Scientists from Bulgaria and Turkey studied aquatic ecosystems in the cross-border region with EUR 3.3 million support from the joint cooperation programme

The results of the BLUE GROWTH COLLABs project were presented in Edirne

Renovated and equipped research laboratories at the University Center for Applied Research and Development in the Field of Technology at the Trakia University in Edirne and at the University “Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov” - Burgas are among the results of the BLUE GROWTH COLLABs project (Cross-border regions collaborate for BLUE GROWTH).. The initiative was funded with over EUR 3.3 million (EU and national co-financing) under the Bulgaria-Turkey Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020 managed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works. The results and information about the programme were presented at the Thracian University in Edirne.

Desktop analysis equipment, sampling devices, specialized analysis and modeling software have been installed in the laboratories at the University Center of the Trakia University in Edirne. A small sampling vessel has been provided for each of the universities within the project. At a closing event, scientists from the University of Thrace performed a live broadcast from the ship at sea and demonstrated the application of the analysis instruments. A total of two vessels for marine environmental research and two boats used for lake, river and wetland analyses were supplied to the two universities.

The two research centers for blue growth established under the initiative - at the University “Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov” - Burgas and the Trakia University - Edirne, provide scientific infrastructure for joint work of scientists, researchers, local and regional institutions in the development of common approaches, methodologies, models and initiatives for sustainable use and management of natural resources. They contribute to the study and monitoring of the ecological status of local ecosystems, and students and pupils have the opportunity to engage in research tasks and projects.

The educational function of the two centres is complemented by awareness-raising campaigns and work with local communities to shape environmentally responsible behaviour. The infrastructure and equipment provided for scientists and experts on both sides of the border build on the existing capacity to research and monitor the ecological status of local ecosystems. The implementation of the project contributes to compensate for the lack of data and information on the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems in the target region. Common methodologies and pilot studies of aquatic ecosystems in the Burgas and Edirne regions have been developed and implemented.

At the final meeting of the project in Edirne were addressed by representatives of the Managing and National Authority of the programme, the European Commission, University “Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov” - Burgas - the lead partner of the project, the Trakia University - Edirne and the Regional Government of Edirne.

“The strategic project BLUE GROWTH COLLABs, successfully implemented under the EU Interreg Bulgaria-Turkey Cohesion Policy Programme and co-financed with EUR 2.8 million from the EU budget, has delivered tangible results for the conservation and sustainable use of our shared water ecosystems,” said Margarita Grancharska-De Munk from the European Commission in her speech. “Beyond the science, it has left a strong mark in education and capacity building, namely the development of a new generation of environmentally-minded citizens and professionals. This project does not just have a local impact. It contributes to many wider European Union strategies such as the Green Deal, the Biodiversity Strategy and the Blue Economy Strategy,” she added.