BG02 INTEGRATED MARINE AND INLAND WATER MANAGEMENT

Why is the programme needed? 
Maintaining good environmental status of marine and inland waters is essential for Bulgaria. It will ensure that the resources that these ecosystems provide are maintained along with the economic and social benefits deriving from them. Monitoring and assessing the environmental status and trends will provide the necessary background for appropriate plans and activities that will protect these ecosystems and the services they provide. It will also increase the likelihood that a gradual degradation of these ecosystems is discovered before their impact is irretrievable or comes at a high economic and social cost. The Black Sea is a vulnerable ecosystem that needs to be adequately monitored to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to keep it healthy. Protecting the ecosystem of the Black Sea is interlinked with inland water management. The programme will contribute towards improved monitoring and management plans, thereby providing the background needed to maintain good environmental status of marine and inland waters in Bulgaria.

What will the programme achieve? 
The programme will, through the development and implementation of countrywide marine and water management tools and monitoring activities, contribute towards the improvement of the environmental status of marine and inland waters in Bulgaria. The programme focuses on improved monitoring of marine waters, and on increasing the capacity for assessing and predicting the environmental status of marine and inland waters. The programme also includes activities that will cater for a better integration of water management in relevant policy areas, including a pre-defined project on a geographic information system for water management and reporting.

How will it be achieved? 
The programme will be focused on outcomes targeting marine and inland water related activities, including:

•    More integrated management of marine and inland water resources; 
•    Improved monitoring of marine waters; 
•    Increased capacity for assessing and predicting environmental status in marine and inland waters.

How will bilateral relations be strengthened? 
The programme has a substantial bilateral dimension. The donor programme partner (DPP), the Norwegian Climate and Pollution Agency (Klif), was actively involved during the programme preparation phase and is committed to continue the collaboration during the implementation of the programme. 

What are the partnership opportunities? 
The programme is suited for bilateral project partnerships. Three separate calls for proposals covering the different outcomes shall be launched during the programme’s first year of implementation:

•    More integrated management of marine and inland water resources with a minimum grant amount of €170,000 and a maximum grant amount of €2,400,000;
•    Improved monitoring of marine waters with a minimum grant amount of €170,000 and a maximum grant amount of €2,400,000;
•    Increased capacity for assessing and predicting environmental status in marine and inland waters with a minimum grant amount of €170,000 and a maximum grant amount of €2,400,000.

Both the programme operator and the donor programme partner play a key role in facilitating bilateral cooperation. A partner-search event is planned prior to the call for proposals.

Who can apply for funding under this programme?
Competent institutions for the respective policies in Bulgaria:
•    national public authorities;
•    municipalities;
•    research and development institutions, including universities;
•    non-profit / non-governmental environmental organisations (NGEOs).