Strategy for develop- ment of cycling and ecotourism in Ruse re- gion with perspective of the ecosystem ser- vices used

The project Fostering enhanced ecotour- ism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the region is financed by Danube Transnational program 2014-2020 Strategy for development of cycling and ecotourism in Ruse region with perspective of the ecosystem services used

Consulted by: Regional development agency and business center Graphic design and photos by: Mihail Mihov

Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism , 2020

Project Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region http://www.interreg-danube.eu/approved-projects/ecovelotour

Danube Transnational Program 2014-2020

The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the budget of . Contents

1 Introduction p. 4

2 Legal environment for development of cycling tourism routes in Bulgaria p. 4

3 Local environment for tourism develop- ment in Ruse District p. 5

4 Current status of cycling tourism condi- tions p. 10

5 Evaluation and potential for develop- ment p. 19

6. Regional cycling route Rivers of time p. 22

7. Ecosystem services along the cycling route in Ruse district p. 25

8 PES schemes as a method for funding a regional cycling route in Ruse District p. 33

9 Strategic development of cycling tour- ism in Ruse District p. 37 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria

1 Introduction 2 Legal environment for development of cycling Sustainable tourism is considered to be a main concept for development for the first two decades tourism routes in Bul- of XXI century. Nevertheless, the methodol- ogy for research and policy implementations garia are complicated and barely efficient resulting in overtourism in overcrowded destinations. Meanwhile the concept of ecosystem services is circulating the scientific domain, with a new Currently, the overloaded road systems imply perspective building on what was thought to be continuous changes of the legislation in attempt renewable resources. The objective of the scien- to follow the new needs. There is a process for tific method is to calculate the financial value an update in the design of road infrastructure to of the resources given the fact that they are not accommodate the growing number of cyclists. provided by natural processes as usual. This is Nevertheless, there is ambiguity about what are important implication for sustainable tourism the criteria for a rural road to accommodate a as it provides methodological foundation for cycling route. evaluation of the impact of tourism on natural The Tourism Law adopted in 2013 defines that a resources, which enables planning of measures to cycling route is considered to be a tourist attrac- mitigate risks for the environment. tion, but nothing more. There is no definition The current document is part of the activities about what a cycling route is and no criteria or under the project EcoVeloTour - Fostering en- procedure about how a route could be estab- hanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo lished. The Roads Traffic Law regulates rules cycle route network in the Danube region. The about riding a bicycle on public roads. This Law objective of the project is to implement the con- also defines the technical requirements for a bi- cept for ecosystem services for cycling tourism cycle to be used for cycling (art. 79) as well as the development in 6 countries – , Hunga- condition to wear reflecting clothes when cycling ry, Slovakia, , and Bulgaria. The out of a settlement (art. 80.1). The cyclist can ride concept is implemented at NUTS III territorial a bicycle on the roadbed in a position as most to level and in Bulgaria the region selected is Ruse the right as possible, or on the road shoulder if it District. The current document is based on the is suitable for cycling and this is not an obstacle Guidelines for ESS-based ecotourism strategy, for other road users (art. 15.1; 15.2; 18.1; 80.2). elaborated by the University for Nature Sciences When a designated infrastructure for cycling in – BOKU scientific partners in EcoV- is available, e.g. bike lane, only those should be eloTour. The current document’s objective is to used by cyclists for cycling. combine information about the conditions for In 2015 the Roads Law is updated with the fol- cycling tourism in Ruse District, to focus on the lowing regulation that defines the construction ecological and economical needs when planning of bicycle lanes on State Roads between settle- a regional cycling route, and to propose guide- ments: lines for coordinated measures by the stake- “Within the construction of new road and recon- holders for development of cycling tourism as struction of existing roads, excluding the high- an ecotourism product. The recommendations ways and high-speed roads, bicycle lanes may in the document can be used for elaboration of be included on both sides of the road. Within planning documents like territorial cooperation, reconstruction of existing roads, cycling lanes District strategies, Municipal development plans are positioned on a consolidated road shoulder. and Protected areas management plans. Within construction of new roads bicycle lanes

4 * Guidelines for ESS-based ecotourism strategy - http://www.interreg-danube.eu/uploads/media/approved_ project_output/0001/36/a92d419c2ec3f67ce47bcc311774b703931c53ea.pdf Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region are positioned as part of the road. Cycling lanes are separated from the roadbed with curbstone or safety enclosure.” (art. 5.6a, Roads Law) Ordinance #1 from Ministry of Regional Devel- opment about organization of the road traffic regulates that areas for cycling on State roads can 3 Local environment for be defined in the plans for traffic organization between settlements (art. 6.2). These plans define tourism development in the construction of new and reconstruction of existing roads. Another ordinance from 2018 Ruse District about road engineering regulates a threshold for number of cyclists above which a separated bicycle lane is compulsory when reconstructing 3.1 Territory and administrative a road. The threshold is different in relation to the average daily numbers of motorized vehicles structure (table 1). Table 1 Conditions for compulsory construction of bicycle/pedestrian lane

Number of motorized Number of pedestrians Number of cyclists Number of cyclists and vehicles pedestrians combined

(number/24h) (number/peak hour) (брой/върхов час) (number/peak hour) >1500 60 60 90 75 1500-2000 20 30 25

Cycling routes can also use municipal and This strategy addresses the cycling routes in the forestry roads. These roads have local functions territory of Rousse region - one of the 28 districts including those connecting tourist attractions. in Bulgaria, covering an area of 2 803 km² and According to the Forests Law, art. 147.7 regulates with a population of 247 875 people (according that “bicycle access to forest areas is free except to rapid census data 2011). There are a total of 8 for the cases, when this access is restricted by municipalities in Rousse - Byala, Borovo, Tseno- another law”. An informal code for signposting vo, , Ivanovo, , and of these forestry routes is adopted by mountain Ruse. Its northern border is also the state border biking organizations. There is not an official along the Danube river. regulation for signposting of cycling routes. The ordinance for road signalization with traffic signs states explicitly the signs available and there is not any designated sign for cycling routes. The 3.2 Climate elaboration of a standard for signposting of cycling routes suitable for cyclists and its incor- poration in the legislation is a key to successful The climate of the Rousse region is temper- cycling tourism development. ate-continental. The summer is dry and hot, with The revision of legislative framework shows that typical summer droughts and insufficient rain- there are existing regulations that enable cyclists fall, which in some places lead to severe erosion to cycle on public roads. Nevertheless, there (eg Municipality of Ivanovo). The strong north- are not enough practically efficient measures to east winds are characteristic of the winter season. ensure safely travelling by bicycle and cyclists are Autumn and spring are short-lived. Despite the still considered as an obstacle for the traffic, not cold winter, due to the low altitude, spring comes part of it. early but is colder than autumn.

