The four years DOORS project has delivered a significant leap forward in regards to our understanding of the Black Sea and how it could help deliver prosperity to the region. Our researches managed to give more in depth insights into the unique ecosystems that characterize the Black Sea, the human and climate induced pressures acting upon them, as well as better oceanographic systems understanding. The DOORS team performed measurements and tests never previously undertaken in the Black Sea basin, both during research cruises and surveys, as well as the deployment of novel autonomous underwater stations and collecting specific data from satellites. The data coming from the skies, the coasts and the sea itself were integrated by powerful numerical models that brought together information from all the hydrographic basins by coupling models of the tributary rivers catchments with the hydrodynamic models of the Black Sea. This comprehensive modelling framework has allowed us to better understand of different climate change scenarios will impact the entire marine basin, tributary rivers included. These new forms of digital data have been captured within the first of a kind digital platform, the System of Systems for the Black Sea, that allows all to access the same high-quality data as a single source of information for the Black Sea.
DOORS also pioneered in the development of the concept of the Blue Economy for the region. From the evaluation of the services offered by the specific marine ecosystems to the intensive training and mentorship supporting start up organisations and entrepreneurs with sustainable blue economy ideas that would benefit the Black Sea and its communities. The pioneering Special Interest Group for the Black Sea, set up by DOORS has dedicated a lot of energy and effort to bridge the gap between those willing to develop business and investors, as well as to raise the profile of the Black Sea within business and diplomatic communities.
Education and training provided the third platform for transformation. The DOORS team of experts dedicated a lot of effort in building a Black Sea dedicated Masters` programme, supporting the creation of a future ERASMUS+ project. By supporting the training that brought early career researchers from Europe and the Black Sea into major laboratories from other parts of Europe as well as in this region. DOORS is also a path opener in what regards Citizen Science through Ocean Literacy activities. DOORS also succeeded, through these activities, to bring the coastal communities closer to the challenges and opportunities presented by the Black Sea.
Despite all the difficulties, posed by Covid-19 in the first year of the project, the war in Ukraine, all partners undertook their work with passion, commitment and dedication, exceeding project expectations and delivering more than was originally committed to.
In doing so, perhaps the most significant outcome, never to be recorded in conventional key performance indicators, is the creation of the DOORS Family. We started off as colleagues from a number of institutions from around the Black Sea and Europe and, during these years, we have become a family. We, the DOORS team, together with our stakeholders that managed to stay close to us during the years, have made the world smaller and brought the Black Sea back to the Global Ocean. As someone used to say, now, if someone from the team encounters a problem, knows whom to ring to find out possible solutions, be they friends and colleagues from the area or from the other side of Europe.
A huge thanks to the entire team, to all the stakeholders with whom we interacted in the four years, to all those who love the Black Sea. Our efforts are dedicated to them all and to our sea. The project may be over, but we shall continue!
Prof. Adrian Stanica
30 May 2025
