Research in ocean literacy and climate change

The Black Sea, one of Europe’s most unique and vulnerable marine basins, faces increasing pressures from climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable practices. Rising sea temperatures, altered salinity, and invasive species are already affecting ecosystems and communities. These challenges threaten the sustainability of fisheries, coastal livelihoods, and regional stability. To address these urgent issues, this proposal focuses on strengthening ocean literacy as a foundation for effective marine protection and climate adaptation in the Black Sea region. Ocean literacy empowering citizens, educators, policymakers, and stakeholders with knowledge about the ocean’s role in climate and human well-being is key to fostering collective responsibility and sustainable solutions. The initiative aims to: Promote Ocean Literacy: Develop education and outreach programmes in schools, universities, and coastal communities; enhance citizen engagement through citizen science and digital platforms; and foster awareness of the ocean–climate nexus. Support Marine Protection: Strengthen monitoring of marine biodiversity, habitats, and pollution; support the establishment and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs); and encourage cross-border cooperation among Black Sea states. Address Climate Change Impacts: Advance research and innovation to assess climate risks (e.g. coastal erosion, hypoxia, ecosystem shifts); promote nature-based solutions for climate adaptation; and integrate climate resilience into regional marine policies. Foster Regional Collaboration: Build synergies with existing frameworks, such as the Black Sea Commission, EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”, and ACCOBAMS, to ensure coherent, transboundary approaches to marine sustainability. By combining ocean literacy, marine protection, and climate resilience, this initiative seeks to position the Black Sea as a model region for implementing the EU International Ocean Governance Agenda and the European Green Deal. It will contribute directly to the EU’s objectives of safeguarding a clean, healthy, productive, and resilient ocean, while empowering citizens and stakeholders to act as partners in marine sustainability.