5 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria The sharp contrast between winter and summer The potential of the district for cycling tourism conditions, typical of the region’s climate, is of a development is also indicated by the presence markedly continental type. The average annual of signifficant natural resources, protected temperature is around 12 ° C, the average July territories and Natura 2000 sites. The Rousse temperature is 20-22 ° C with a tendency to rise, Lom Nature Park lays within the districts of the and the average January temperature is from 0 to municipalities of Ivanovo and Vetovo and is one -3 ° C. Frequent phenomena are also temperature of the 11 nature parks in Bulgaria. The land- inversions, frosts, ice. Mists along the Danube scapes it offers, as well as the cultural attractions River are a typical seasonal phenomenon. there, are a prerequisite for the development of The average annual rainfall is 550-650 mm many bicycle routes and their practical economic (slightly above the national average) and in the effect. The Kalimok - Brushlen Protected Area coastal lowlands is below 500 mm. The average along the Danube River also lays within two annual number of days with precipitation is municipalities - Slivo Pole and , and it 138.9 days. The snow cover is about 14 cm thick is a wonderful area for bicycle exploration and and the average annual number of days with tourism, where projects for the development of snow cover is 48.4. cycling routes have already been carried out. The Climatic conditions play a relatively unfavorable Stalpishte Protected Area in the Ivanovo Munic- role, limiting outdoor tourism activities to sever- ipality also offers good cycling opportunities be- al months during the year. ing situated in attractive hilly landscape near the Danube River. Under the EU Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive 13 sites have been declared 3.3 Socio-economic develop- and protected through the Natura 2000 network, whete with the highest potential for the develop- ment ment of cycling tourism are , Batin, Ribar- nitsi-Mechka, Lomovete and Complex Kalimok. The administrative center of the district and On the territory of Rousse are located the Ivano- the municipal center - the city of Rousse, the vo Rock Churches - one of the 7 sites in Bulgaria fifth largest city in Bulgaria with a population of on the UNESCO list of tangible world cultural approximately 143,000 people, is also the main heritage. This is the most visited tourist attrac- bicycle hub in the region, a generator of events, tion here. Other sites of cultural and historical projects and cycling culture, the main tourist heritage that attract tourists and are located on destination for this part of the country and an attractive cycle routes are the Medieval town important milestone along the route of the inter- of (), the Basar- national cycle corridor Eurovelo 6, following the bovsky rock monastery (Rousse municipality), Danube river. the Nisovo rock monasteries (Ivanovo munici- The other 7 municipalities are considered as pality), the bridge (Byala munici- rural areas in the European Union’s programme pality), the wine cellars in Nisovo and the village documets. Rural areas in Bulgaria are character- of Mechka (Ivanovo municipality). Of course, ized by poor economic, social and cultural devel- there is to mention the cities of Ruse and Byala opment, an aging population, a low standard of with their many cultural monuments, museums living, poor infrastructure and the resulting neg- and urban architecture. atives. Various cycle routes pass through them, This rich palette of tourism opportunities re- such as Eurovel 6 - the route with the greatest mains relatively unknown to local and foreign potential for positive impact on the region’s tourists, largely due to the lack of a recognizable economy, passing through 6 municipalities in the local brand and distinctive thematic tourism district - Tsenovo, Borovo, Dve Mogili, Ivanovo, products. The area has well-developed transport Ruse and Slivo Pole. The provision of tourist ser- links, and the close distance between the differ- vices in these municipalities is still very scarce - ent sites of tourist interest allows the creation of guest houses are rare, there are almost no dining thematic tours. places, and licensed guides are available as a The city of Rousse is designated as the seat of the service only in the district center. Danube Tourist Region, according to a national 6 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region concept for the tourist zoning of Bulgaria. The formations, picturesque meanders and rivers DTR covers 11 districts and 67 municipalities, lakes along the Yantra river are interesting for including the whole region of Ruse. The large ter- tourists. Two Natura 2000 protected areas for ritorial scope and geographical remoteness of the the conservation of wild flora and fauna have municipalities falling within the area is a great been registered on the territory of Tsenovo challenge. On the other hand, the Danube area Municipality - BG 0000233 Studena Reka (in the in Bulgaria falls within the scope of the Danube territory of Tsenovo Municipality (Karamanovo Strategy, which places strong emphasis on the and Novgrad) and District) and convergence between the Danube countries and BG 0000611 “Yantra River” (in the territories regions through the development of a common of Borovo, Byala and Tsenovo municipalities in tourism brand and products. The Organization Rousse District, as well as through municipalities for Management of the Danube Tourist Region from Veliko Turnovo and districts). The (OUDTR) was established as a voluntary asso- total area of the Protected Area” Studena reka” is ciation under the Law on Tourism, registered in 13 900 hectares where a a herb species is pro- the National Tourist Register. Its management tected, individuals found north of Karamanovo is related to carrying out activities in three main village. The species is critically endangered with directions: the creation of regional tourism high conservation status in Bulgaria.The total products; implementation of regional marketing area of the protected area “Yantra River” is 5301 and advertising; coordination and management hectares. The subject of conservation are: natural of tourism at regional level. Currently, OMDTR habitats; protected mammals; amphibians and has six members from Rousse District: Rousse reptiles, etc. Object of monitoring by RIEW-, , Rousse in 2010 are terrestrial turtles, Tatar wild cabbage District Administration, Association of Hotel in the territory of the village of Nov grad, the and Restaurant Owners in Rousse, Association protected area near the village of Beltsov, etc. On Prista Tourist Society and Angel Kanchev Uni- the territory of Tsenovo municipality 28 cultural versity of Rousse. Among the goals of OMDTR and historical sites have been discovered, includ- are, of course, ecotourism and forms of sustain- ing prehistoric, ancient, Roman and medieval – able tourism, as well as supporting cooperation all scattered in the lands around all nine villages between stakeholders, the formation of regional within the municipality. Much of the archaeolog- tourism products and more. ical sites have not been explored, no excavations and restoration works have been carried out and their future development and restoration is 3.4 Potential for tourism de- forthcoming. The village of Novgrad is the only settlement in Bulgaria whose center has a pre- velopment in municipalities in served monument of Lenin in full size. In 1968, Ruse District the longest rope bridge in Northern Bulgaria over the Yantra River was built, connecting Nov Grad and Belyanovo village. This bridge is for The municipality of Tsenovo also has a diverse pedestrians only and its length is 105 m. There is landscape, cultural and natural sites as a poten- also an iron bridge east of the village of Tsenovo tial for the development of ecotourism. The Euro and it is 85 m long and 3 m wide. Velo 6 cycle route passes through the municipal- Borovo Municipality“s territory consists a sec- ity along the Danube River and the Yantra River. tion on the Danube River. The picturesque bank In the village of Krivina are the archeological of the river near Batin village offers great op- remains of a Roman castle “Jatrus”. The Danube portunities for ecotourism, and the village offers coast of Tsenovo Municipality is low and much great views of Batin Island. An overgrown and of its length has dams and drainage systems in frequently flooded road connects Batin village place: Vardim – Nov Grad and Batin - Krivina, with Mechka village and represents a potential with potential for restoration and function as for a direct connection along the Danube River cycle routes as well. Interesting relief formations in the section Nov Grad - Rousse via the Euro are found – a cave near Beltsov village, karst Velo 6. A Thracian tomb was discovered on the 7 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria land of Borovo in the early 1990s. The church The main attraction is the Cave. “St. Ivan Rilski ”in the village of Brestovitsa has Together with the members of Tourist assossiat- been declared a cultural monument of national ion „Prista“, Ruse, mainly with the help of spe- importance. Of interest to the local community leologists, regional and national cavemen’s fairs are the churches in the villages of Exarch Yosif, are held with visitors from all over the country. Gorno Ablanovo and Batin, built in the mid-19th Among the cultural sights the medieval monas- century. The local government is developing an tery “St. Marina” in the village of Karan Varbov- idea to restore the headquarters of the Russian ka stands out. A curious scientific discovery of army during the Russian-Turkish War in the a new plant was made near the village of Ostritsa village of Brestovitsa. Borovo municipality is also in 2010 and Protected area for Bupleurum uech- developing a project for exhibiting a replica of tritzianum was established near Ostritsa village. the Borovo silver Thracian treasure from the 4th The plant was discovered by Stoyan Stoyanov. century BC. Another place of local signifficance is the House There is only one place for accommodation in Museum and Monument to Philip Totyu - a the municipality - Brestovitsa hut with 60 seats, fighter for national liberation. There are several two halls and a kitchen block. A problem for guest houses in the municipality, and Orlova the development of tourism is human capacity, Chuka hut also welcomes guests. lack of tourist infrastructure and separate tourist The municipality of Ivanovo has a unique di- services. versity of natural and cultural landmarks - over The Belite Brezi Tourist Association is the local 190. On the territory of the municipality along tourist organization. Borovo Municipality is the river is situated the Rusens- actively working on a municipal tourism devel- ki Lom Nature Park - home to many protected opment program. plants and animals. The Lomovete Nature Con- Byala municipality is in the western part of servation Complex was established in the park, Rousse district. It is crossed by the Yantra River with a Nature Conservation Center and a Center where the picturesque lanscape is formed by its for Biodiversity Research, Training, Simulation low and high meandering banks. There are two and Analysis. The site is managed by the Nature protected areas under the EU Habitats Directive Park Directorate and also functions as a visitors and NATURA 2000 network - Belenska Gora center. The park has suitable infrastructure for Protected Area and Yantra River Protected Area. the development of hiking, the main eco-routes On the territory of Byala municipality and within are marked, bird watching places and wildlife the territory of the village of Polsko Kosovo there have been established. Hidden in the picturesque is the Protected Site “Natural Site of the Salvia landscape above the river banks are medieval scabiosifolia” - the only registered on the Balkan rock monasteries - only part of the niches are Peninsula rare species of perennial herb also accessible for tourists to visit, where preserved found in the Crimea Peninsula, included in the murals and habitats can be seen. The only active European list of rare and endangered plants of rock monastery is in the village of . An rare category. Interesting are the red deer popu- ornithologically important place for bird watch- lation in Belenska Gora, whivh is taken care by ing is the Ribarnytsi - Mechka village. In the The Hunting and Fishermen’s Society-Falcon As- municipality of Ivanovo is located the architec- sociation, Byala municipality. Among the cultur- tural and archeological reserve “Medieval town al monuments stands the Kolyu Ficheto Bridge, of Cherven”. The proximity to the city of Ruse which is a symbol of the town of Byala, as well and the numerous leisure opportunities along as the town’s clock tower. There are numerous the local rivers and along the Danube coast have military monuments in the town of Byala and in made the municipality a popular destination for most of the villages in the municipality. The city weekend tourism. has a hotel, a motel and two restaurants, as well The municipality of Ruse and the city of Ruse as a railway connection. are the center of the cultural life of the district Dve Mogili Municipality is characterized by as well as of tourism. There are many cultural a clean environment and a great potential for and historical monuments from different eras the development of active forms of tourism. in the town of Rousse - The Income Building, 8 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region

