MPA Europe, in collaboration with MSP-GREEN and MSP4BIO, hosted a key collaborative stakeholder workshop on June 20, 2024, to bridge maritime spatial planning (MSP), the European Green Deal (EGD), and marine protected areas (MPAs), focusing on the unique marine environment of the Black Sea. Held at the Rosslyn Dimyat Hotel in Varna, Bulgaria, the event brought together 25 people, both online and in-person, from national authorities to regional organisations, non-profit organisations, enterprises, and scientific research institutes.

The workshop provided MPA Europe partners the opportunity to present the project’s data-driven approach to identifying networks of MPAs within science-based MSP and how the project’s results can support national, transboundary, and regional designation of MPAs and science-based MSP in a changing climate.

A significant part of the workshop focused on engaging stakeholders from various sectors and how MPA Europe results can strengthen existing MPAs and help extend the network of protected areas in the Black Sea. The major outcomes from the workshop are summarized in a newly released report, which covers the detailed key points raised during the sessions. This report is now available on the Resources section of our website.

We encourage all interested parties, whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, or marine conservation advocate, to download the full report. Your engagement is crucial as we continue to develop and implement strategies that support the health and sustainability of our marine environments.