Within the framework of the GreenMascot project, funded under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme, an International Meeting and World Café session took place on 05 March 2026 in Constanța, Romania. The event brought together representatives of partner organisations, local authorities, experts and stakeholders to exchange experiences, discuss good practices and explore innovative approaches to promoting environmental awareness through sport across the Black Sea Basin region.
The meeting was hosted by the Romanian partner Mare Nostrum – Ecological NGO. The event provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on the role of sport as a powerful tool for raising public awareness about environmental protection, reducing pollution and encouraging more sustainable behaviour within communities.
The GreenMascot project is implemented by an international partnership including Youth Sport Club Varna (Bulgaria) as Lead Partner, Çorlu Municipality Youth and Sports Club (Türkiye), Municipality of the Heroic City of Naoussa (Greece), and Mare Nostrum – Ecological NGO (Romania). The project aims to strengthen the capacity of local administrations and the sports community to promote environmentally responsible behaviour through sport and to increase public awareness about protecting nature and reducing pollution.
During the meeting, project partners presented the progress achieved so far and discussed the upcoming activities of the project. Particular attention was given to strengthening cooperation between local authorities, sports organisations and educational institutions in order to introduce more sustainable practices when organising sports events and initiatives.
The World Café session encouraged open dialogue and active participation among attendees. Through small-group discussions, participants shared ideas and experiences on how sport can serve as an effective tool for raising environmental awareness, engaging young people and promoting more sustainable lifestyles.
The event in Constanța once again highlighted the importance of transnational cooperation in addressing environmental challenges in the Black Sea region and demonstrated how the exchange of knowledge and good practices can contribute to building a greener and more sustainable future through sport.
