Under the H2020 BRIDGE-BS project, the 2nd round of Living Labs (LLs) were conducted across the designated pilot sites (PS) with the aim of establishing a common problem statement and co-designing a shared vision for the Black Sea’s future by the year 2050.

The first session of the second round of LLs commenced in Constanța, Romania, on February 28, 2023, in collaboration with NIMRD and GeoEcoMar. A total of 34 representatives from 22 institutions, representing the political, administrative, economic, business, civil society, NGO, education, and research sectors, engaged in discussions to articulate their collective vision for a thriving, resilient, productive, and sustainable Romania Pilot Site.

Subsequently, the second session was held in Varna, Bulgaria, on March 7, in collaboration with IO-BAS and IBER-BAS. The session brought together stakeholders and facilitators from universities, research institutes, regional and local administrations, business, and society. After covering the fundamentals of the BRIDGE-BS project and sharing insights from the first Living Lab, participants engaged in exercises to envision a more desirable future in the Bulgaria Pilot Site.

The second round of LLs continued with a session held jointly with the H2020 ARSINOE project on March 17 by BRIDGE-BS partners İstanbul University, TÜBİTAK MAM, and TUDAV. Through active group sessions, BRIDGE-BS stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise collectively envisioned a brighter future for the Bosphorus Pilot Sites, brimming with sustainable and innovative ideas. The essence of the day was captured in a film specifically produced for this session, revealing insights from BRIDGE-BS experts on the enlightening Living Lab journey.

Following this, the session held in Batumi, Georgia, by Tbilisi State University on April 7 brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including fisheries, tourism, environmental management, and conservation, to engage in a comprehensive dialogue aimed at advancing the sustainable development of the blue economy in the Georgia Pilot Site.

Finally, with the organization of Sinop University on May 17, stakeholders in Sinop, Türkiye, laid out a vision for thriving, sustainable marine and maritime sectors in a healthier Black Sea. With the participation of over 30 key stakeholders, they collaboratively defined marine ecosystem services within the Sinop Pilot Site, identified the multi-stressors affecting them, and collectively envisioned future objectives.

Through these Living Labs, the BRIDGE-BS project has fostered a collaborative environment where stakeholders from various sectors can share their expertise and perspectives, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for the Black Sea.