ICZM in the Black Sea region: experience and perspectives

Sustainable development of the Black Sea countries is aimed at increase of living standards of population together with maintenance of the unique ecosystems in the region. This process is impossible without development of an efficient system of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in every state and at the regional level. Presence of similar social, economic, and ecological problems, most of them of transboundary character, calls for the necessity of close cooperation of all Black Sea states in creating and improving their national ICZM systems, and in finding also regional solutions. The ICZM activities in the Black Sea region date back to the signing of the Convention on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (Bucharest Convention) in 1992. The first steps and achievements in ICZM within the Black Sea region for 15 years are presented in this paper and further steps are outlined.