International Black Sea Day celebrated in Kuban on October 31
History of the holiday
International Black Sea Day is an environmental holiday celebrated annually on October 31 in the countries of the Black Sea basin. The holiday was established in 1996 by the Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (BSC).
The purpose of the holiday is to draw public attention to the problems of the Black Sea and to promote international cooperation in its protection. The Black Sea is a unique ecosystem that is home to a variety of plant and animal life. However, the sea is also threatened by pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
Environmental problems of the Black Sea
The Black Sea is one of the most polluted seas in the world. Pollution comes from a variety of sources, including industrial wastewater, agricultural runoff, and sewage. Pollution can cause a variety of problems for marine life, including:
- Death
- Disease
- Reproductive problems
Overfishing is another major problem facing the Black Sea. Fishing pressure has led to a decline in fish stocks, which has had a negative impact on the entire marine ecosystem.
Climate change is also a threat to the Black Sea. Rising sea levels are causing coastal erosion, and changes in water temperature are affecting marine life. Climate change is also expected to increase the frequency and severity of storms, which can damage coastal infrastructure and kill marine life.
International cooperation to protect the Black Sea
The countries of the Black Sea basin have been working together to protect the sea since the early 1990s. In 1992, they adopted the Convention on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution. The convention provides a framework for cooperation on a variety of issues, including pollution control, fisheries management, and climate change adaptation.
The countries of the Black Sea basin have also established a number of regional organizations to promote cooperation on environmental issues. These organizations include the Black Sea Commission (BSC), the Black Sea Environmental Programme (BSEP), and the Black Sea Regional Cooperation (BSRC).
What can you do to help protect the Black Sea?
There are a number of things that you can do to help protect the Black Sea, including:
- Reduce your pollution
- Support sustainable fishing practices
- Educate others about the importance of protecting the Black Sea
By taking these simple steps, you can help protect the Black Sea for future generations.