The Ministerial Declaration on Water Supply and Sanitation in Small Rural Settlements in the Black Sea Region contains a set of recommendations for governments to spur actions in financing, innovative solutions, education, transboudary and regional cooperation for improved sanitation coverage and sustainable water supply. The Declaration will be explored further within the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Framework to facilitate follow-up actions.

The Declaration, which is non-binding document, was agreed on May 27 during a Regional Ministerial Conference held with the members of the UN Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB) in Sofia Bulgaria. H.E. Mr. Assen Gagauzov, Minister of Regional Development and Public Works of Bulgaria and the UNSGAB Chair, His Royal Highness, Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands facilitated the session. The Declaration demonstrates growing political will and commitment to ensure that the 41 million people who do not have access to improved sanitation, and the 13 million people who do not have access to an improved drinking water source in the Black Sea Region, are able to enjoy these essential services.

• Meeting Summary
• Download -Ministerial Declaration (65KB)
  
• The Drinking Water and Sanitation Situation in the Black Sea Countries, 2006 (1.96MB)
  - Leaflet on current status of Water and Sanitation in Black Sea Countries -