Blueing the Black Sea (BBSEA) project participated in the Macro-Regional and Sea Basin Strategy Days and the Common Maritime Agenda (CMA) Regional Steering Committee in Brussels, Belgium.
Following a highly competitive day of presentations and evaluation, 15 winning solutions were selected.
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Bringing the Blue Back Into Our Black Sea
Protecting the Black Sea together. Launched in 2025, the BBSEA GEF Project is a collaborative regional effort to strengthen the preparedness of the government and private sector, and to reduce pollution in the Black Sea. Funded by the Global Environment Facility and executed by UNOPS on behalf of the World Bank, we are working together to build a shared framework for a cleaner, healthier Black Sea.
Georgia
Discover Georgia’s environmental challenges and the steps being taken to protect the Black Sea.
Georgia's Black Sea coast is under significant pressure from land-based pollution, including untreated wastewater and agricultural runoff carried by its major rivers. In close collaboration with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, BBSEA is working to address these issues. Our activities will support legislative reforms and spur local creativity through the Eco-Innovation Challenge to find sustainable, long-term solutions.
Ukraine
Find out how Ukraine is preparing solutions to protect the Black Sea despite current challenges.
Ukraine's major rivers have a significant impact on the Black Sea, a situation now tragically compounded by pollution from war-related destruction and debris. In cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, BBSEA will support assessments for future clean-up activities. The project is also committed to empowering Ukrainian innovators through the Eco-Innovation Challenge to build a resilient and green recovery.
Türkiye
See how Türkiye is tackling pollution to safeguard fisheries, communities, and marine life.
With the longest coastline on the Black Sea, Türkiye faces complex challenges from urban wastewater, industrial discharges, and agricultural nutrient pollution. In partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, our project will deliver updated policy and investment recommendations. We will also foster a new wave of green businesses through the Eco-Innovation Challenge to help protect Türkiye's vital marine ecosystems.
Moldova
Learn how Moldova is connected to the Black Sea and what’s being done to reduce pollution.
As a key country within the major river watersheds, Moldova plays a critical role in addressing transboundary pollution from agricultural and municipal sources before it reaches the Black Sea. We are working with the Ministry of Environment and the "Apele Moldovei" Agency to strengthen national water management policies. Through the Eco-Innovation Challenge, we will also support Moldovan entrepreneurs in developing solutions that have both local and regional impact.
Our Activities
Click on the map to see where the BBSEA Project is currently operating To address the Black Sea's shared challenges, our regional strategy strengthens national environmental policy and empowers innovators to create sustainable solutions in our focus countries Georgia, Moldova, Türkiye and Ukraine. To explore bringing this program to another country, please get in touch with our team: bbsea.contact@unops.org.
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Forging a Blue Future: Our Vision for Innovation
Our vision is a Black Sea where scientific innovation and entrepreneurial spirit are the primary drivers of environmental recovery and economic prosperity. We believe the region's complex challenges are also opportunities for ground-breaking solutions. BBSEA acts as a catalyst, connecting research with market needs; an accelerator, providing funding and support to turn ideas into scalable impact; and a bridge, fostering collaboration across borders, sectors, and disciplines. Fortunately, we are not the only ones promoting innovation in the Black Sea area. Let us introduce you to the key players in the region. Together, we are building an ecosystem where technology serves ecology and economy, hand-in-hand.