The team of Sozopol Municipality presented the results of the SCeNiC project and the progress of the Living Lab

On February 26, 2026 in the town of. The next workshop of the SCeNiC project (Sozopol-Chernomorets Eco-Innovation for St. Nicolas Port Cleanup) - Associated Region to RHE-MEDiation under Horizon Europe - Ocean and Water Restoration Mission was held on 26th of February 2026.

Environmental monitoring results presented

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

Analyses show:

- Normal seasonal dynamics of temperature and salinity, typical for the Southern Black Sea coast;

- pH in the standard alkaline marine range;

- Lack of long-term ecosystem degradation;

- Intermittent bottom oxygen stress events observed, with the „Midarnica“ area emerging as the most sensitive area“ 

Expert analysis indicates that the oxygen minima found are the result of local hydrodynamics and organic sedimentation rather than large-scale eutrophication.

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

The progress on the activation of the Living Lab was also reported during the event.

Prior to this meeting, preliminary information meetings have been 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 participants.

Five thematic sessions of the Living Lab have also been implemented, focusing on:

- Mapping environmental challenges;

- Analysis and interpretation of baseline data;

- Evaluation of technological solutions for pollution prevention at the port entrance;

- Development of a technical feasibility model;

- Developing a long-term strategy for sustainability and replication opportunities in the Black Sea region 

The model follows the principle of „prevention at source“ rather than „cleaning the whole basin“, with an emphasis on early identification of incoming polluted flows.

Long-term vision:

SCeNiC aims to turn the Sozopol - Chernomorets area into a demonstration area for smart and sustainable management of small fishing ports in the Black Sea. Indicative assessments show a potential for 10-20% reduction of fugitive inputs in the pilot area with the implementation of the recommended solutions 

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