Bulgaria is now a sought-after partner for polar research

Bulgaria is now a sought-after partner for many polar researches, it emerged at the European Polar Board meeting in Sofia on April 19.

The study of climate change and melting ice is becoming increasingly important for Europe and its future, so more resources are being devoted.

The research ship which this country has will enable many scientists to work on expensive and large-scale projects.

The Polar Board is a structure of the European Commission that coordinates the scientific programmes of the countries of the European Union.

Melting ice and climate change are causing many changes, and we in Europe should have a rapid response to them.

It is therefore important that scientific institutions work in one direction and that scientists' efforts are not duplicated in order to optimise the use of polar infrastructure.

"Given that the Arctic and Antarctic are so far away, access to any observation is difficult. And it's important to understand the evolution of sea ice, the melting of glaciers, which is changing the ocean, which is changing the climate," said Dr. Nicole Biebow, chair of the European Polar Board.

"Very expensive European projects in the range of several million euros are being applied for through the European Polar Board. The European Polar Board coordinates all the activities of European countries in the polar regions, which are extremely important at the moment," added Prof. Hristo Pimpirev, chair of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute.

"We are losing a lot of biodiversity, species are disappearing, fishing is changing significantly. And I have to say - we are really happy that Bulgaria has a new ship and is going to join the marine community because there is a huge hole in the ocean data, especially for Antarctica," added Dr Nicole Biebow.

"We, now, as infrastructure, in addition to our infrastructure as a base, our infrastructure as a ship, we can only gain because we are no longer some mercenaries and hitchhikers," Prof. Pimpirev said.

Bulgaria is already participating in the construction of the European Polar Network, which should develop the strategic framework and shape the priorities for science, optimise infrastructure and ensure partnerships in projects that should bring tangible benefits to humanity.

On the way to Antarctica: Bulgarian research ship docks at the port of Cartagena

On the way to Antarctica: The Bulgarian research ship crossed the Dardanelles