JTI Russia has officially unveiled the "Living Black Sea" initiative, a comprehensive program aimed at remediating the consequences of environmental damage in one of Europe's most critical marine ecosystems. The oil spill that occurred in the Black Sea in December 2024 caused significant harm to marine life and biodiversity in the region. This new program represents a systematic effort to reverse ecosystem degradation and restore ecological balance.
The project launch was announced at the V Congress of Young Scientists in Sochi. Running from late November 2025 through the end of 2027, the initiative represents a holistic approach to marine ecosystem restoration. The program is being implemented in close partnership with the Heritage Embassy Foundation and several specialized environmental organizations, each contributing unique expertise to the recovery effort.
Key partners in the initiative include the Utyrsh State Nature Reserve, the Scientific-Ecological Dolphin Rescue Centre "Delfa," and the directorate of nature parks of Krasnodar Krai, as well as the Anapskaya Peresyp Nature Park. Each partner will focus on its area of expertise, ensuring comprehensive action across multiple fronts of environmental restoration and species protection.
The program encompasses large-scale monitoring of marine ecosystem conditions using cutting-edge research methodologies. Specialized diagnostic equipment will be acquired for analyzing the state of the aquatic environment. Particular emphasis is placed on creating infrastructure for the rescue and rehabilitation of cetaceans—marine mammals severely affected by pollution.
The "Delfa" Centre will receive a mobile veterinary vehicle for emergency assistance to dolphins, an ultrasound machine for disease diagnosis, and PCR diagnostic equipment for advanced health assessments. A rehabilitation facility will be established in the Sochi and Sirius area for long-term recovery of affected animals. This will enable specialists to provide qualified medical treatment and comprehensive care in suitable conditions.
The project incorporates a substantial educational component aimed at building public awareness and engagement. A network of training seminars and workshops for volunteer rescuers and veterinarians will be established across Sochi, Anapa, Gelendzhik, and Novorossiysk. Training sessions have already commenced. In parallel, a mobile exhibition and educational materials about Black Sea dolphins and their crucial ecosystem role are being developed.
At the Utyrsh Reserve, the project will support regular scientific expeditions, detailed analysis of marine conditions, and development of recommendations for reducing human impact on nature. A modern research vessel equipped with advanced scientific instruments will be procured for researchers. The reserve will also open a new ecological education trail called "Savina Shchel. Along the Path of Nikolsky's Turtle," enabling visitors to explore and appreciate the region's unique biodiversity.
Special attention is being given to the Anapskaya Peresyp Nature Park, one of the territories most severely affected by pollution. The project includes comprehensive ecosystem restoration for this area using scientifically proven methods and best practices.
JTI Russia emphasizes that the "Living Black Sea" program is not a one-time charitable action but rather systematic work for long-term restoration and protection of the Black Sea ecosystem. The Heritage Embassy Foundation notes that the project continues the successful experience of developing the Smolenskoe Poozerye National Park and will enable the implementation of proven best practices at other Russian marine protected areas nationwide.
The project launch was announced at the V Congress of Young Scientists in Sochi. Running from late November 2025 through the end of 2027, the initiative represents a holistic approach to marine ecosystem restoration. The program is being implemented in close partnership with the Heritage Embassy Foundation and several specialized environmental organizations, each contributing unique expertise to the recovery effort.
Key partners in the initiative include the Utyrsh State Nature Reserve, the Scientific-Ecological Dolphin Rescue Centre "Delfa," and the directorate of nature parks of Krasnodar Krai, as well as the Anapskaya Peresyp Nature Park. Each partner will focus on its area of expertise, ensuring comprehensive action across multiple fronts of environmental restoration and species protection.
The program encompasses large-scale monitoring of marine ecosystem conditions using cutting-edge research methodologies. Specialized diagnostic equipment will be acquired for analyzing the state of the aquatic environment. Particular emphasis is placed on creating infrastructure for the rescue and rehabilitation of cetaceans—marine mammals severely affected by pollution.
The "Delfa" Centre will receive a mobile veterinary vehicle for emergency assistance to dolphins, an ultrasound machine for disease diagnosis, and PCR diagnostic equipment for advanced health assessments. A rehabilitation facility will be established in the Sochi and Sirius area for long-term recovery of affected animals. This will enable specialists to provide qualified medical treatment and comprehensive care in suitable conditions.
The project incorporates a substantial educational component aimed at building public awareness and engagement. A network of training seminars and workshops for volunteer rescuers and veterinarians will be established across Sochi, Anapa, Gelendzhik, and Novorossiysk. Training sessions have already commenced. In parallel, a mobile exhibition and educational materials about Black Sea dolphins and their crucial ecosystem role are being developed.
At the Utyrsh Reserve, the project will support regular scientific expeditions, detailed analysis of marine conditions, and development of recommendations for reducing human impact on nature. A modern research vessel equipped with advanced scientific instruments will be procured for researchers. The reserve will also open a new ecological education trail called "Savina Shchel. Along the Path of Nikolsky's Turtle," enabling visitors to explore and appreciate the region's unique biodiversity.
Special attention is being given to the Anapskaya Peresyp Nature Park, one of the territories most severely affected by pollution. The project includes comprehensive ecosystem restoration for this area using scientifically proven methods and best practices.
JTI Russia emphasizes that the "Living Black Sea" program is not a one-time charitable action but rather systematic work for long-term restoration and protection of the Black Sea ecosystem. The Heritage Embassy Foundation notes that the project continues the successful experience of developing the Smolenskoe Poozerye National Park and will enable the implementation of proven best practices at other Russian marine protected areas nationwide.