The International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS), in cooperation with the Research Service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, will host a dedicated hybrid round‑table discussion on the environmental impact of the war on the Black Sea, taking place in Athens on Friday 22 May 2026, from 10:00 to 12:00 EEST at the Moxy Athens City Hotel.
About the Event
The ongoing war has generated significant direct and indirect pressures on the Black Sea’s marine and coastal environment. From pollution and ecosystem disruption to long‑term risks for biodiversity and coastal communities, the environmental consequences are complex and far‑reaching.
This round‑table will bring together experts from policy, research and academia to exchange insights on the evolving situation and discuss coordinated approaches to monitoring, mitigation and recovery. The discussion aims to support a deeper understanding of the environmental dimensions of the conflict and to highlight the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding the ecological and economic resilience of the Black Sea.
The event will focus on three core objectives:
- Enhancing public understanding of the environmental consequences of military activities in the Black Sea
- Highlighting scientific efforts and practices that support evidence‑based actions and policy responses
- Fostering cooperation among regional stakeholders to advance mitigation and recovery efforts
Background
War-related environmental impacts have emerged as a critical concern for the Black Sea Region. Over the past years, BSAM partners and regional stakeholders have worked to better understand how conflict‑driven pollution, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted monitoring systems affect marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
As part of this broader effort, the 2025 BSAM Regional Roundtable on war‑related pollution highlighted the scale and complexity of emerging environmental risks, underscoring the need for coordinated scientific evidence, shared data and strengthened cooperation across borders. These insights provide important context for why the topic remains a regional priority and why continued dialogue is essential for supporting informed policy responses and long‑term resilience.
Practical Information
📍Venue: Moxy Athens City Hotel, Greece & online (hybrid event)
🗓️ Date: Friday 22 May 2026 - 10:00–12:00 EEST
Registration is now OPEN.
🔗 Follow this link to register for on-site participation
🔗 Follow this link to register for on-line participation
🔗More information can be found here
🔗Draft agenda: https://cts.vresp.com/c/?InternationalCentref/9f31e28766/8d937334fb/0aff2e7e01
Visit the event page regularly for the latest updates on the programme and practical arrangements.