The Black Sea Women's Club (BSWC) Factsheet
- Founded in 2007
- WfWP member since 2010
- Mission: To promote and contribute to the sustainable development of the Black Sea region by recognizing and acknowledging the pivotal and central role of women in sustainable development and supporting the women’s organisations, women-leaders and networks, active in the areas of sustainable development, water & sanitation, poverty and gender
- Focus area: Black Sea region
- Level: Basin
- Main themes: Sustainable Development, Environment, Water and Women Empowerment, Transboundary Water Management
Milestones
Dniester River Basin Treaty
BSWC and partners fought for over 16 years for the Dniester River Basin treaty, which was finally signed in November 2012 in Rome. This milestone permits a modern day cooperation between Moldova and Ukraine on the Dniester River Basin. Since, BSWC continues to ensure implementation of the signed treaty on local, national and transboundary levels.
Creating a legislative basis for sustainable development in the water sector
Because of this legislation water meters in Odessa city were installed and water consumption dropped by 50%. In addition, regulations on stakeholder participation and safe and sustainable use of the water bodies in the basin of river Dniester were adopted. Other regulations on public participation and decision-making are still awaiting adoption.
One million trees for the River Dniester basin 2011-2014
To averse the effects of the dramatic deforestation of the Dinester river basin, different campaigns on planting trees were unified into one big campaign launched by BSWC, the Odessa region authority and members of River Dniester Basin Council. The project was adopted by special decision of River Dniester Basin Council and funded by Ukrainian foundation “Krona”.
Public campaign on protection coastal area of Black Sea and creation first in Ukraine Wetland Park” (2008-2014)
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on the earth. Wetlands perform a number of important ecological functions, such as: accumulation and storage of fresh water, regulation of surface and groundwater flow, purification of water, stabilizing the climate conditions and support of biological diversity. BSWC in partnership with other NGOs developed the vision of Odessa’s Wetland Park creation, which was included into Odessa’s regional program of Kuyalnic lagoon protection. The project was funded by water users working in the Ukrainian part of Black Sea coastal area.
Water safety plans for rural communities (2009-2010)
In 2004, the WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality recommended that water suppliers develop and implement "Water Safety Plans" (WSPs) in order to systematically assess and manage risks concerning water, sanitation and floods. The Guidelines were used to develop safety plans on these issues in rural areas, of which the plans for two villages were developed by local school’s pupils. The project was funded by the MFS Program of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Public participation on river Dniester basin policy development on artificial ponds and access to water resources” (2012-2013)
Engaging stakeholders participation in river basin processes: BSWC instigated several stakeholder meetings around the development of the river Dniester basin policies, for instance on artificial ponds and access to water resources. The recommendations of the stakeholders were adopted by the River Basin Council. The project was funded by Soros foundation.
For more information visit the BSWC website: bswc.org.ua
