Bulgaria and Turkey launch first joint strategic project for research and monitoring of the state of local ecosystems and the Black Sea

The two countries are implementing nearly 100 projects for EUR 24 million

Bulgaria and Turkey start the construction of two research centres for the study and monitoring of the ecological status of the local ecosystems and the Black Sea water area in the border region of the two countries.    "Blue Growth" is the first strategic project between the two countries and is funded with more than EUR 2.3 million under the Interreg - IPA Bulgaria - Turkey 2014-2020 programme managed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works.  The contract for the implementation of the project was signed today at an online ceremony with the participation of the Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Denitsa Nikolova and Faruk Kaymakci - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director for EU Affairs of the Republic of Turkey.  On the Bulgarian side, the lead partner is the University "Prof.  Dr. Asen Zlatarov" in Burgas, with partner Vocational School of Chemical Technology "Acad.  N. D. Zelinski" - Burgas, and on the Turkish side Trakia University of Edirne is participating.

The project corresponds to the EU's long-term strategy for so-called  "blue growth" in support of the establishment of maritime industries as drivers of the European economy through the most appropriate combination of climatic, oceanographic, economic, cultural and social factors.

The two centres will form the basis for collaboration between scientists, researchers, local institutions, communities and experts on both sides of the border.  They will develop common approaches, methodologies and models for the responsible use of natural resources.  With project funds, the two centres will be equipped with all the necessary facilities, tools and information systems to provide data on the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems in the border region.  It is also envisaged to develop various initiatives related to nature conservation and education on responsible behaviour by local communities. The project will also build on the existing capacity to study and monitor the ecological status of local ecosystems, adding new data and information on the ecological status and environmental issues, development and conservation of river and marine ecosystems.

"Such a centre is of utmost importance for the sustainable development of the Black Sea region and nature conservation," Deputy Minister Nikolova said.  She added that for the first time, European funds from the cross-border programme are being channelled to academia and applied science for the management of natural resources in the region.  "This is also an important milestone in bilateral cooperation and marks the strategic directions our two countries are taking for the next programming period," the Deputy Minister said, explaining that the post-2020 programme will focus on projects with tangible results and enhanced impact for the whole cross-border region and for the benefit of a wide range of stakeholders.

Denitsa Nikolova also underlined the good level of cooperation built over the years between Bulgaria and Turkey.  "Together we have achieved great success in the current programming period with 99 projects funded and EUR 24 million invested in the development of the cross-border region.  At the same time, we continue our joint work to prepare the new programme that would provide tailor-made solutions for its economic and social development, she said.