29|30 September 2026
Connecting sea basins: MEDIGREEN exchanges in Burgas
On 29–30 September 2026, MEDIGREEN joined practitioners, experts and stakeholders in Burgas, Bulgaria, for two days of dialogue between the Mediterranean and Black Sea communities, exploring how Maritime Spatial Planning can support ecological transition and stronger regional cooperation.
The programme brought together a dedicated MEDIGREEN workshop and participation in the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea Annual Stakeholder Conference. Across both days, presentations, interactive discussions and informal exchanges offered opportunities to share experience, connect initiatives and identify practical ways to build on project results.
Beyond borders: exchanging experience on Maritime Spatial Planning
On 29 September, MEDIGREEN organised the workshop “Beyond Borders: Mediterranean–Black Sea Exchanges on Maritime Spatial Planning as a Driver of Ecological Transition at Sea” at the International Congress Centre in Burgas.
The workshop connected perspectives on Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) implementation across the two sea basins. Contributions covered Mediterranean experience alongside developments in Bulgaria, Türkiye and Romania, providing a basis for discussion about shared challenges and different approaches to planning marine and coastal spaces.
With attention increasingly turning from preparing plans to implementing them, participants explored how MSP can translate environmental ambitions into practical action. Discussions addressed its contribution to the European Green Deal and broader ocean policy priorities, including how experience from MSP could inform the future Ocean Act.
From stakeholder engagement to practical action
Interactive working-table discussions were central to the exchange. Participants shared approaches to strengthening stakeholder engagement, involving the private sector and bringing together contributions from different projects. A recurring theme was the importance of learning from past initiatives and making their results useful beyond individual project timelines.
The workshop also considered how MSP can support the sustainability of maritime sectors while addressing ecosystem protection and climate resilience. Exchanges highlighted the value of connecting sectoral knowledge with planning processes and creating opportunities for sustained dialogue among those involved in implementation.
A dedicated session focused on the Mediterranean and Black Sea MSP Communities of Practice, exploring their role in maintaining these connections. Participants discussed how such communities can support mutual learning, share practical experience and turn exchanges into continued regional cooperation.
Continuing the conversation at the Common Maritime Agenda Conference
On 30 September, MEDIGREEN participated in the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea Annual Stakeholder Conference. The conference offered a valuable opportunity to learn about the extensive efforts underway across the Black Sea, including work on marine data, stakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing and cooperation.
At the Knowledge Corner, the MEDIGREEN team welcomed participants to explore a comprehensive poster presenting the project’s work. These conversations extended the previous day’s discussions, opening further opportunities to compare experiences and consider how results could be taken up in different contexts.
Bringing insights from the exchange events into the wider conference dialogue, Dr Martina Bocci contributed to the plenary panel “A Healthy and Resilient Black Sea”. Her intervention connected the exchanges with discussions on the future of the Black Sea, reinforcing the value of learning across sea basins.
Stronger connections and ideas for future cooperation
Together, the two days demonstrated the value of creating spaces where Mediterranean and Black Sea communities can learn from one another. They offered an opportunity to reflect on achievements, discuss implementation challenges and develop ideas for making better use of existing knowledge and project results.
The MEDIGREEN team returns to the Mediterranean with stronger friendships, new perspectives and ideas for continued collaboration.
We thank the organisers, speakers and participants for their contributions and for the open, constructive exchanges throughout both days.
