Stories

The Blue Economy has rapidly emerged as a transformative concept, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and societal well-being. It spans a variety of ocean-related sectors, including fisheries, aquaculture, marine energy, maritime transport, and coastal tourism. Beyond its potential to drive economic growth and create employment, the Blue Economy plays a critical role in preserving marine ecosystems that are vital for maintaining global ecological balance.

The project partners of Know What You Breathe: Mobilizing Communities for Air Quality in the Black Sea Basin – AIRQUEST (BSB00168) have initiated the development of an integrated air quality monitoring system across the Black Sea Basin.

The project Clean and Green minds for an environmental friendly behaviour - EcoYOU (BSB00532) has achieved significant progress in its mission to engage local communities in environmental protection, with a special focus on reducing microplastic pollution along rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

In recent years, lost or abandoned fishing nets have become an increasing problem for marine ecosystems. Trawlers or fishing boats often lose nets, which then settle on the seabed, accumulating debris and forming "underwater dumps." 

Are you active in sustainable development, blue growth, tourism, or services? Is your organization registered within the Black Sea Basin Programme area? The INTERSMARTS Network offers the platform for collaboration and innovation.

The photo contest “Wonders of the Black Sea: a Biodiversity Perspective” is held within the framework of the project “Open environmental eFolio for joint maritime spatial planning and conservation of the valuable Black Sea Basin marine ecosystems”.

Call for paper of the “International Scientific Conference Black Sea - Scientific Approaches for Ecosystem Remediation and Innovation in the Blue Economy” organized within the project Harnessing Algae Power for Pollution Reduction and Blue Growth – AlgaeRevive (BSB00091).