9 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria the House-Museum of the City Life, the Roman Fortress “Sexaginta Prista”, the archeological 4 Current status of cy- reserve “Basarbovski Rock Monastery”, the Pantheon, the Regional History Museum, and cling tourism conditions the Eco-Museum. The municipality of Rousse also has a well-developed cultural events calen- 4.1 Transport network dar, some of which take place at or near tourist sites. These include the March Music Days, the Available road infrastructure is crucial for de- Rousse Tourism Fair, the Rousse National Jazz velopment and use of bicycle routes. The inter- Festival, the Rousse Carnival, local fish festivals, sections of the first-class roads Ruse - Byala and wine festival, attractive restorations of historical Ruse - are a few and they are not used events and more. The town of Rousse has good for bicycle purposes. For a very short distances conditions for accommodation, both in the city some cycling routes take the secondary roads and in the suburban territories as well. It is also of Ruse - Tutrakan and Ruse - , where an important port of the Danube, which adds to cycling must be cautious. Mostly poorly used its good transport links. The international bicycle third-class or municipal roads are used for cycle route Euro Velo 6 passes through the municipali- routes. Even the third-class road Ruse - Basarbo- ty of Ruse and the city of Ruse. vo - Ivanovo - Dve Mogili – Borovo is a busy one. The municipality of Vetovo has a rich historical It is parallel to the road Ruse - Byala and is used heritage, which is still unknown to the general as a bypass for traffic in the event of an accident public. Remains of the Paleolithic and ancient and traffic closure between Ruse and Byala. This times and of medieval settlements, ancient for- happens between 5 and 10 times a year. This road tress remains and Thracian mounds were found is also used mainly by foreign tourists traveling near the towns of Vetovo, Senovo and Dry- along the Eurovelo 6. The road sections between anovets, including a rock formation with 21 rock Rousse and some neighborhoods or with neigh- cells and a church with preserved drawings. Pro- boring villages, including - Rousse - Sredna Kula tected areas within the territory of the munici- - Basarbovo, Rousse - Nikolovo, Ruse – Marten pality and within the boundaries of Rousse Lom are also busy. They are driven by many motor ve- Nature Park are the Beli Lom Nature Reserve and hicles as well as by many cyclists who go to work, the Ribarnitsite Nature Landmark near the town to the market, to school. of Vetovo. Availability of railway transportation and mul- The municipality of Slivo pole also has archeo- tiple stations is a convenience as cyclists can logical monuments interesting for exploration take the train to the starting point of a route, and tourist interpretation - Thracian mounds terminate a route as needed, or reach the routes in Babovo and Kosharna villages, the ancient from settlements situated far away. There Roman city of Apiaria in village, traces are two main railways - Rousse-Razgrad and of the Eneolithic era. An iconic landmark, part of Ruse-. Convenient access to which is within the territory of the municipality the cycle routes where express trains stop can is Kalimok - Brushlen Protected Area. It has high be made in Ivanovo, Dve Mogili, Borovo, Byala, potential for the development of ecotourism with Vetovo stations. Passenger trains can be used its rich biodiversity of 230 bird species (58% of by the Dolapite, Bozhichen, Koshov, Sturmen, the birds in Bulgaria), reptiles, amphibians and Obraztsov Chiflik, Chervena Voda, Krivnya and mammals, rare, endangered species. other stations. The problem with taking a bicycle in a train is it is suitable mainly for very small groups - up to 4 people. It’s not impossible for larger groups, but it has always created chaos and tension with other travelers and BDZ employees.

