On 30April 2024, Istanbul hosted a national event titled "Research and Innovation for the Development of Blue Growth in Healthy and Resilient Ecosystems of the Black Sea" to envision a sustainable marine ecosystem by 2050. Co-organised by the Turkish National Hub, this event was part of the Common Maritime Agenda (CMA) in My Country events series and fell under the Bridge Black Sea Living Labs.
Bringing together over 30 participants representing diverse sectors including the private sector, public sector, funding institutions, academia, research institutions, and national authorities, the event provided an interactive platform for defining objectives, actions, expected impact, and future scenarios for the Black Sea’s sustainable blue economy.
The event drew from the successful format tested under the Bridge Black Sea Living Lab series and focused among others on the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin programme, given the importance of this instrument to maximise Türkiye's access to EU funding under the 2nd call for proposals of the programme. It highlighted success stories from other projects to inspire future applicants and advance the priorities outlined in the CMA and the Black Sea SRIA. Moreover, the event identified synergies with other EU programmes being implemented within the country.
The collaboration with the BRIDGE-Black Sea Living Lab provides stakeholders with opportunities to obtain funding for innovative eco-solutions. These solutions are tailored to the local ecosystem services, addressing both current and future multi-stressors through a creative and participatory approach. The interdisciplinary nature of the event dismantles sectoral barriers and explores alternative governance models, integrating insights from both physical and socio-economic sciences.
Overall, the event helped foster collaboration and innovation in advancing blue economy initiatives within the Black Sea region. It showcased Türkiye's commitment to sustainable marine ecosystem development and its proactive engagement in EU-led initiatives aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and economic growth in the Black Sea.