Techirghiol, Romania – On March 28th, a workshop on “The impact of climate change on salt marsh habitats and coastal lagoons” was organized as part of DaWetRest project and it was signed the “Declaration on the Protection of Salt Marsh Habitats, Coastal Lagoons and Sapropelic Mud Resources”. The declaration calls for the protection of ecosystems in Lake Techirghiol, Balta Albă, Lake Sărat Brăila in Romania, and the Burgas Lake Complex, Yuzhno Atanasovko Ezero in Bulgaria.
Salt marshes and coastal lagoons in the Black Sea Basin are facing degradation due to rising temperatures, excessive evaporation, and decreasing groundwater levels. These factors, compounded by pollution, eutrophication, and unsustainable resource exploitation, are threatening the ecological balance of the area. The sapropelic muds, valued for their therapeutic properties, are also at risk.
The consequences of this decline extend to the local economy and communities, with the potential loss of valuable resources that support tourism and health industries.
Protecting Local Habitats: Key Actions
The first step is to recognize the importance of these habitats and their protection as essential elements in climate and conservation strategies. To address the damaged wetlands, it is urgent to implement ecological restoration measures and to restore the natural water balance. A strict regulation of the exploitation of mud, salt and fish resources to prevent their over – and under exploitation and degradation must also be implemented. And lastly, strengthening cooperation between authorities, local communities, spa resorts and environmental organizations for sustainable solutions is essential for the protection of local habitats.
The declaration stresses the need to recognize the importance of these habitats and their role in climate and conservation strategies. Immediate and coordinated actions are required to restore the natural water balance and implement ecological restoration measures.
The organizations that signed the declaration have committed to taking action and to mobilize support for the protection of these ecosystems. DaWetRest invites all relevant stakeholders to join in the effort. This includes authorities, researchers, local communities, and the economic sector.
For more information and to support the cause, visit the declaration here: Declaration Techirghiol
