Ukraine is strengthening cooperation with international partners to reduce pollution in the Black Sea and prepare investment solutions in water policy. These issues were central during a meeting between Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture, Iryna Ovcharenko, and representatives of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on implementing the GEF international technical assistance project “Blueing the Black Sea” (BBSEA) in Ukraine.
The parties discussed setting national priorities within BBSEA, the project’s technical framework, and organizing further interagency collaboration for effective implementation.
The “Blueing the Black Sea” project, officially launched in June 2025, is a regional initiative of the Global Environment Facility with a budget of $6.39 million USD. It is implemented by the World Bank with UNOPS participation and aims to enhance the readiness of Black Sea countries to systematically reduce marine pollution.
From 2024 to 2028, BBSEA will promote eco-innovation through international competitions, support participating countries—Georgia, Moldova, Turkey, and Ukraine—in improving regulatory frameworks and investment planning, and conduct analytical studies to prepare future investment projects.
The expected outcome is the implementation of modern eco-innovative solutions, strengthening legal and institutional frameworks in participating countries, and the creation of national investment plans to reduce Black Sea pollution.
Iryna Ovcharenko noted, “For Ukraine, participation in BBSEA opens opportunities to develop high-quality projects for restoring water resources and marine ecosystems, attract international funding, and enhance interagency coordination in water protection. This is a practical tool for moving from assessing environmental challenges to forming concrete investment solutions. Project implementation will strengthen the state’s institutional capacity in water management and support the restoration of Black Sea ecosystems.”
Following the meeting, the parties agreed on further coordination and developing next steps for the full launch of the project in Ukraine.
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is an operational agency of the UN system providing project management, procurement, and infrastructure services for governments and international partners. It supports the implementation of projects in sustainable development, recovery, climate, and environmental policy in over 80 countries worldwide.
