26 October 2010
In order to protect the Black Sea from pollution and other adverse effects, on April 21st 1992, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, the Russian Federation, Turkey and Ukraine signed the Convention on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (Bucharest Convention) which was ratified by all signatories by 1994. For the effective implementation of the Bucharest Convention, its member states adopted the Black Sea Strategic Action Plan, on October 31st 1996, and hence, this date has since been celebrated as the “International Black Sea Action Day”. International Black Sea Action Day comprises both national and regional activities designed to raise public awareness of the ongoing regional cooperation involved in protecting the Black Sea.
This year’s regional ‘International Black Sea Day’ activities have been organized in Trabzon jointly by the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the Permanent Secretariat of the Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution.
Whilst the overall aim of Black Sea Day is to increase awareness of the need to protect this invaluable sea, in pursuing this goal, this year’s activities are additionally aimed at:
• Informing and involving the general public in the activities which aim to protect the Black Sea against pollution, in particular for oil spills.
• Creating a platform whereby all national and international stakeholders could share information for the sustainable use of the Black Sea.
During our International Black Sea Day Activities, you will be witnessing the launch of the Black Sea Box (an entertaining and effective educational tool for both teachers and students alike to enhance knowledge and therefore appreciation of the seas, particularly the Black Sea, marine life as well as our surrounding environment and nature). In addition you will be able to marvel at the strikingly beautiful ‘Black Sea Underwater Photography Exhibition’ by renowned underwater photographer and underwater video filming director Mr. Tahsin Ceylan as well as exhibition of the Association for Underwater Cleaning and Educating on Marine Litter.
Together with many more events, we hope you will enjoy the Black Sea Day celebrations and leave feeling inspired, informed and determined to help us to ensure protection of this unique sea…