site.bta4th Day of Green Transition Forum 5.0 Looks at Black Sea Region

An expert panel on the fourth day of the Green Transition Forum focused on the role of the Black Sea region in the global geopolitical and environmental context. Participants from several countries and institutions discussed the need for joint action on marine resource conservation, climate change adaptation and sustainable development in the region.

Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov said that collective efforts are needed to achieve sustainable environmental development and the conservation of marine resources. He said the region's marine economy has significant potential for development, but there is still much to be done in that regard. The Black Sea region, he said, is inextricably linked to the processes of restoring and preserving marine ecosystems. The Minister stressed that tensions often arise between investors and environmentalists. He said that working with local communities is essential. Bulgaria has both potential and experience in the field of blue policy. "We really need to protect our coast and sea," Genov concluded.

Charlina Vitcheva, who heads the Directorate General Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at the European Commission (EC), noted that the impact on the oceans also affects landlocked countries. "Everything we do comes back through the ocean whether we are near it or not," she said and added that the ocean is already high on the European agenda. Vitcheva added that it is important to think about the next generation of tourists who are looking for a clean environment. She drew attention to the need to ratify the High Seas Treaty, which aims to establish marine protected areas in international waters. The document will enter into force once it has been ratified by 60 countries. which Vitcheva was hopeful would happen by August or September.

Cristian Beseni, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests of Romania, said that measures to protect the Black Sea cannot be implemented in isolation. He pointed out that there is regional coordination between Romania and Bulgaria and added: "Pollution of marine waters, especially with microplastics, is a global problem that recognizes no borders." It leads to a reduction in biodiversity, the destruction of ecosystems and the depletion of resources. He said it is crucial to have sufficient funding to tackle these issues, as well as to continue monitoring water quality.

Fatma Varank, Deputy Minister at Turkiye's Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, focused on the impact of climate change on marine resources. Turkiye is already experiencing rising sea temperatures that threaten marine species. She warned: "We are losing biodiversity in a very short time. Turkiye, like other countries, is feeling these consequences." Varank pointed out that climate change has significant environmental but also economic consequences.

The five-day long event Green Transition Forum 5.0: Competitiveness and Innovation in Central and Eastern European Countries has been hosted by Sofia Event Center since Monday. It is an initiative of Green Transition Forum and Dir.bg. BTA is a media partner.