10 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region 4.2 Characteristics of existing loaded roadway with vehicles, suitable road sur- face, accessibility for cyclists, attractiveness of the routes landscape, etc. In addition to these three types of routes - Eu- The existing bike routes in Rousse region are rovel 6, primary and secondary cycling networks, not numerous. In practice, there are numer- which are presented in the above mentioned ous bicycle transport links, using calm asphalt map, 10 thematic cycle routes of different length, roads between different settlements. The „Byala duration, difficulty and specificity of the terrain, - Stulpishte“ cycle route follows the Yantra River intercity or railway connection, logical beginning from the town of Byala in the north direction and end, and last but not least - a specific topic along its right bank and is 84 km long. It was that gives the name of the route have been creat- marked in 2006-2007 by the Ruse travel club ed. They are also virtual, on the spot they do not “Biala Zvezda”*. The most famous cycling route have markings or signposting, except for a small is Eurovelo 6, which is not yet a fixed route number of signs in the area of Obraztsov Chiflik, approved by the ECF - European Cycling Fed- the chalets Zdravets and Minzuhar. Due to the eration. Eurovelo 6 exists as a planned itinerary, intensive vegetation of some of these routes, is offered by various publishers and guides (e.g. especially along the local rivers, where dirt roads Bikeline) and can be found on different maps. are used, the map is not 100% up to date and has Hundreds of cyclists and tourists pass along this not been changed or updated. route every year, despite there is no road marking All routes described can be viewed online here: for cyclists. A map of the regional cycling routes http://map.velo-ruse.eu/ was published by Velo-Rousse Association in The printed version of the map, which was print- 2015, where the most secure and convenient itin- ed in 5,000 copies, is still available and distribut- erary is presented, which is also the way many ed through the Ruse TIC, members of Velo-Ruse, tourists go. Other organizations have worked hotels and information spaces. The map is also on the elaboration of this route or sections of it available in all municipalities - partners for its - Opora Association, Brod Association, Region- development. The exceptions in Ruse district are al Development Agency and Business Center the municipalities of Byala and Ivanovo, which - Vidin, the Danube Ultra Initiative and others. did not want to attend even the initial introduc- The main obstacle to the final construction of tion meeting and showed a total lack of inter- the route is the legal framework, which does not est in cycling issues. The map was also printed regulate the marking of non-urban cycle routes. and positioned as an information board with a Another obstacle is the poor awareness and wooden structure with a roof at the following interest of the authorities in the municipalities locations: the center of the village of Nisovo, along the route. Zdravets chalet in the area of Chiflik, the lower Following a series of meetings with local author- parking of the Orlova Chuka cave, the parking ities and stakeholders in all 8 municipalities in of the Ivanovo Rock Churches, parking lot under the territory of the Rousse region, a concept of the medieval town of Cherven. a prime cycling network was proposed to cover An interesting fact is that the municipality of all major transport links between settlements to Ruse recognizes the map with the bicycle routes serve as a backbone of bicycle routes in the dis- and uses its printed version on the back of the trict. A concept for a secondary bicycle network tourist map of the city of Ruse, which is distrib- was also proposed to provide more transport uted free of charge and in large circulation by the links, bicycle friendly roads, some of which Rousse tourist information centre. It is also dis- connect the settlements with interesting tourist tributed in the accommodation facilities in the sites or are just suitable for walking and sports. city, as well as during all the tourist exhibitions at These two bicycle networks overlap and give which the municipality of Ruse participates with one picture of all the bicycle links and corridors its own booth. in the area, which are transport links between The thematic routes are described in brief below different settlements and tourist sites. They are with their current status as of 2019. selected on the basis of criteria, including: poorly * http://bialazvezda.com/velomarshrut-byala-stalpishte 11 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria

Park. After a nice ride along the alleys, the route turns back along the dyke and takes the north 4.3 Thematic bike routes devel- shore of the main lake “Nikolovo”, then along “Chiflikoto” lake and after the pumping station oped by Velo-Ruse Association at the beginning of the asphalt road takes a sharp left with a short climb to the hut “Zdrave ”. Through the closed railway crossing, the villa 4.3.1. Lipnik zone “Kaseva Cheshma” returns to Ruse. Exten- sion of the route is possible if from Lipnik Forest Length: about 25 km, one day trip Park one continues to the village of Chervena Possible extension of the route: about 14 km Voda, then - along the road Kubrat - Ruse 5 km Level of difficulty: Medium (attention for heavy traffic) to Obraztsov Chiflik Terrain: mostly on asphalt roads with mild and from there - asphalt to the hut Zdrave. To- slopes, small stretch of dirt road gether with the extension, the entire route is on Start / end: the center of Ruse asphalt roads. The road from Ruse to the village of Nikolovo, though only a municipal road, is The route exits the city of Ruse along the cycle busy at certain times of the day. The road from path along Lipnik Boulevard, reaching the village the closed rail crossing by the villa zone Kaseva of Nikolovo, where it enters the Lipnik Forest Cheshma to Ruse is a calm road. 12 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region is a nice restaurant in the woods, and from there 4.3.2. The Nature around Nisovo are many paths and small paths waiting to be explored. Take care when crossing the main road Length: about 32 km, one day trip Ruse - Veliko Tarnovo! When visiting the Kolio Extension is possible: between 4th and 22nd km Ficheto Bridge, one has to use twice the busy Level of difficulty: Medium roundabout to the main bridge over Yantra. Terrain: mainly on asphalt roads, possible exten- sion by a macadam road and dirt roads Start / end: Nisovo village 4.3.4. Yantra and Danube Length: about 83 km, two-day or three-day trip The route follows small asphalt low traffic roads. (currently bikeable are about 45 km to the village From Nisovo the route starts with a steep climb of Batin before Rousse), and tents should also be towards the village of Svalenik along the Bataklia provided for overnight - a huge forest, where some wild animals can be Level of difficulty: Medium seen. From Svalenik the route continues with the Terrain: asphalt and agricultural roads with sev- ascent to the road Katselovo - Nisovo and again eral climbs up to a maximum of 100 m returns to Nisovo. Interesting places that can Start / end: Byala railway station - Rousse be visited along the road are the rock churches about 2 km southeast of the village of Svalenik The route takes the railway station Byala or in the direction of Kostandenets village or the the town of Byala. There are two ways to get to rock formation “White wall” northwest of Svale- Tsenovo: the main one - on the main road to nik about 4 km along the macadam road. In the Tsenovo, and the detour, but more picturesque village of Nisovo one can see the visitor informa- - along the Kolyo Ficheto Bridge, the villages tion center of the Rousse Lom Nature Park, the of Sturmen and Dolna Studena, with this op- Nisovo Rock Monastery - 5 km down the road tion cycling is closer to the Yantra River. After from the village against the stream of Mali Lom Tsenovo, take the asphalt road to the villages of River, as well as taste local wines in the Nisovo Beltsov and Belyanovo, while the macadam road winery in the center of the village. The route is along the Yantra can be taken again to Beltsov suitable for people staying in the village. (picturesque, but there may be partial vegetation overgrowth). In the village of Belyanovo there is 4.3.3. Byala Forest Park a suitable place for overnight with tents near the suspension bridge (the place is used for tents for Length: about 15 km, one day trip almost all water kayak trips along the Yantra). Level of difficulty: Easy In the center of the village there is a shop and a Terrain: asphalt and agricultural roads without fountain. The route continues on the next day to serious climbs Krivina, and from there to Batin the cycle route Start / End: Byala Railway Station - Byala Forest goes along the Danube river. Above the village of Park Batin, just above the river, there is also a suitable place for tents and close to a fountain. However, Byala train station can be reached by train. From after Batin village the route still has non bikeable there the road takes to Lukoil on the main road places (it is envisaged to clean up this section Ruse - Veliko Turnovo, but continues along with a small project listed in the regional tourism agricultural roads near the Yantra River, by- strategy, but there is no deadline). The section passing the ascent that the main road makes. Stalpishte - Mechka village - Pirgovo village After reaching the Kolyo Ficheto Bridge, you along the road is pleasant and peaceful, then at enter the town of Byala, pass the museum of the the 9th kilometer (turning point for buses) the Russian-Turkish War and take the road to the intersection of the main road Ruse - Byala and Forest Park. There are no more than 5 km along a railway station the route must be followed with pleasant unpaved road from the end of the city to great caution! The road can be safely passed at an the final destination. At the end of the road there abandoned railway underpass where for about

