On February 26, 2026, a working meeting was held in Sozopol on the SCeNiC project (Sozopol–Chernomorets Eco-Innovation for St. Nicolas Port Cleanup) – an associated region to RHE-MEDiation under the Horizon Europe Programme – Mission “Restore our oceans and waters”.

The project is being implemented in the period 2025–2026, with a subgrant value of 100,000 euros, and covers the pilot area of Sozopol – Chernomorets. Its main goal is the assessment and demonstration of the technical feasibility for the application of innovative solutions to reduce chemical pollution in small fishing ports on the Black Sea coast.

Results from the environmental monitoring presented

During the meeting, data from the measurements and sampling carried out in four main points were presented: the port areas of Sozopol and Chernomorets, the area of “Petrified Forest”, “Midarnika” and the underwater wall between Sozopol and St. Ivan Island

The analyzes show:

The expert analysis indicates that the established minimum oxygen values ​​are more the result of local hydrodynamics and organic sedimentation than of large-scale eutrophication.

Report of the information meetings and 5 sessions of the Living Lab

 

Within the framework of the event, the progress in activating the Living Lab was also reported.

Prior to the current meeting, preliminary information meetings were held in a small format with representatives of fishermen, port operators, scientific experts and the local administration. This approach has allowed the identification of real local problems and the building of trust between the participants.

Five thematic sessions of the Living Lab have also been realized, focused on:

The model follows the principle of “prevention at source” rather than “cleaning the entire basin”, focusing on the early identification of incoming polluted flows.

Long-term vision

 

SCeNiC aims to transform the Sozopol – Chernomorets area into a demonstration zone for intelligent and sustainable management of small fishing ports in the Black Sea. Indicative assessments indicate the potential for a 10–20% reduction in diffuse incoming pollution in the pilot area by applying the recommended solutions

The project creates a basis for upgrading to Burgas and Varna bays, as well as to the northern Black Sea coast, through integration into regional monitoring and strategic planning programs.