Ukraine strengthens cooperation with the UN as part of international Black Sea restoration project

Ukraine is stepping up cooperation with international partners to reduce pollution in the Black Sea and prepare investment decisions in the field of water policy. These issues were central during a meeting between Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Iryna Ovcharenko and representatives of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) regarding the implementation in Ukraine of the GEF international technical assistance project “Blueing the Black Sea” (BBSEA).

The parties discussed in detail the identification of national priorities within BBSEA, the project’s terms of reference, and the organisation of further inter-agency cooperation for its effective implementation.

The Blueing the Black Sea project, which officially launched in June 2025, is a regional initiative of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with a budget of USD 6.39 million. It is implemented by the World Bank with the participation of UNOPS and aims to enhance the preparedness of Black Sea region countries to systematically reduce marine water pollution.

Over the period 2024–2028, BBSEA envisages stimulating eco-innovation through international competitions, supporting the participating countries – Georgia, Moldova, Türkiye, and Ukraine – in improving their regulatory frameworks and investment planning. It also includes analytical studies to prepare future investment projects.

The expected outcome of the initiative is the introduction of modern eco-innovative solutions, the strengthening of legal and institutional frameworks in the participating countries, and the development of national investment plans to reduce Black Sea pollution.

“For Ukraine, participation in BBSEA opens up opportunities to prepare high-quality projects for the restoration of water resources and marine ecosystems, to attract international financing, and to strengthen inter-agency coordination in the field of water protection. This is a practical tool for moving from assessing environmental challenges to shaping specific investment decisions. The project’s implementation will bolster the state’s institutional capacity in water resources management and contribute to the restoration of Black Sea ecosystems,” noted Iryna Ovcharenko.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed on further coordination of efforts and the development of next steps for the full launch of the project in Ukraine.