Via Pontica Foundation leads innovation for the revival of the Black Sea
As lead partner in the AlgaeRevive, the Via Pontica Foundation (VPF) continues to coordinate the research and innovation activities aimed at preserving the ecological balance of the Black Sea. In recent months the foundation has made substantial progress in several priority areas, including the development of digital tools for environmental monitoring and the promotion of international scientific cooperation across the Black Sea Basin.
One of the most significant achievements is the foundation’s decision to merge two planned equipment procurements into one — a high-precision remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV). This state-of-the-art technology is intended to support both routine monitoring work and the pilot interventions carried out under the project. The decision reflects the Via Pontica Foundation’s commitment to technological efficiency and to the use of modern research infrastructure in support of marine conservation.
The scientific partners from “Prof. Dr Asen Zlatarov” University of Burgas and Odesa State Agrarian University are conducting experimental research on the potential of fast-growing microalgae to purify polluted water while capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The most recent experiments, carried out in Lake Burgas, show a measurable improvement in water quality, indicating that microalgae cultivation can be an effective and sustainable method for limiting eutrophication and increasing ecosystem resilience in the Black Sea region.
These results underline the importance of continued research into nature-based solutions for environmental restoration. Through the AlgaeRevive project, the Via Pontica Foundation and its partners are setting an important precedent for how applied science and cross-border cooperation can contribute to the long-term health of one of Europe’s most vulnerable seas.
