Celebrating the Black Sea: MARMAPS Photo Contest Highlights Marine Conservation Efforts
The Black Sea Network of NGOs has launched a captivating regional photo contest too mark International Black Sea Day. This initiative is part of the broader MARMAPS project, formally known as the “Environmental Open Access Electronic Portfolio for Joint Marine Spatial Planning and Protection of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems in the Black Sea Basin.” Supported by the Interreg NEXT program “Black Sea Basin” 2021 – 2027, the contest aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the Black Sea’s unique ecosystems.
The rules and participation forms are available on the project’s dedicated photo contest page, accessible in multiple languages to encourage widespread participation. Whether you’re fluent in English, Bulgarian, Romanian, or Ukrainian, you can join this inspiring initiative and showcase the beauty of the Black Sea through your lens.
A Collaborative Effort for Marine Conservation
The MARMAPS project brings together a diverse group of partners, including the Black Sea Network of Non-Governmental Organizations (bulgaria), the “Aristotle” University of Thessaloniki (Greece), the “Mare Nostrum” NGO (Romania), and the Black Sea Branch of the Ukrainian Ecological Academy of Sciences. This collaboration underscores the regional commitment to addressing the environmental challenges facing the Black Sea.
With a total budget of 498,358 euros and a duration of 18 months, MARMAPS focuses on creating digital tools for collaborative spatial planning and marine biodiversity restoration. The project aligns with the objectives set by the EU and the Convention on biological Diversity,aiming to enhance conservation capacity and protect the region’s natural heritage.
Raising Awareness Through Art
The photo contest is more than just a creative endeavor—it’s a powerful tool for raising public awareness about the importance of biological diversity and the protection of Black Sea ecosystems. By engaging the public, MARMAPS hopes to foster a deeper connection to the marine environment and inspire action toward it’s conservation.
“The photo contest under the project is one of the means of raising public awareness of the importance of biological diversity and the protection of Black Sea ecosystems,” the organizers explain.It also builds on the tradition of cooperation among partners,promoting their joint platforms and open access IT tools designed to support decision-making and engage the regional public in marine biodiversity conservation issues.
key Details of the MARMAPS Project
| aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Project Name | MARMAPS (Environmental Open Access Electronic Portfolio) |
| Duration | 18 months |
| Budget | 498,358 euros |
| Partners | Black Sea network of NGOs,Aristotle University,Mare Nostrum NGO,Ukrainian Ecological Academy |
| Objective | Protect and promote conservation of biodiversity and natural heritage |
| photo Contest | Regional initiative to raise awareness about Black Sea ecosystems |
Join the Movement
The MARMAPS photo contest is an chance to celebrate the Black Sea’s beauty while contributing to its preservation.Participants are encouraged to submit their entries and share their perspectives on the region’s marine ecosystems.
For more details and to participate, visit the photo contest page in your preferred language:
let’s come together to protect the black Sea and ensure its biodiversity thrives for generations to come.