Mission Ocean Forum at BFU "From the Source of the Danube to the Black Sea – Healthy Water and Healthy Life"

On October 15, 2024, a large-scale event was held at Burgas Free University, organized by the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission under the motto "From the sources of the Danube to the Black Sea". The forum, jointly organized by Burgas Free University, the Municipality of Burgas and the Ministry of Environment and Water, focuses on the EU Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030" and specifically on the Danube-Black Sea region.

The event brought together leading experts, representatives of local and national institutions, as well as representatives of the European Commission, who discussed innovative, nature-based solutions for the restoration of the Danube River and the Black Sea, with a focus on the sustainability of coastal communities and biodiversity conservation. The main emphasis was placed on the efforts to improve the ecological status of water basins and adaptation to climate change.

The forum was opened by the Rector of Burgas Free University, Prof. Dr. Milen Baltov, Mrs. Vesna Baltina – Deputy Mayor for Strategic Development, Ecology, Digitalization and Adaptation to Climate Change, and the Regional Governor, Prof. Maria Neykova. The main speakers of the event were the Minister of Environment and Water of Bulgaria, Mr. Petar Dimitrov, and the Deputy Director-General of DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and Mission Manager, Mr. Kestutis Sadauskas.

In a video address to the participants, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Ms Iliana Ivanova, stressed the importance of the environmental challenges faced by the Danube and the Black Sea: "The Danube and the Black Sea are vital for the livelihoods of millions, but they face threats from pollution and climate change. The EU Oceans and Water Mission aims to find innovative solutions to restore these ecosystems. I am proud to see national and local authorities, the private sector and communities joining forces for the benefit of the region."

Among the key participants were Ms. Ivelina Vassileva – Member of the Board of #MissionOcean, and Mr. John Bell – Director of the Healthy Planet Directorate, who emphasized the importance of regional initiatives and cooperation through local "beacons". These lighthouses are pilot projects for the demonstration, development and deployment of the Mission's activities focused on the four main water basins: the Atlantic-Arctic, the Mediterranean, the Baltic-North Sea and the Danube-Black Sea.

The conference clearly showed how the resilience and restoration of ecosystems in the Danube-Black Sea region is a priority for the EU, with efforts to protect marine and freshwater biodiversity becoming an important driver of environmental and economic benefits for local communities.