Taranto, Italy - 19-22 October 2025.
A delegation from the Municipality of Sozopol visited the Institute for the Study of Anthropogenic Impacts and Sustainability of the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS) in Taranto as part of the project SCeNiC - Sozopol-Chernomorets Eco-Innovation for St. Nicolas Port Cleanup. The mission took place in the framework of the initiative RHE-MEDiation Mediterranean Lighthouse, which supports the exchange of knowledge and innovative practices for marine ecosystem restoration.
The visit focused on the application of RHE-MEDiation methodologies in port „St. Nikola“ in Chernomorets, designated as a Bulgarian demonstration site. During the four-day programme, the Bulgarian team participated in technical meetings, field visits and demonstrations of innovative solutions for water quality improvement, sediment remediation and floating waste collection. Experts from CNR-IAS Taranto, including Dr. Magda Di Leo и Dr. Marcella Narachi, presented pilot systems and monitoring tools that are currently being tested in the port areas of Taranto.
Discussions focused on the harmonisation of monitoring approaches between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, as well as on the development of the SCeNiC methodological framework, including ecological status assessment, technology feasibility modelling and engagement through the Living Lab. The exchange strengthened collaboration between the two institutions and laid the groundwork for future training, joint activities and coordinated data collection and analysis protocols.
The mission also highlighted the successful model of citizen participation in Taranto, which will inspire the creation of a Living Lab - Chernomorets, supporting citizen participation in port management and raising environmental awareness in the region.
The delegation from Sozopol expressed gratitude for the hospitality and professional support provided by the CNR-IAS Taranto team. The knowledge gained will have a direct impact on the forthcoming activities and outcomes of the SCeNiC project and will contribute to the achievement of the wider objectives of the The EU mission „Restoring our oceans and waters by 2030“