13 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria 200 meters the bike has to be pushed. Ruse is the road along the river is very overgrown and reached via a calm asphalt road parallel to the it is better to follow the asphalt road from the main road. village of Ivanovo to the Rock churches (from Bozhichen there is a short dirt road that crosses 4.3.5. Rusenski Lom – canyons and medi- the highway). From there, a descend follows to eval cultural centres – option 1 the Rock Churches on the “official path”. Af- ter visiting the churches, return to the Ivanovo Length: about 41 km, one day trip railway station on the asphalt. The dirt roads in Level of difficulty: medium to heavy this stretch of the Ruse Lom River are also over- Terrain: asphalt and agricultural roads with sev- grown, but cleaned regularly - one to two times eral climbs up to a maximum of 100 m a year, as the Danube Triathlon runs in June and Start / end: Rousse - Ivanovo railway station the Canyon Creek Ultramarathon in November.

The route starts from the town of Ruse in the 4.3.6. Rusenski Lom – canyons and medi- direction of the village of Basarbovo along the eval cultural centres – option 2 river Rusenski Lom through the Sredna Kula and Dolapite neighbourhoods. After passing Length: about 80 km, two days trip the Basarbovo Rock Monastery, it continues by Level of difficulty: medium to heavy abandoned fish farms, after which the road turns Terrain: on asphalt and agricultural roads with into a dirt road and reaches the village of Krasen. several climbs up to a maximum of 100 m After that, only the dirt road and the path along Start / end: Rousse - Dve Mogili railway station arable fields reach the next village of Bozhichen, but from there to the Ivanovo Rock Churches

14 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region This route refines the previous one, as a suitable Mali Lom valley (10 km total to and back), the place to stay is both the Guest House Kladenets winery as well as the visitor center of the nature in the village of Ivanovo and one of the guest park. There is also an option for overnight stay houses or hotels in the village of Koshov, 6 km in Nisovo. From here the route continues on the away from Ivanovo in the direction of Cherven. asphalt road, which ascends to the hunting lodge After the village of Koshov the road enters the “Batakliya”, but when reaching the woodland valley of Cherni Lom and may be overgrown in of the same name, it starts on its right side by a places, but is generally bikeable. After about 8 km dirt road, which after a while takes the asphalt you reach the medieval town of Cherven - one of from the village of Svalenik to Pisanets. There the best preserved fortresses from the time of the are also guest houses in the village of Pisanets as Second Bulgarian State. From here up the Cherni well as a small museum exhibit. The next day, it Lom river valley is difficult and very overgrown. continues along the dirt road along Beli Lom, but The route continues along the asphalt road to after about 4 km the route exits the valley as it Dve Mogili, before taking the small asphalt road becomes too overgrown, and along a side can- to the left towards Orlova Chuka cave. By the yon on the left and through the field goes onto a cave there is a marked path / dirt road about 2 panoramic macadam road to the town of Vetovo. km to the village of Pepelina. After that, anoth- From Vetovo, asphalt roads through the villages er 6 km, mainly ascent to Dve Mogili. A direct of Semerdzhievo and Chervena Voda reach back reach to Dve Mogili without a visit to Orlova to Ruse. Chuka cave is also possible. This route avoids the stretch of the Ivanovo Rock Churches to Koshov 4.3.8. „St.Marina“and „St.Petka “ Monas- along the left bank of the river, as half of it is non teries bikeable. Some time after the development of the route and thanks to a series of clean-ups, there is now an option to reach from the Ivanovo Rock Length: about 72 km, two days trip Churches to the Gramovets rock formation, Level of difficulty: Medium located on the left bank of the Cherni Lom River, Terrain: mostly on asphalt and macadam roads from where the dirt roads lead to Koshov village. without steep climbs Start / End: Dve Mogili Railway Station - Byala Railway Station 4.3.7. Picturesque paths along Cherni Lom and Beli Lom rivers This route starts from Dve Mogili railway station and there are two options for reaching the first destination - the picturesque village of Shiroko- Length: about 117 km, three days trip vo – by the old dirt road, which goes directly to Level of difficulty: Medium Shirokovo (not recommended for wet weather) Terrain: asphalt and agricultural roads with sev- or on the asphalt road to Pepelina and Ostritsa eral climbs up to a maximum of 100 m villages. It continues in the direction of the vil- Start / end: Ruse lage of Katselovo, but on the fork to the village of Karan Varbovka it takes the right towards the vil- Here again, the route to the Ivanovo Rock lage and the monastery “St. Marina”. From there Churches follows the described option in route it continues to the villages of Pomen and Ban- 5 with a possible overnight stay in the village iska, past the “Baniska” dam and the village of of Bozhichen or in Ivanovo. Then cross the Koprivets. The route continues to the Koprivets Rusenski Lom river at the parking of the Rock Monastery “St. Petka”, the village of Dryanovets churches and continue along a picturesque dirt and the Byala Forest Park, where it joins Route 3. road along a number of other rock churches, Through the town of Byala and the Kolyo Ficheto passing the Smesite - the place of confluence of Bridge, it goes to the Byala Railway Station. Beli and Cherni Lom rivers to Nisovo, the dis- Addition: The road from the village of Shirokovo tance from the parking at the Rock churches to directly to Baniska along the valley of the Baniski Nisovo is about 14 km. There is an opportunity Lom river is also very picturesque, with foun- to visit the Nisovo Rock Monastery along the 15 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria tains and minimum car traffic. This route is also building on and integrating them into the com- suitable for people living in Byala, Borovo or Dve mon theme of touring Orthodox monasteries mogili municipality. throughout the region, including the Basar- bovsky, Ivanovo and Nisovsky rock monasteries. 4.3.9. Orthodox chapels in Polomie Following route 7 to the village of Nisovo, this route continues along the asphalt road to the village of Katselovo. From here in direction of Length: about 123 km, two or three days trip Karan Varbovka, the monastery “St. Marina “, Level of difficulty: Medium Koprivets and the monastery” St. Petka ”contin- Terrain: mainly on asphalt and dirt roads with ues through the village of Pet Kladentsi to the some climbs up to 100 m railway station of the town of Borovo. Oppor- Start / end: Ruse - Borovo railway station tunities for overnight stay are in the villages of Bozichen, Nisovo, Ostritsa (5 km detour) and Pet This route overlaps routes 7 and 8 to some extent, Kladentsi.

