The project employs a multidisciplinary and integrative approach regarding the problematics of civil and military marine pollution, in a large area of the Black Sea, that includes the coastal areas, tributary rivers mouths, and principal lagoons of Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey;
• A common assessment methodology for pollutant determination (emerging pollutants, microplastics, pesticides, underwater noise, trace elements, etc.);
• An identification and assessment methodology for new contaminants related to armed conflicts;
• A methodology for the quantification of the armed conflict contribution to the actual level of underwater noise pollution and its impact on biodiversity;
• Identification of efficient, mobile innovative solutions for decontamination for areas affected by armed conflict-related pollution;
• Identification of the methodology to establish the armed conflict contribution to bioaccumulation;
• The results will be shared with national, regional or local stakeholders to develop reliable and updated protocols, methodologies, and strategies in order to posses decision tools that respond to the novel contaminant issues of the Black Sea basin;
• Through this project, the consortium team will deliver innovative and updated solutions and training curricula complementary programs that respond to the needs of relevant stakeholders for certification in novel pollution events assessment and management, such as armed conflict-related and emerging pollution. The training will include involvement from authorities or economic actors, as well as from public representatives of coastal communities, that are significantly affected by marine pollution. More than identifying and evaluating the current situation of Black Sea pollution, the project will also research and identify concrete remedial solutions to reduce or eliminate current and future pollution.
• The complementary sustainable management plan developed within this project for remedial solutions for effected environments will serve as a benchmark for interested parties;
• The training curricula developed throughout the results of this project's implementation addresses social inclusion and equity issues, addressing not only the relevant decision-making and interested economic entities, but as well emphasizes raising awareness within coastal communities regarding current and novel pollution events, particularly those resulting from recent armed conflicts. Wide access will be facilitated to those seeking specialized certification;
• The social dimension of the project is addressed by facilitating those interested in acquiring novel professional skills that respond to emerging issues regarding marine pollution, and stimulate their career development, hence creating new employment prospects for underprivileged populations (young environmental researchers or students starting their careers, the most affected coastal communities by forms of impact addressed thereby, equity no matter the gender, etc). Equality of opportunities is granted by ensuring free access for people with disabilities (audio-video support accompanying information and promotion materials, accessible meeting locations, young people and gender-equal treatment for participation in the strategy process, pilot programs, and complementary measures);
• This will include, but will not be limited to, a high level of participation from key stakeholders, therefore assuring strong support to continue providing training courses after the ending of the project;
• Significant result dissemination events, such as national and international scientific events, public meetings with key stakeholders, relevant media events, and conferences;
• Newsletters, national newspapers, and updates on the participating entities (project partners)' social media and websites;
• Developing ideas for future cooperation with existing organizations and private sector initiatives;
• Contacting relevant media to request appearances that promote awareness on marine pollution, with a focus on contaminants related to armed conflict;
• Publication of multilingual handbooks of good practices and methodological guides.