A former First Minister of Scotland, Jack McConnell, has been appointed to lead an international group called Developing Optimal and Open Research Support for the Black Sea (DOORS). This group’s goal is to drive the regeneration of communities in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries located on the coast of the Black Sea, including Ukraine.
The Black Sea Strategic Action Plan, signed 28 years ago, aims to improve the lives of the 16 million people living near the Black Sea in six countries. The DOORS Black Sea Special Interest Group, coordinated by the University of Stirling, will focus on exploring innovative investment opportunities in the blue economy in countries like Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine.
The membership of the group includes prominent figures like former Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky, former NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson, and Galina Teleucă, Deputy Mayor of Jurilovca, Romania. These individuals have witnessed exemplary investments in blue economy infrastructure in coastal communities.
Lord McConnell, the Chair of the Special Interest Group, emphasized the untapped economic potential of the Black Sea region and the need to develop sustainable economic prospects that benefit both people and the planet. The group will focus on themes like renewables, tourism, and aquaculture to promote employment, investment, energy security, food security, and environmental sustainability.
In addition to exploring renewable energy, sustainable tourism, and fish and seafood farming, the group will also consider innovative technologies to better understand the region’s environment. The goal is to create a portfolio of investment opportunities to be published in spring 2025, connecting entrepreneurs with investors.
The DOORS Black Sea Special Interest Group, formed as part of a €9 million EU-funded research project, involves the University of Stirling and 34 partners from the Black Sea states and Europe. Professor Andrew Tyler, a member of the group, highlighted the importance of leveraging new technologies to support economic development, address environmental challenges, and promote sustainable practices.
Amidst challenges like conflict and climate change, the group aims to support economic recovery and stability in the Black Sea region. Former Bulgarian Minister Nadezhda Neynsky stressed the need for investment in security through prosperity and partnership to create new opportunities for the region’s people, businesses, and communities.
Ultimately, the DOORS initiative seeks to drive positive change in the Black Sea region, fostering economic growth, environmental sustainability, and community development through strategic investments and collaborative efforts.