Experts from Green Balkans presented the EOL project at the 36th edition of the European Cetacean Society (ECS) conference, which is being held for the first time in the Azores. This is the largest scientific forum for 2025 dedicated to the study and conservation of whales and dolphins. The event brought together experts from all over the world in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean - over 700 people from 52 countries.
The EOL project was presented at the conference with a poster. The poster session of the conference really aroused great interest. We exchanged ideas and experiences with colleagues working in the field of increasing marine and environmental literacy. Participation in a workshop dedicated to marine literacy was also particularly useful. There, together with colleagues from other countries, specific case studies were examined, including those from the Black Sea, and solutions and approaches for them were considered.
The Azores can serve as an example for any country in the world with access to the sea. An example of how the protection of nature and the harmony between man and marine life is a source not only of abundant resources and cleanliness, but also of enormous tourist potential. Proof that a sustainable attitude towards wildlife brings benefits to the whole society. In 1987, the last sperm whale was caught near the Azores. Today, whale watching is thriving there, and millions of people from all over the world flock to enjoy the breathtaking views for a moment. And with the help of local institutions, the Azores are now confidently moving towards declaring a network of strict marine protected areas covering 30% of their EEZ (that's an area almost the size of the entire Black Sea) - the largest marine protected area in the North Atlantic!
Remember, wildlife is the source of all the resources our society needs! To continue to provide these resources, wildlife needs all of its components functioning in balance. Protect it!
The participation took place within the framework of project BSB00432 "Environmental Education and Marine Literacy in the Black Sea Basin", co-financed by the EU through the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin 2021-2027 program.
The EOL project was presented at the conference with a poster. The poster session of the conference really aroused great interest. We exchanged ideas and experiences with colleagues working in the field of increasing marine and environmental literacy. Participation in a workshop dedicated to marine literacy was also particularly useful. There, together with colleagues from other countries, specific case studies were examined, including those from the Black Sea, and solutions and approaches for them were considered.
The Azores can serve as an example for any country in the world with access to the sea. An example of how the protection of nature and the harmony between man and marine life is a source not only of abundant resources and cleanliness, but also of enormous tourist potential. Proof that a sustainable attitude towards wildlife brings benefits to the whole society. In 1987, the last sperm whale was caught near the Azores. Today, whale watching is thriving there, and millions of people from all over the world flock to enjoy the breathtaking views for a moment. And with the help of local institutions, the Azores are now confidently moving towards declaring a network of strict marine protected areas covering 30% of their EEZ (that's an area almost the size of the entire Black Sea) - the largest marine protected area in the North Atlantic!
Remember, wildlife is the source of all the resources our society needs! To continue to provide these resources, wildlife needs all of its components functioning in balance. Protect it!
The participation took place within the framework of project BSB00432 "Environmental Education and Marine Literacy in the Black Sea Basin", co-financed by the EU through the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin 2021-2027 program.
