Framework and Advancements in Black Sea Governance

The littoral states made considerable progress in coastal planning and management, leading to a more sustainable use of the coastal zone. They also agreed on the revival of existing management systems in compliance with ICZM principles in various ministerial declarations and strategic action plans, such as the Odessa Declaration (1993), the Strategic Action Plan for the Rehabilitation and Protection of the Black Sea, Istanbul (1996), and the new Strategic Action Plan for the Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation of the Black Sea, Sofia (2009). Environmental management of the Black Sea was further complicated by the fact that 9 of the 16 countries comprising the majority of its catchment were non-EU states (Langmead et.al., 2009)

At the same time, the region has seen significant socioeconomic growth and political change. With several countries joining the EU, directives were developed at the national, European, and Black Sea regional levels, raising awareness of water quality and issues surrounding ecosystem health. Of the more critical collaborative institutions and platforms that emerged were the Black Sea Commission (BSC) and the Common Maritime Agenda (CMA) initiative. They focused on areas such as monitoring and assessing pollution, controlling pollution from land-based sources, ensuring conservation of biological diversity, addressing environmental safety aspects of shipping, managing fisheries and other marine living resources, and promoting integrated coastal zone management and maritime policy (UNEP, 2022). The BSC has achieved significant milestones, such as adopting the Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter management during the 34th BSC Regular meeting in October 2018, and implementing the Black Sea Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (BSIMAP) for 2017-2022. BSIMAP addresses crucial transboundary environmental issues and establishes criteria for 'Good Environmental Status' and indicator-based monitoring requirements. Another regional development is the Corporate Social Responsibility Directive – a mandatory reporting mechanism for larger companies in Europe that have to report on standard ESG issues as part of their fiduciary responsibilities.

NBS Governance in the Black Sea at-a-glance

NBS governance encompasses the processes and mechanisms employed by state agencies at various tiers—regional, national, local, and river basin levels (operating within catchment areas). These agencies play a pivotal role in making decisions spanning planning, financing, construction, and operation of NBS projects. When investing in NBS, it becomes important to engage additional local entities such as farmers, farmers' associations, or local environmental NGOs. This, however, can introduce further administrative coordination challenges. The realm of actors involved in the entire lifecycle of NBS-related infrastructure, from planning and development to implementation, operation, maintenance, and utilization, is diverse and extensive within the Black Sea Region (Figure 3‑11). 

To establish effective water governance in connection with NBS, it is crucial to have well-defined policies and strategies concerning NBS, the capacity to secure funding from diverse sources, and robust multilevel cooperation. Additionally, enhanced regional cooperation and coordination for NBS initiatives play a pivotal role in achieving success.

Overview of Regional and Global Policies Regarding NBS

Land-based sources (LBS) of pollution account for more than 80 percent of marine pollution worldwide as well as in the Black Sea, mainly through agricultural runoff and wastewater treatment plant discharges. Below is a policy overview (Figure 3‑12) with a focus on protection of the Black Sea against pollution from land-based sources, reiterating conservation, eutrophication reduction, biodiversity habitats protection, and water quality improvement as primary areas for transboundary cooperation.

NBS in the EU Policy Agenda

Nature-based Solutions aimed at enhancing water security have been gradually incorporated into worldwide and EU policy frameworks, including ecosystem-based strategies and green infrastructure approaches. These frameworks encompass vital areas such as climate change adaptation, biodiversity preservation, and water quality improvement (as depicted in Figure 3‑13). Despite this alignment, these NBS concepts are not always explicitly reflected in the national strategies, roadmaps, or plans of the countries bordering the Black Sea.

On the biodiversity agenda, Green Infrastructure (as defined by the European Commission) encompasses strategically planned natural areas designed to provide various ecosystem services, including water purification, air quality improvement, recreation space, and climate mitigation and adaptation. This approach not only supports climate change adaptation and water security but also promotes the green economy, ecosystem resilience, job creation, and biodiversity enhancement, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals. The EU's Green Deal emphasizes the importance of enhancing climate resilience and securing investments in Nature-based Solutions (NBS), underscoring the shift towards more sustainable practices.

Various other EU policy frameworks also support the adoption of NBS for water security. Although the EU Water Framework Directive doesn't explicitly mention NBS, it indirectly supports various NBS approaches aimed at achieving favorable ecological conditions for water bodies. Additionally, the Common Agricultural Policy influences biodiversity and climate through environmental investments, including mandatory greening measures like crop diversification and grassland preservation. Both the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Water Framework Directive target pollution pressures and share measures to address issues such as eutrophication, contaminants, and biodiversity loss in coastal and territorial waters.

The European Commission's emphasis on Nature-based Solutions and green infrastructure as alternatives to traditional grey infrastructure is reflected in documents such as the "Blueprint to Safeguard Europe's Water Resources” (EUR-Lex, 2022). These alternatives, including riparian area restoration and wetland preservation, offer benefits such as water retention, biodiversity support, and flood and drought prevention. Specifically for climate change adaptation and water security, green infrastructure solutions can support green economy and ecosystem resilience, create job opportunities, enhance biodiversity, thereby contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6, 14, 15, 3 and 8. In addition, the Green Deal, cites the need to strengthen efforts on climate-proofing, prevention and preparedness as well as ensuring public and private investment in NbS.^[1]

Government Commitments to Scale Up NBS to Address Climate Change

Nations and global entities are increasingly recognizing the pivotal role of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) in addressing a spectrum of environmental challenges.