On 16–17 June 2026, the European Commission will host a dedicated event focused on the relationship between Natura 2000 protected areas and climate change. The initiative will bring together experts, conservation practitioners, researchers, and policymakers from across Europe to discuss practical approaches for strengthening the resilience of protected ecosystems in a changing climate. (European Commission) The event will focus on translating existing guidance into practical

Digital technologies are becoming increasingly important tools in biodiversity conservation. From artificial intelligence and satellite monitoring to cloud-based data platforms and environmental sensors, new technologies are helping researchers, conservation organizations and public authorities better understand and protect natural ecosystems. Across Europe, growing investment in digital infrastructure and AI capabilities is creating new opportunities for environmental monito

On 8 June, the world celebrates World Oceans Day under the theme “REIMAGINE”. The campaign encourages us to rethink our relationship with the ocean and recognise our shared responsibility for protecting marine ecosystems. When we think about the ocean, we often imagine distant coastlines and vast open waters. In reality, ocean health begins much closer to home. Rivers, lakes, wetlands and coastal ecosystems form an interconnected system that links land and sea. Coastal wetlan

Bulgaria is entering an important phase in the implementation of the European Union’s Nature Restoration Regulation. As part of this process, Member States are required to prepare National Nature Restoration Plans that outline how degraded ecosystems will be restored and protected over the coming decades. For Bulgaria, this creates an opportunity to address some of the country’s most valuable natural areas, including coastal wetlands, freshwater ecosystems, and biodiversity h

Migratory species play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance across continents. Every year, millions of birds travel along migration corridors connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. One of the most important of these routes is Via Pontica, the Black Sea migratory flyway passing through Bulgaria’s coastline and wetlands. Recent international biodiversity assessments continue to raise concerns about the condition of migratory species worldwide. According to reports con

World Oceans Day will be marked on 8 June 2026 under the global theme “Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet.” The international campaign continues to focus attention on marine biodiversity, ecosystem protection, and the long-term sustainability of oceans and coastal regions worldwide. For the Protection of Biodiversity in Bulgaria Foundation, this topic remains directly connected to the future of the Black Sea ecosystem. The Black Sea is one of Europe’s most envi

With World Oceans Day approaching on 8 June, attention across the Black Sea region continues to focus on the growing environmental challenges affecting marine biodiversity, coastal ecosystems, and protected habitats. The Black Sea remains one of Europe’s most vulnerable marine ecosystems. Pollution, habitat degradation, biodiversity loss, invasive species, and increasing environmental pressure linked to climate change continue to affect the region’s ecological balance. Recent

Migratory Bird Populations Along Major Flyways Continue to Decline, Raising Concerns for Wetlands and Biodiversity Conservation Recent conservation reports warn that up to half of bird species using the African-Eurasian migratory flyway are currently in decline, highlighting growing environmental pressures affecting some of the world’s most important migration corridors and wetland ecosystems. According to recent reporting and conservation monitoring, the decline is linked to

The Black Sea migratory route known as Via Pontica remains one of the most important bird flyways in Europe. Every year, hundreds of thousands of migratory birds cross the region during seasonal migration periods, using wetlands, coastal habitats, and protected ecosystems along the Black Sea coast for feeding, nesting, and rest. As Bulgaria continues discussions surrounding new priority zones for wind energy development, environmental assessments and biodiversity protection r

From 16 to 24 May 2026, countries across Europe are marking Natura 2000 Week through environmental campaigns, citizen science initiatives, and biodiversity monitoring activities focused on protected ecosystems. The Natura 2000 network includes more than 27,000 protected sites across the European Union and remains one of Europe’s largest coordinated conservation efforts. These protected areas support wetlands, forests, coastal ecosystems, migratory species, and habitats facing

Black Sea biodiversity protection efforts continue to advance as regional organisations, researchers, and conservation groups respond to both long-term ecological threats and newly emerging environmental risks across the region. One of the most significant developments in 2026 is Bulgaria’s introduction of the country’s first indefinite ban on sturgeon fishing in the Danube River and the Black Sea. The measure, which entered into force on 1 January 2026, protects critically e

Pollinators play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting global food production. Bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinating species are responsible for helping thousands of plant species reproduce, including many crops that form part of everyday diets around the world. Recent research continues to highlight growing concerns about pollinator decline across Europe and globally. Scientists warn that habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, pollu

The Black Sea coastline is facing increasing pressure from coastal erosion and rising sea levels, driven by climate change and human activity. Recent observations across the region show that sections of the coast are retreating at a faster rate, putting both natural habitats and coastal communities at risk. In areas of Romania and Ukraine, researchers have reported significant shoreline loss over the past decade. Stronger storms, higher wave energy, and gradual sea level rise

Overfishing remains one of the main pressures on the Black Sea ecosystem. Fish stocks decline when catch levels exceed the natural capacity of populations to reproduce and recover. In the Black Sea, this pattern has continued for years, driven by high demand and insufficient control. Scientific observations show clear changes in key commercial species such as anchovy and sprat. These species play a central role in the food chain. When their numbers fall, the effects spread ac

On 7 April 2026, Ina Agafonova participated in an international awareness-raising and networking workshop held in Constanța, Romania, dedicated to advancing cooperation on marine biodiversity and sturgeon conservation in the Black Sea region. The event was organized by GeoEcoMar as part of the SturNet project and brought together researchers, public institutions, environmental organizations, and other key stakeholders from across the region. It provided an important platform

As the year comes to an end and holiday lights brighten our homes while the winter wind carries memories and hopes, we turn to all of you — the people who believe that nature is our shared home and our shared responsibility. 2025 was a year of challenges, but also a year of bold steps forward. We witnessed communities, scientists, volunteers, and partners unite around a single cause — to restore life and balance in the Black Sea and to give the ancient sturgeon species a chan

On 3–4 December, a transnational working meeting under the SturNet project took place in Chișinău, Moldova, hosted by our partner Ecological Counselling Center Cahul . The event gathered all project partners for a mid-term review of progress and a joint discussion on the next implementation steps – from field activities to future collaborative initiatives across the Black Sea and Danube region. Presentation of Related International Initiatives The meeting clearly demonstrate

Global Education Week (17–23 November 2025) is an annual worldwide initiative aimed at raising awareness of global education as a tool for solidarity and change. Since 2015, it has been held every third week of November, bringing together schools, universities, organizations, and communities across the globe. Its goal is not only to inform about global issues but also to inspire action for a more sustainable, just, and peaceful world. This year’s campaign runs under the mott

From 2 to 6 March 2026, Brussels will host one of the most significant events dedicated to the future of our oceans — the third edition of European Ocean Days . A week filled with inspiring discussions, innovation, collaboration, and engagement, bringing together voices from industry, science, policy, and civil society. What is European Ocean Days? European Ocean Days is a week of thematic events inspired by the European Ocean Pact, focused on: Sustainability and competitiven

When climate records break, we need better ways to see what’s happening. wix This week brings a powerful contrast: alarming new climate data and encouraging new monitoring capacity — both in space and in the Black Sea. The Copernicus Climate Change Service confirms that 2025 is on track to be among the three warmest years ever recorded , while Europe’s Earth-observation system just grew stronger with the successful launch of Sentinel-1D . And closer to home, the Euro-Argo pro