Hello everyone!
My name is Arthur, and I’ve been volunteering as an IVY Project Partner in Burgas, Bulgaria, within the SturNet project, which is part of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme. It’s been an inspiring experience, and I’m excited to share a glimpse of the work we’ve been doing and what I’ve learned along the way.
What is SturNet about?
SturNet stands for the protection of one of the Black Sea’s most iconic and endangered species: sturgeons. These majestic fish, which have existed since the age of dinosaurs, are now critically threatened by pollution, overfishing, and habitat loss. The project aims to track sturgeon populations and analyze their habitats to provide scientific data and decision-making tools that support conservation. Another key goal is to build a network of organizations across the region, all committed to sturgeon preservation.
My role as an IVY volunteer
I’ve joined the Protection of Biodiversity in Bulgaria Foundation, the lead partner for this project, where I support the communication activities. My tasks include writing the project newsletter, creating content for social media, and attending events such as trainings and seminars to help spread the word about the importance of marine biodiversity. One of the highlights of my mission was taking part in a field trip on the Black Sea near Primorsko, where we collected water samples for eDNA analysis, a cutting-edge method used to detect the presence of sturgeons or invasive species that may threaten them.
A day to remember
That sunrise over the Black Sea will stay with me for a long time. It was breathtaking to be out on the water, contributing in a small way to the preservation of such a unique ecosystem, and learning hands-on how marine biologists work to monitor biodiversity in real time.
Who benefits from this project?
SturNet not only supports the survival of sturgeons, but also aims to raise awareness among policymakers, inform private stakeholders such as fisheries, and educate the general public about the need to protect shared marine resources. It’s a project that connects science, decision-making, and cross-border cooperation.
What I’ve learned
This experience has taught me how deeply involved the European Union is in funding and supporting biodiversity initiatives. I’ve seen how synergies between different projects and countries can lead to concrete, field-level action. The transnational scale of the programme makes perfect sense when dealing with environmental issues that go beyond borders.
A meaningful experience
For me, this IVY mission has been more than just a professional opportunity. It allowed me to bring to life some of the theories I had studied in territorial diplomacy, to discover marine biology and ecosystems, and to practice my skills in strategic communication. I’ve also had the joy of discovering a new country, a new city, and even a new language.
– Arthur, IVY Project Partner at Protection of biodiversity in Bulgaria Foundation, for the Interreg project SturNet, under the programme Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin
