The BRIDGE-BS project took center stage at the Black Sea Common Maritime Agenda Stakeholder Conference 2024, held in Moldova on 11-12 September 2024, as one of the leading research and innovation projects in the Black Sea region. With project coordinators Baris Salihoglu and Mustafa Yucel in attendance, the Black Sea CMA Stakeholder Conference highlighted BRIDGE-BS’s pivotal role in advancing sustainable development and marine conservation.

“The Black Sea is a synonym for Blue Economy!”
At the event, BRIDGE-BS Coordinator Baris Salihoglu gave a keynote speech, emphasizing the project’s critical contribution to stakeholder engagement in addressing the Black Sea’s multi-stressors. He also underscored the joint efforts between BRIDGE-BS and DOORS Black Sea to implement the Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA), in alignment with the Common Maritime Agenda (CMA) goals.

Insights from the Black Sea Accelerator
The event also featured the Black Sea Accelerator, a joint initiative by BRIDGE Black Sea and DOORS Black Sea. Kubilay Yıldırım (QBIONTECH), Roger Preston (Tresoil), and Sorina Uleia (Recycllux) of the Black Sea Accelerator shared their perspectives on advancing sustainable business practices in the Blue Economy across the Black Sea region. The Black Sea Accelerator also received an ‘Honourable Mention’ at CMA 2024, as it is dedicated to fostering business creation, marine innovation, and the development of new marine-based technologies for sustainable economic growth.

Showcasing BRIDGE Black Sea Digital Twin Ocean Demonstrator
Moreover, BRIDGE Black Sea showcased its pioneering Digital Twin Ocean (DTO) Demonstrator during the event’s poster session. As one of the leading ocean demonstrators in the region, the BRIDGE-BS DTO plays a significant role in contributing to the Black Sea SRIA and its Implementation Plan, paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable future for the Black Sea.

BRIDGE-BS continues to set a strong example in marine research and innovation, positioning the Black Sea at the forefront of the Blue Economy and sustainable development efforts.