foundation expresses its gratitude to the Managing Authority for the high-quality training provided and for their efforts in preparing participants for the successful implementation of projects.

This participation marks an important step in strengthening our mission to protect the environment, promote sustainable development, and foster regional cooperation in the Black Sea Basin. With the knowledge and skills acquired, the foundation’s team will work even more effectively to achieve significant results and sustainable change.

Partners Collaborate for Climate Resilience and Ecosystem Restoration in the Black Sea Region

On 19-20 May 2025, the Chamber of Chalkidiki hosted the Knowledge Exchange Group Meeting of the MoreAdaptBSB project (BSB00479) in Polygyros, Greece. This significant event brought together project partners, policymakers, scientists, and regional stakeholders from Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine, within the framework of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme.

The central theme of the event was:
“Green Space Restoration and Climate Resilience in the Black Sea: Challenges and Opportunities.”

The meeting began with welcoming remarks and an overview of the project’s objectives and forthcoming activities, presented by the Chamber of Chalkidiki and Ovidius University of Constanta.

Two key thematic panels followed:

Panel 1: Practical Challenges and Opportunities in Climate Restoration
Moderated by Jenny Eleme, this panel featured discussions on climate change impacts in Central Macedonia, including rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns, and their effects on agricultural products like olive oil, honey, and wine. Speakers included Stathis Avramidis (Deputy Regional Governor for Development & Environment, Region of Central Macedonia), Eirini Bouliou (President of Municipality Council, Municipality of Kassandra), Ilias Kalfas (Head of Innovation HUB, American Farm School), and Giannis Papagiannis (Forestry Expert).

Panel 2: Policy Alignment and Funding Opportunities
Led by Eleni Siapikoudi, this panel explored governance strategies and funding opportunities for ecosystem restoration. Insights were shared by Dimitrios Lokovitis (Civil Protection Unit, Halkidiki), Ioannis Koufidis (President of the Chamber of Halkidiki), Lina Tsaltampasi (Green Strategy Consultant, OECON Group), and Stathis Avramidis. Discussions emphasized national and regional climate adaptation plans, civil protection efforts, and the importance of leveraging all available funding sources.

In the afternoon, the Via Pontica Foundation presented the project’s innovative remote sensing methodology. Partners and experts provided valuable feedback and discussed next steps for implementing local research initiatives. A collaborative workshop titled “Co-developing Local Restoration Strategies” was also held, facilitated by EPICHAL, allowing participants to exchange ideas on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and shared challenges.

On the second day, participants visited the Municipality of Kassandra to explore cultural and environmentally significant areas. Local authorities, including Mayor Anastasia Chalkia and the Vice-Mayors for Economics, Tourism, and Environment, provided detailed insights into restoration efforts and environmental activities in the region.

The meeting concluded with reflections on the importance of regional cooperation and the next steps for the project. Positive feedback from participants underscored the value of this collaborative effort and the shared vision for a resilient Black Sea region.

This meeting was part of the project “Less vulnerability, more adaptability – pilot remote sensing assisted restoration of green spaces in coastal and urban areas within the Black Sea region” (MoreAdaptBSB – BSB00479), co-funded by the Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme.

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