Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation (BBF) and the Center for Coastal and Marine Research (CCMR) organized a meeting of the Local Working Group for the demonstration area Burgas Bay within the framework of the European project BLUE CONNECT.

Main goal: presentation and discussion of scientifically sound tools, models, and analyses for Burgas Bay, as well as validation of their relevance for the conservation and restoration of marine protected areas (MPAs).

The BLUE CONNECT project: improving the conservation, restoration, and management of marine ecosystems by 2030. It covers 12 demonstration areas.

Validation results: development of a structured manual (Blueprint) for the sustainable management of MPAs.

Participants: representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Water, Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water, Bulgarian Development Organization, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research - BAS, Municipality of Burgas, Green Balkans, and others.

Diana Kostovska (BBF): Presented an integrated operational framework for formulating environmental goals for the conservation of MPAs.

Hristo Stanchev (CCMR): Presented an analysis of the structural connectivity of seagrass meadows.

Spas Uzunov (BBF): Presented the regulatory framework for the management of MPAs.

Thematic maps: visualized the main types of pressure (maritime transport, pollution) and their impact on marine mammals, seagrass habitats, and reefs.

Discussions: topics discussed included the impact of threats, eutrophication, trawling, wastewater treatment, and coordination between institutions.

Conclusion: shared expertise is key to effective solutions for environmental protection.