A cleaner sea will have huge economic benefits. Fish harvests will rise. Increased tourism and the introduction of aquaculture will boost local employment. The Action Plan also calls for the establishment of a Black Sea Environmental Fund financed by fees and levies on activities which use the Black Sea environment. But it is clear that, initially, the Black Sea countries do not possess the resource to finance the measures contained in the Action Plan.
International support is essential.
The environmentally sound development of the Black Sea region requires cooperation among the coastal and basin countries and support from the international community. Perhaps most important of all, local communities will have to see for themselves how their efforts can contribute to a better future. Sharing responsibility is more difficult than exchanging blame. Yet, with a concerted effort, the beauty and richness of the Black Sea can be enjoyed by present and future generations alike.