On March 26, 2025, the National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa” (NIMRD) organised a central workshop in Constanța, Romania, to validate the final results of the MSP4BIO project – Improved Science-Based Maritime Spatial Planning to Safeguard and Restore Biodiversity in a Coherent European MPA Network.
The event was held back-to-back with the Stakeholders’ Meeting of the BS-SEOS project – Black Sea Smart Marine Environmental Outcome System, reinforcing synergies between Horizon Europe and Interreg initiatives working to improve marine environmental governance and biodiversity in the Black Sea.
Strengthening Science-Based Maritime Spatial Planning for Biodiversity
The MSP4BIO workshop provided an opportunity to discuss and validate the outcomes developed over the course of the project, with particular focus on the Romanian Western Black Sea Case Study and contributions from the Community of Practice (CoP) members. These insights will support the development of a coherent and resilient network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) aligned with EU Biodiversity Strategy goals.
Showcasing Innovation: BS-SEOS and Smart Monitoring of the Black Sea
The BS-SEOS project, funded by the (Interreg VI-B) NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme) was also in the spotlight. Its objective: to enhance the ecological status of the Black Sea by deploying innovative technologies, including smart buoys and autonomous surface vehicles. These tools are used to collect, harmonise, and continuously monitor key parameters of the marine environment—such as temperature, salinity, oxygen, chlorophyll-a, pH, and seabed bathymetry.
A Cross-Sectoral Gathering of Over 80 Participants
The event brought together more than 80 participants representing a wide range of institutions and sectors, including:
- Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests
- Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration
- Permanent Secretariat of the Black Sea Commission
- National Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Maritime Ports Administration
- Maritime Hydrographic Directorate
- Regional and local authorities
- Economic sectors
- Academic institutions (researchers, professors, students)
- Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
The Western Black Sea (Romanian part) Community of Practice was actively involved, with several members or institutional representatives present and contributing to the discussion.
Highlighting Complementary Black Sea Projects
The workshop also featured presentations of complementary initiatives active in the region, including:
- FOCCUS project – Insights from Dr. Emanuela Mihailov of the Maritime Hydrographic Directorate (and MSP4BIO CoP member)
- BLUE CONNECT, with a focus on the Central Romanian Coast Demonstration Site and gathering the perception of stakeholders concerning Marine Protected Areas and transition to strict protection.
- SafeBless project – Integration of Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) data into operational services for Safe Navigation and Marine Spatial Planning
- Exemple of best practises in Designation of Areas Allocated for Aquaculture (AZA) on the Romanian coastline
These synergies underscore the growing ecosystem of projects and actors committed to marine protection, data sharing, and integrated planning in the Black Sea.
Looking Ahead
The collaborative setting of the workshop created a fertile ground for knowledge exchange and future alignment among regional and European marine initiatives. As MSP4BIO approaches its final stages, the validation of results and integration with ongoing efforts like BS-SEOS mark a critical step forward in shaping evidence-based, inclusive, and cross-sectoral maritime spatial planning for biodiversity restoration.
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