Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder analysis identifies key individuals, groups, or institutions influencing NBS initiatives. Engaging stakeholders at various levels enhances project performance and impact, addressing socio-cultural, environmental, and economic needs in the region. The methodology included reviewing Black Sea groups, organizations, and research on pollution. Relevant stakeholders were identified to facilitate national and regional dialogues on NBS selection and adoption. A Mendelow matrix (see Figure 4‑3 for an example) classifies stakeholders based on influence and interest in NBS issues, aiding in stakeholder identification and project support or opposition assessment.

Show image fullscreen

The following groups have been identified as stakeholders with whom the project needs to engage with:

1. Regional Stakeholders (Organisations/Programs/Projects)

• Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution:

• • AC PMA _ Activity Center of Polllution Monitoring and Assessment, Odessa, Ukraine;

  • AC LBS_ Control of Pollution from Land Based Sources, Istanbul, Turkey;

  • AC IDM Information and Data Management, Permanent Secretariat, Istanbul, Turkey.

• Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC PERMIS):

• • Black Sea Blue Economy Community;

  • Black Sea Environmental Programme;

  • The Black Sea Virtual Knowledge Centre (BSVKC);

  • Black Sea Assistance Mechanism;

  • Common Maritime Agenda (CMA);

  • Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA).

• FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia.

• Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), European Commission.

2. National stakeholders:

• Ministries, Committees and Agencies, responsible for economic development, water and land resources management, attracting investments and environmental protection;

• Formed Inter-Sectoral Working Groups working on inter-sectoral thematic (Green Economy, Climate Change).

3. International Financial Institutions:

• The World Bank;

• European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD);

• Asian Development Bank (ADB);

• European Investment Bank (EIB);

• Black Sea Trade & Development Bank.

4. Expert community:

• National experts;

• NGOs;

• Key Universities;

• Scientific Research Institutes;

• EU COST projects.

5. Local Stakeholders:

• Associations of (Agricultural) Water Users / Farmers associations.

A structured approach to stakeholder engagement was employed to facilitate effective communication and collaboration in initiatives addressing environmental and economic challenges in the BSR. Key regional partners included the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation and the Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution, along with relevant advisory groups. Ministries overseeing environmental, agricultural, and water management were primary national partners, with foreign affairs ministries coordinating regional efforts. Local engagement focused on expert communities, like scientific organizations, crucial for capacity building and knowledge dissemination. International financial institutions were identified as pivotal stakeholders for economic development and regional collaboration in the BSR. They contribute through avenues such as project finance lending and equity participation in member country enterprises.