Photo of Istanbul by Evgeny Matveev
A new regional initiative, the “Blueing the Black Sea” Project (BBSEA), was officially launched in Istanbul on June 10, 2025. The project aims to address significant environmental challenges facing the Black Sea, including untreated wastewater, agricultural runoff, marine litter, and industrial discharge. These issues have contributed to the Black Sea becoming one of Europe’s most polluted marine environments.
The BBSEA project is financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and is being implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in close coordination with the World Bank. The initiative brings together governments, regional institutions, and civil society to deliver innovative solutions to reduce land-based pollution and support sustainable development in the region.
Over its three-year implementation period, running through 2028, the project will work closely with national and regional actors, including those in Ukraine, to support technical assistance, knowledge exchange, and the development of investment pipelines for pollution-reduction initiatives. Additionally, the project aims to strengthen institutional and regulatory frameworks to enhance environmental governance.
A key component of the initiative is the launch of the Eco-Innovation Challenge, which seeks to identify and support scalable, locally driven solutions for reducing marine pollution. The challenge will focus on innovations ranging from green startups to community-based initiatives.
Cosmin Buteica, Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank, emphasised the project’s significance, stating, “this project represents a vital step toward reversing environmental decline in the Black Sea. By supporting countries to act collectively with innovative tools and shared knowledge, BBSEA creates the foundation for lasting impact.”
Simonetta Siligato, Director of UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, noting, “UNOPS is working closely with countries and partners to operationalise solutions that are technically sound, scalable, and regionally aligned. BBSEA is a platform for action — linking policy, innovation, and investment to reduce pollution and protect the Black Sea.”
The project reflects a growing political will and shared regional commitment to protect one of Europe’s most ecologically and economically important marine ecosystems. The event was hosted by the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), a regional partner that has played a key role in facilitating dialogue and strengthening regional coordination.
The total budget for the BBSEA project is USD 6.39 million, funded by the GEF.