site.btaGreenpeace-Bulgaria Works on Project to Declare Reserve in Black Sea

Kremena Vateva, coordinator of Greenpeace-Bulgaria's project Living Black Sea, told BTA on Monday that by the end of 2023, an opinion will be prepared for the establishment of a reserve in the Bulgarian water area. She recalled that by 2050, 30% of Bulgaria's territorial sea should become a protected area, 10% of which should be under strict protection, i.e., reserves.

Greenpeace is working on its current project in partnership with the Institute of Oceanology in Varna, Vateva said. She added by the end of the year scientists will prepare a reasoned opinion based on which of the existing marine protected areas can be declared a reserve. Areas with rich biodiversity should be placed under strict protection to be preserved and serve as a bank for the recovery of endangered species. The opinion will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment. In the meantime, ecologists and scientists will be seeking support from the whole of society and will be bringing industry and business organizations to the cause. The aim is to unite and protect the biodiversity and beauty of the Black Sea in the long term, Vateva explained.

She added that Greenpeace-Bulgaria has also started working on a film, which should be ready by the end of the year. The aim is to show the beauty of the sea and places and formations unknown to the general public.