The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature hosted more than 30 trainers and trainees from three different countries (Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey) for the 1st Training of Trainers (ToT) seminar, as part of the Interreg NEXT BSB EOL (Environmental and Ocean Literacy in the Black Sea Basin) project. The training took place in Thessaloniki, from March 10 to 14, 2025, in the seminar hall of Astoria Hotel .
The 1st ToT seminar brought together representatives from NGOs, public authorities, and academic institutions from the three partner countries. Through lectures, presentations, and experiential activities, participants familiarized themselves with key environmental concepts, the marine life of the Black Sea, and the environmental pressures faced by the region.
The main goal of the five-day seminar was to inform participants about issues related to ocean literacy, with a specific focus on the Black Sea region and its significance, and subsequently to equip them with the necessary skills to transfer this knowledge and raise awareness among young people aged 18–35 who live and are active in the surrounding areas.
The Black Sea is a vital resource for millions of people living along its coastlines and attracts a large number of tourists. Its existence is crucial for the environment, society, and economy of the broader region.
The EOL Training of Trainers sessions are jointly organized by the project’s three partners: Yuva Derneği (Turkey), the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (Greece), and Green Balkans (Bulgaria). The next training seminar will take place in Bulgaria in the near future.
