The Second Training of Trainers meeting organized within the framework of the “Environmental and Marine Literacy in the Black Sea Basin Project” co-financed under the European Union’s Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin 2021-2027 Program was successfully held in Burgas, Bulgaria between 26-29 May 2025.
The project is carried out in partnership with Yuva Association from Turkey, Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN) from Greece and Green Balkans from Bulgaria. The EOL Project aims to strengthen regional cooperation for a sustainable future in harmony with nature by increasing environmental and marine literacy in countries bordering the Black Sea.
A total of 30 people from three countries participated in this second training meeting in Burgas. In addition to sharing knowledge in the field of environmental education, the participants created an environment of intercultural interaction. Coming together with different languages, traditions and perspectives, the participants had the opportunity to experience in the field the importance of meeting on common values for the protection of the Black Sea.
During the interactive sessions organized as part of the program, participants visited Lake Atanasovsko, one of the most important wetlands in Bulgaria. Known for its biodiversity, this ecosystem offered participants hands-on learning about bird migration routes, ecological balance and habitat conservation.
Another stop of the educational trip was the fishing village of Chengene Skele (Gypsy Pier), located 15 km south of Burgas. The participants learned about the historical and cultural heritage of the region and observed the centuries-old fishing culture in the Black Sea. During the visit, the participants had direct contact with local people and experienced first-hand the importance of preserving traditional ties to the sea and local knowledge.
Through workshops, group discussions and field trips during the four-day program, there was a strong exchange of knowledge and experience among the trainers. At the same time, the dialogues between participants from different countries revealed that environmental cooperation has not only an ecological but also a social and cultural dimension.
Such educational meetings organized within the scope of the project, which aims to develop a common awareness and sense of responsibility for the future of the Black Sea, constitute an important basis for sustainable development and environmentally friendly approaches among the countries in the region.
