LEARN4SEA Brings Black Sea Organisations Together for Stronger Cooperation

The LEARN4SEA Conference, organised by the Black Sea - Danube Association for Research and Development (BDCA) и CERONAV, brought together institutions, research and educational organisations, local authorities and civil society representatives from across the Black Sea region to exchange knowledge and strengthen cooperation for sustainable development and marine environmental protection.

The conference presented key LEARN4SEA achievements, including the network of Environmental Information Centres, innovative approaches to air and water quality assessment, cooperation mechanisms for local authorities, educational resources and immersive VR learning tools. A dedicated panel, “Saving Our Sea Together,” opened the discussion on stronger cooperation between public authorities, environmental agencies, academia and civil society.

Marine Cluster Bulgaria was represented by its Chair Ilze Atanasova, who presented the strategic and cooperation framework supporting the sustainable and competitive development of the Blue Economy in the Black Sea region.

The presentation highlighted the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea (CMA) and MCB’s role as the Bulgarian National Hub, EIT Water, with MCB acting as the Black Sea Regional Hub, as well as BlueDial and BlackBlueNET. Particular attention was also given to strengthening Black Sea–Danube synergies and cross-regional cooperation.

The conference reinforced a shared message: addressing the Black Sea region’s challenges requires stronger cooperation and better connections between knowledge, organisations and European initiatives to translate common priorities into practical action.