On 25-26 July, REST-COAST attended the "Climate Risks in the Black Sea Region" international conference. This conference is one of the key side events of the 61st Plenary Session of the IPCC, held between 27 July - 2 August in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The project was presented to conference attendees and participants alongside other Horizon Europe projects RESPIN, BioAgora and CO-OP4CBD and ANERIS, with the promotional stand being supported by the project's communications partners from Pensoft Publishers. Members of the Bulgarian Pilot Site - Foros Bay, from the Institute of Oceanology, were also present and showcased REST-COAST with a talk on "Climate Change adaptation through application of Nature-based Solutions in coastal waters."

Prof. Nikolay Valchev of the Institute of Oceanology, Pilot Site leader - Foros Bay, presenting the project at the IPCC side event.

The conference was inaugurated by IPCC Chair, Jim Skea, providing a platform for connection and dialogue between local policymakers, researchers, National Focal Points (NFPs), and IPCC delegates. The main focus of the conference was the conservation and protection of the Black Sea amidst the challenges posed by climate change.

The 61st IPCC Session is taking place in Sofia from 27 July to 2 August. During these days, IPCC delegates will address crucial matters related to climate change as part of the 7th assessment cycle, which began last July. This session represents a significant moment for shaping future climate policies and actions.