HERO is a 24-month transnational project under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme aimed at improving the ecological status of Black Sea coastal zones.

Project duration:
23 December 2025 – 22 December 2027

Partners:
Ukraine (UABSC – Lead Partner), Türkiye (IPA), Bulgaria (ShU), Georgia (BSU)

Budget:
€1.64 million (90% Interreg funding, 10% partner contribution)

Key objectives:
🔹 reduce marine litter
🔹 restore ecosystems using artificial reefs
🔹 develop a digital litter map
🔹 conduct scientific monitoring
🔹 raise environmental awareness

Key activities:
🔹 pollution monitoring and data collection
🔹 pilot artificial reef deployment
🔹 biodiversity assessment
🔹 “Be a HERO” campaign and international events

HERO is funded by the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme 2021–2027.