Since that date, International Black Sea Day has been celebrated as both a national and regional event to raise public awareness about the protection of the Black Sea. As part of these celebrations, a "Black Sea Medal" is awarded to an individual from each country who has made efforts and contributed to the protection and sustainable use of the Black Sea.

This year, the international celebrations and medal ceremony took place on October 31, 2018, in the Şile district of Istanbul. During the celebrations, representatives from countries bordering the Black Sea and scientists gathered to discuss the protection and sustainable use of the Black Sea.

Our Deputy Minister, Mr. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin BİRPINAR, participated in the celebrations as Turkey's Black Sea Commissioner and delivered an opening speech. In his speech, Mr. BİRPINAR emphasized the importance of increasing cooperation among the countries bordering the Black Sea, stating that the collaborations of the Black Sea Commission with international organizations and the Barcelona Convention/Mediterranean Action Plan Secretariat contribute to the efforts for the protection of the Black Sea. He highlighted that the best example of this cooperation is the Regional Marine Litter Action Plan and the Marine Litter Monitoring Guide Document for the Black Sea.

Mr. BİRPINAR stated that with the completion of this work, a good example of cooperation among regional marine conventions would be demonstrated, and the determination of the Black Sea countries to combat marine litter, which has now become a global environmental issue, would be made clear. He underscored Turkey's importance to the Black Sea, emphasizing not only the importance of regional cooperation for its protection but also the significance of national efforts and measures taken, assuring that the country will continue to do its best.

During the celebrations, the Black Sea Medal was ceremoniously awarded to Prof. Dr. Leven BAT from Sinop University’s Faculty of Fisheries for his work and contributions to the protection of the Black Sea.

As part of the event, a beach cleanup activity and a zero waste implementation event were conducted with students at Ayazma Beach in Şile to raise awareness and promote consciousness. During the celebrations held at Ayazma Beach, children and youth were engaged to provide them with information about the protection of the sea, and joint coastal cleanup activities were carried out.

In the context of promoting zero waste practices with students at Ayazma Beach, recyclable waste was collected separately and placed in designated bins. Compost was produced from organic waste using a compost machine. Additionally, flowers in pots were fed with compost, contributing to the healthy growth of the plants. During the activity with the children, 6 tons of recyclable waste were collected, 17 trees were saved, and 49 barrels of oil and 2.5 tons of raw materials were conserved.