16 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region

4.3.10. „Kalimok-Brashlen“ Protected Dve Mogili and Ivanovo. In most other villages Area in the region guest houses are missing. In the municipal districts of Vetovo, Slivo pole and Bor- Length: about 97 km, two days trip ovo, accommodation facilities are not present. Level of difficulty: Medium There is considerable diversity of hotel accom- Terrain: mainly on asphalt and agricultural roads modation in the cities of Ruse and Byala. One without serious climbs hotel is located in the villages of Koshov, Nisovo Start / end: Rousse and Mechka (all three fall into the municipality of Ivanovo). Accommodation in tourist huts is After the roundabout at the , the possible in only a few places, most of them in route goes to the town of Marten, following the the vicinity of Rousse - Prista chalet -located main road (there is an old pedestrian and bicy- in the western park of Prista, Alpinist chalet - cle lane parallel to the road, reaching the KTM near Basarbovo village. Zdravets and Minzuhar property, which lane is now overgrown, but with chalets are under renovation and are expected to the good will of the regional administration, it start offering accommodation by the end of 2020. can be cleared and used) and continues on the There is a single operating hut in the Polomie re- inland road to Sandrovo village. From here to the gion away from the regional center of Rousse and village of Ryahovo there is unclarity about use of this is the hut Orlova chuka, which is managed the Danube dike, so the route partly crosses dirt by the municipality of Dve Mogili and where roads between the Danube and the main road only overnight accommodation can be made Ruse - . In the village of Ryahovo there is a upon request. An interesting accommodation wonderful fish restaurant on the river bank. Then is the complex in the village of Brushlen, Slivo continue along an asphalt road along the dike to pole municipality, built in a former school, which Kalimok - Brushlen Protected Area. Many birds is run by the mayor of the village and where an can be observed here. Approaching the village overnight stay can also be made upon request. of Brushlen, the route leaves the Danube valley and heads south to the village. There is a newly There are also few dining places outside the built accommodation facility here. After pass- district center. There are small Grill and Sand- ing through the villages of Golyamo and Malko wich establishments in the municipal centers, but Vranovo, the town of Slivo pole, a narrow road there are grocery stores in all of them. Restau- leads again to the Danube dike and then again rants can be found in Byala and Dve Mogili. In to Sandrovo, Marten and Ruse. The route is not the villages of Polomie region, part of the guest popular, an option for a round trip route with houses offer food only to customers who stay start and end - the city of Ruse is being sought, there. There are places where you can enjoy food while avoiding the main road Ruse – Silistra as along the bike ride like in the villages of Nisovo much as possible. The dikes along the Danube and Koshov, as well as in the wine complex above around Ryahovo are in some places asphalted the village of Mechka. There are no dining places and ideal for cycling, but in some sections they in the villages outside Polomie region. Some of are non bikeable and cross country roads. the routes offer visits to wineries and wine tast- ing. The most famous places are in the village of Nisovo and near the village of Mechka, as well as in the town of Rousse.

Route guidance services are offered in a very lim- 4.4 Tourist services along the ited range as almost all certified guides reside in cycling routes the city of Ruse. The tourist assosiations „Prista“ The provision of tourist services along the routes and „Academic“, as well as the Ruse travel club is unfortunately quite low. There are usually 1-2 Byala Zvezda, can provide such services through places for accommodation in the villages along their members, who actively ride bicycles on the the rivers, as well as in the municipal centers of routes, but professional services of a guide with a bicycle are offered by few people. 17 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria

18 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region 4.5 Events or upgraded. - The Danube Ultra is a unique sporting There are various regular events that use some event that is gaining more and more fans and of the cycling routes and are essential for their media attention. It takes place in the summer promotion as well as for the annual maintenance and is a speed cycling of the whole Danube cycle of the routes. There is a trend for increasing the route in Bulgaria by highy trained participants. number of events. Here are some of the more In the second day of the event the cycling mar- popular ones: athon passes through the Rousse region, and in - Bicycle rides organized by the Velo-Ruse Rousse there is always a planned rest for the par- Association. These rides are intended to both ticipants and support from various local organi- promote a specific route around the city of Ruse, zations, as well as by the municipality of Rousse. consolidate and unite the cycling communi- ty, but also communicate to local authorities - Club rides or sporadic rides of small on the need for construction of bike lanes, the groups are organized by „Prista“ Tourist Assosi- maintenance of some major bicycle routes and ation activists and also occur frequently, where the development of cycling culture. These rides influencial leaders have gathered between 5 and are almost annual and are in several directions 25 participants for rides of 1-4 days trips. - Rousse-Nikolovo village-Obraztsov Chiflik- Zdravets hut-Kaseva Cheshma area, Ruse-Sredna Kula - Basarbovski Monastery and others. - Cross country bike rides and events organized by „Academic“ Tourist Assosiation in Polomie region. „Academic“ team organizes 5 Evaluation and poten- and develops routes in the villages of Tabachka, Cherven and Koshov. tial for development - The Canyon Creek Ultra-Marathon - a very successful initiative that has been orga- 5.1 Challenges in tourism supply nized for the past three years and is constantly In general the routes are not difficult for expe- gaining fans and sponsors. For 2019, there were rienced cyclists. The slopes are on average up nearly 500 participants from across the country. to 100 meters high as this is the height between The marathon has 4 running categories and one fields and river valleys. In longer routes with cycling category which starts from the Basarbovo accumulation of ascents and descents, the total Monastery and traverses almost the entire terri- displacement can reach 300-350 meters. Where tory of Ruse Lom Nature Park. The event takes there are steep sections, they are always short. place in November, with the preparation and Most routes are in the open with no shade by cleaning of the routes about a month and a half trees. Some sections are an exception, but in gen- before the event. eral, when the weather is sunny, care should be - The Free-Danube Natural Triathlon taken for high temperatures. In hot days in June was held once during the summer of 2019 as a and July may be inappropriate for some people to joint initiative of „Prista“ tourist association and ride a bike. WWF Bulgaria on the occasion of the Interna- tional Danube Day – June 29. An essential part A problem is that drinking water is rarely of the triathlon is about 45 km cycling along the available along the routes. There are few road- route from Ruse through the villages of Basarbo- side fountains in the area. The karst springs in vo, Krasen, Bozhichen and Mechka to the resort Polomie region are very small and increasingly area of Stulpishte, from where the participants difficult to find. Some smaller villages do not continue back to Ruse with a kayak along the have shops, such as Nisovo and Pepelina, so each Danube. The first event was attended by about cyclists has to be prepared with a reasonable 70 people and the initiative will develop in the amount of liquids for the chosen cycle route. future and in 2020 the same route may be used 19 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria There may be tall grass, nettle, thorns and other - The Goliam Nisovski Monastery next to prickly bushes along the dirt roads in in the sum- the landmark Bialata stena - a 4 km section along mer, so it is good to have appropriate clothing. the Mali Lom river between the villages of Niso- There are also mosquitoes in the warm months, vo and Svalenik; so repellent is always needed as it also helps to - Nisovo – Pisanets village, a section along avoid ticks. There are few pools in the area where the Beli Lom River, about 15 km along the river, one can cool down - in Rousse, the village of which is situated into the Bataklia Hunting Re- Krasen, Dve Mogili. The river Rusenski Lom is serve and is thus not suitable for tourists; unsuitable for bathing because of its strong cur- - along Beli Lom River 4 km after the vil- rent and muddy shores. lage of Pisanets in direction to Vetovo fish farms the trail ends; The bicycle routes described here take the max- - after the village of Cherven along the imum advantage of road infrastructure in the river Cherni Lom to the village of Tabachka Ruse Lom Nature Park and in Polomie region and from the village of Tabachka to the village as a whole. There are many sections picturesque of Pepelina it is also impossible to ride a bicy- and attractive, but completely impassable even cle. There is a pedestrian route from Cherven for pedestrians. These are briefly the following through Tabachka (past the Vodnata Cave) and sections: continuing to Orlova Chuka, which is marked by - Ivanovo Rock Churches to the Gramovets the Academic Tourist Association. This section Monastery (in direction to Koshov) along the left follows the higher parts beyond the river valley, bank of Rusenski Lom; but is not suitable for cycling.

