The 4th of May, the Implementation Plan for the Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) was launched during a dedicated conference in the European Parliament, hosted by MEP Marian-Jean Marinescu.
The event featured the participation of the European Commission, EU and partner countries, regional organisations, and the cohort of the Black Sea Young Ambassadors, which in the event represented the passion and hopes of the future generations.
The SRIA Implementation Plan, prepared by the Horizon 2020 Coordination and Support Action Black Sea (CONNECT) in agreement with national governments of the region, will set the foundational work for protecting unique habitats and the health of the Black Sea, while supporting the development of sea-based sectors, boosting the local blue economy.
The Implementation Plan includes specifically designed research and innovation actions, aimed at building vital support systems and innovative research infrastructure, enhancing education, and building, developing and strengthening capacity. The Implementation Plan of the SRIA, as scientific pillar of the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea, offers a framework for academia, funding organisations, industry, policy makers, and society to address the fundamental challenges of the Black Sea through strategic joint actions.
The shared objectives and activities set in the Implementation Plan will build on synergies with existing EU strategic initiatives, such as Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters, and in particular its Danube-Black Sea lighthouse, and the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, and will contribute to the EU Global Approach to R&I as an example of science diplomacy and regional scientific cooperation initiative.
To mark the official launch of the plan, CORDIS has published The Black Sea: Cross-border research for a healthy and productive region, a new leaflet showing how EU-funded research projects of the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe Framework Programmes, including the first projects for the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters, are helping ensure a healthy, resilient and sustainable Black Sea.
Background
The Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA), was launched in 2019.
The SRIA aims to advance a shared vision for a productive, healthy, resilient and sustainable Black Sea by 2030, while considering the special and unique ecosystem characteristics of it. In particular, its unique biodiversity, cultural heritage sites and the new local, national and transboundary policy measures.
It will focus on four key areas: to address fundamental Black Sea research challenges; to boost the Black Sea Blue Economy; to develop innovative infrastructures and to enhance blue workforce through education for new marine and maritime jobs and engaging citizens.
Source: European Commission | Research and Innovation (https://bit.ly/41g5CsB)