25 August 2026
On 20–21 August 2026, the LEARN4SEA Final Conference took place in Varna under the theme “Strengthening LOCAL Institutional Capacity for Safeguarding the Black Sea.” The event brought together representatives of different generations, countries and institutions from across the Black Sea region.
The conference was jointly organised by the Romanian Maritime Training Centre – CERONAV and the Black Sea–Danube Association for Research and Development (BDCA). Participants included children and young people, experienced scientists, environmental experts, and....
25 August 2026
On 20–21 August 2026, the LEARN4SEA Final Conference took place in Varna under the theme “Strengthening LOCAL Institutional Capacity for Safeguarding the Black Sea.” The event brought together representatives of different generations, countries and institutions from across the Black Sea region.
The conference was jointly organised by the Romanian Maritime Training Centre – CERONAV and the Black Sea–Danube Association for Research and Development (BDCA). Participants included children and young people, experienced scientists, environmental experts, and representatives of public authorities, universities, maritime organisations and civil society. They shared their knowledge, experience and common commitment to safeguarding the Black Sea.
The conference presented the main achievements of LEARN4SEA, including the regional network of Environmental Information Centres, innovative approaches to air and water quality assessment, cooperation mechanisms and practical guidelines for local authorities, educational resources, the LEARN4SEA Web Platform and interactive VR learning tools.
The special panel discussion, “Saving Our Sea Together: Strengthening Cooperation of Local Authorities, Environmental Agencies, Academia and Civil Society,” highlighted opportunities for closer cooperation among public authorities, environmental agencies, scientific and educational institutions, maritime organisations and civil society.
The conference welcomed representatives of organisations from across the Black Sea region, including CERONAV, BDCA, Shabla Municipality, Piri Reis University, the National Environmental Agency of Georgia, Regional Administration Varna, the Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development (DDNI), Istanbul University, Marine Cluster Bulgaria, the Institute of Ecological Modernization, the Institute of Fish Resources – Varna, the International Black Sea Club and Oceanic Club, as well as other stakeholders and invited guests.
The diversity of ages, professional backgrounds and institutions created a dynamic environment for dialogue and demonstrated that safeguarding the Black Sea requires the involvement of every generation and society as a whole.
The conference concluded with a clear shared message: the knowledge, partnerships and educational resources created through LEARN4SEA should continue to promote cooperation and practical environmental action throughout the Black Sea Basin.