20 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region - The area around Ruse and along the 5.2 Challenges in tourism de- Danube River competes with many other cycling routes in the country - in the Rhodopes, Strand- mand ja, Bulgarka Park, the Iron Curtain and many Due to lack of data, it is not possible to clearly in- more. dicate the usability of bicycle routes in the Rous- - Signposting for cycling routes is missing, se region. According to general observations, the though some exceptions exist; most popular route is the one on the Eurovelo 6. - Poor provision of accommodation and The road sections used by cyclists, however, are meals; such that usually these tourists stay only once in - The main tourist season for adventures the territory of the region and in the city of Ruse, is the summer and often the temperature is too where there is diversity of hotel accommodation. high for outdoor activities. It is hot and humid Most of the hotels interviewed say they acco- along the rivers, and at certain times there are modate small groups of 1 to 4 people on wheels. many mosquitoes; Those tourists are mostly foreigners and they - The attractive cycling routes in Polomie rarely cycle off the route to visit any of the tourist region, where the landscapes have a real tourist sites like Ivanovo Rock Churches, Cherven For- and adventure value and where the main point of tress or Basarbovo Monastery. interest are located - the Ivanovo Rock Church- There are also sporadic visits of organized groups es, the medieval town of Cherven, the Orlova from Romania, mainly from the bicycle clubs Chuka cave and others, are often too overgrown of Giurgiu town, who practice cycling tourism and non-bikeable. There is nowhere be find real in the vicinity of Rousse without staying over- up-to-date information online for the current night. Romanian tourists are the number one to conditions of these routes. visit tourist destinations in Bulgaria in recent years, compared to tourists from other countries. It is difficult to come up with a general sollution There is high potential for development of this for the complete development of bicycle routes, market especially in the Rousse region. A large their timely maintenance and advertising. It number of Romanians traveling to Bulgaria go is necessary that local authorities and institu- through Rousse, and many seek opportunities for tions understand and have the will to develop short one day trips or weekend adventures. This the routes so they exist, be in good condition, requires more advertising of the cycle routes, as cleaned, and tourist information is provided. well as bicycle signposting, and last but not least The economic impact these routes can have on - regular maintenance of the attractive offroad the area and on local communities needs to be routes in the wild. emphasized. Such meetings with local authorities The internal market lacks a critical mass of active were held by members of the Velo-Rousse Asso- and ambitious people who regularly go around ciation, but the situation is dynamic and people the area, have multiple initiatives and have a in institutions often change after local elections. sufficiently large core of cyclists to maintain and The current strategy needs to be adopted by all develop the area in a proper level. The popula- stakeholders, its aspects embedded in the region- tion is mostly aging and thus little interested in al tourism strategy, as well as in the municipal tourism and adventures. development plans, outline particular measures that are feasible in time and cannot be stopped by one or other municipality due to lack of funding or lack of institutional or political will. 5.3 Summary of challenges and It is necessary to work at all levels to increase the cycling culture of the population, to enhance the potential for develoment understanding that safe and attractive routes must be developed, and to form a community There are many problems with the usability of of activists at all levels so that the routes are in cycling routes, but for the purposes of this strate- good condition and visible on the cycling map of gy, the following are highlighted: Bulgaria and Europe. 21 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria Tsenovo village, the route continues along the Yantra River through Dolna Studena and Botrov villages to the town of Byala. Here, tourists also have opportunities for detour along the river. From Byala the route continues through Borovo, 6. Regional cycling route Chilnov, Peplina and Cherven to Nisovo. The chosen route is determined by the low slopes Rivers of time along the rivers. The village of Nisovo is a key point in the region, as one of the main settle- 6.1 Defining a main cycling ments on the territory of Rousse Lom Nature Park. Nisovo has accommodation places and route as a tourist product important landmarks nearby. The cycling route continues in the most picturesque and chal- The evaluation of the cycle routes in the Rousse lenging stretch, where tourists are closest to the region and the 10 thematic routes developed by preserved natural and valuable natural environ- the Velo-Ruse Association are the basis for the ment in the immediate vicinity of the right bank proposal for a circular cycle route of about 185 of the Rusenski Lom river. Through the village of km. The purpose of the route is to combine the Shtraklevo the route reaches the town of Ruse. natural and cultural sights in a single tourist route under a brand, which bears the character- istics of the area in a recognizable and distinctive product. The proposal is inspired by the pres- ence of several rivers in the Rousse region - each 6.2 Defining spatial planning with its own landscapes, sections accessible for cyclists and with already developed or potential zones for development sites and services. The Danube, Yantra and Rusenski Lom rivers have previously Spatial planning of the River of Time cycling been the subject of development with a project route can successfully benefit from the Green- called “Rivers of Time”. The same brand name ways concept by combining cycling with hiking, will be used for the cycling route in this strategy. horse riding and other sustainable tourism in Building on an already discussed concept, the cy- areas where this is possible and desirable. This cle route “Rivers of time” combines the efforts of requires several methods: local communities and stakeholders in a specific • Identification of sections with necessary product that can be promoted for the purposes of elements of the infrastructure with different local and foreign cycling tourists. qualities. The natural, agricultural or urban The River of Time cycling route starts from environments are clearly distinguished along the Rousse. Being the center of the district and the cycle route. The delineation of the sections and main point for easy transport access, both from the way they will be used will predetermine fu- the country and from abroad by water, air, road ture efforts for adequate pavement, marking and and rail, Ruse is a natural starting point. In the maintenance of the route. eastern direction the route passes through the • Zoning. The designation of zones is most villages of Basarbovo and Ivanovo to the town necessary in sections where the route passes of Dve Mogili. Here the route uses the estab- through natural habitats and protected areas. lished Euro Velo 6. Through the village of Gorno Zoning guarantees the protection of available Ablanovo, Batin and Krivina the route reaches resources by defining access and responsibility of Tsenovo village. In this first section the theme is users and the manager of the area concerned. the Danube River, which runs closest to Rousse. • Layering of territory functions. Cycling Cyclists can make a slight detour from the village is just one of many types of tourist use on every of Batin or the village of Krivina in the direction greenway. Defining these types in advance will of the Danube to access local sights, views of the allow the identification of possible conflicts and river or to dining and accomodation places. After prioritization of use in the respective sections.

22 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region Function layering will outline the diversity of and thus their careful redistribution and provid- use and allow for succession of responsibilities as ing accurate amenities for each type of tourism. well as connectivity and continuity of route. The Thus, facilities serving different functions could different layers will allow the identification of be well placed and well managed, with their important points of intersection of tourist flows, design (materials, colors, shapes) fitting in the

RegionalBox cycling 1 Regional cycling route route Rivers Rivers of Time of Time

Map key ! Cycling route ² Points Ruse # City !!!!!!! ! !! !!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!! !!!!! !! !!!!!!!!!!! ! !! !!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! !!!!!! !!!!!! !!!!!!! !!!!!!! ! !!!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! !!!!!! !!!!!! ! !!!!!!!!!! !! !!!!!!!!! ! !!!!!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!! ! !!!!! !!!!! !!!!! ! !!!!! !!!!!!! !!!! !!! !!!!! !!! !!!!! !!!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!!!! !!!!! !! ! !! !!!!!! !! !! !! !! !!!! !!! ! ! !!!!!!!!!! ! !!! !!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! To wn !!!!!!! !!!!!!! !!! !!!!!! !! !!! !!!!!! !! !!! !!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! !! !!!!!!!! !!! !!!!! !! !!! ! !!!!!! ! !!!!!!! ! !!!! ! !!! ! !!! ! ! !! !!!! !!! ! !!! ! !! !!!! ! !!!! ! !!!! !! !! Village !! ! ! ! !!! ! !!! ! !! !! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!! !! !!!! ! !! ! ! !!! ! !!! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!! Tourist attraction ! !! !!!!!!!!!!!! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! !!!!! !! !! ! ! ! !! !! !!!! !! !! ! !!!! ! !!!! ! !!! ! !! !! !!! ! !!!! ! !! ! !! ! ! !! !! !!!!! !! !!!! !! ! !! ! !! Hotel ! !! ! !!!!! !! !! J ! !!!!!!!! ! !!!! ! !!!! Basarbovo! !!!! ! !!!! ! !!!!!! ! !!! !!! ! ! !! !! !! !!!!!!! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! !! !!!!!!!! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!!!!!! !!!!! ! !!!! !!!! !! ! !!!! ! !!!!! !!!!!! ! Restaurant !!!!!! !! !! ! !! !! ! !!!!! ! I !! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! !! !! ! ! !! ! !! !! ! !! ! !! !!!! ! !! !! !!!! ! !!! !! !!! !! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! !! !! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! !! ! !!! ! !!!!! ! !! !! Shtraklevo!! !!! !! !! !! !!! !! !! ! !! ! !!! ! !! ! !!! ! ! ! !! ! !! !! !! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!! ! ! !!!! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! !!!!!! !! ! ! !!! !!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! !!!! !! ! ! !!! !! !!!!!!!!! ! !!! ! !!!!!! ! !!!!! !!! !! ! !!!!! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! !!!! ! !! ! !!! ! !!! ! !! !! !!! ! !!! !! !! ! !!! !!!!!! !! !! !!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !! !!! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! !! !! !! !!!!! !! !! !! !!! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! ! !! ! !! !! !!!!! Ivanovo!! !!!! ! ! !! !!!!! !! ! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! !!!!! !!! !! !!!!! ! !!! !! !!! !! !!! !! !!!! ! !!!!! !! !!!! ! !!!! !! !!! !!! !!!!! !!!! !!!!!!! !!! !!! !!! !!!! !! !!!!!!!!! !! !!!!!!!! ! !!!!!!! ! !!!! ! !!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!! ! !!!!!! ! !!!! ! !! !!!! !!!!!!!!!! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !! !!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !! !! !! !!!!! ! ! !! !!!! !!!! !! !! !!!! ! ! !! !!!!! ! !! ! !!!!!!! !! !! ! !!!!!!! !!! !! ! !!!!!!! !! !!! ! !!!! !!!! !!! ! !!!!! ! !! ! !!!!!! ! ! ! ! !!! ! !!! !!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!!!! ! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!!!!!! !!!! Batin! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!! ! !!!! !!!!! !!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!! ! Koshov!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!! ! !! ! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! ! ! !!!!!!! ! !!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! !!!!!! ! !! !!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! ! !!!!!!! ! !! !!!!!!!!!!!! !! !!!!!!!!!! !!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!!!!!!!!!! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! ! !!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!! !!!!!! !! ! !! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !! !!!!!! !!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !! !! Nisovo!! !!! ! ! ! ! !!!!!! ! !! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! !! ! !!!!!! !!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! !!!!!!!! !! !!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!!! !!! !! ! !!!!!!!! !! !!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!! !!! !!!!!! ! !!!!!!!!! !! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! !!! !!!!!! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! !! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! !! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!! !!!! !! !!!! !!!! !! !!! ! !!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! ! !!! ! !!!!! !!!! !!!!!! ! !!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!!!!!!! !! !! !!! ! !! !! ! !!! ! !!! !! ! !!!!! ! ! !!!! ! !!!!! ! !! !!!!! !! ! !!!!! ! !!!!!! !!!!!!! !!!! !! ! !!!! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! !! ! !! !! ! ! ! !! !! !! ! ! !! ! !! !! ! !! !!! ! ! ! !! !!! !! ! !! !! !!!!! !!!!!!! ! !!!! Gorno!! !!! Ablanovo !!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! ! ! ! !!!!! ! !! !!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!! !!! !! !!!!!!! ! !!!!! !!!! !!!!!! !!!!! ! ! !!! !! !!! !!!!!!!!! !!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!!!! !! !!! ! !! ! !! !!!! !! !! ! !! ! ! !! !! !! ! !! ! !!! !! !!!!! !! ! !! ! ! !!!! !!!! !! ! !! ! ! !!!! ! !! ! !! ! ! !!!!!! !! !!! ! !! ! ! Krivina!! !! !! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !! ! !! !!! !! ! !!!! !! !! ! ! !! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!!!!!! !! ! !!!!!!!! !! ! ! ! !! ! !!!!!! ! !!!!! ! ! !! !! !!!!!!!!! ! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! !!! !! !!!!!! !! ! ! !!! !!! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! !! !!!!!!!!!! ! !!! !!!!! ! !! !!! ! !!!!!! !!! ! !! ! !!!!!!! !! !!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !! !! ! !!!! ! !!!!!! !! !!!!!!!!!! !! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !! !!! !! !!! ! !!! ! !!!!!!! !!! !!!!! !!!!!!! ! !!! ! ! !!!! ! !!! !!! !!!!!!! !!!! !!!! !!! ! !!! ! !! !! !!!!!! !! !!!!! !!!! !!!!!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!! ! ! !!!!! ! !! !! !!!!!!!!!!!! !! ! !! ! !!!!!!!! !!!!!! !!! ! ! !!!!!! ! ! !! !! !!!!! !! !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!!! ! ! !!! !! !! !!! !!!! !! !!!!! !!!!!!!! !!! !!!! !! ! !!! ! !! !! !!!!!!!!!!!! !! !!! !!!!!!!!!!!! !!! ! !!!!! !!!! !!!!! ! !! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!! !!!!!!!! ! !! !! !!!!!!!!!!! !!! !!!!!! !!!!! !!!!! !!!!!!!! ! !!! !! !! ! !!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!! !!!!!!!! ! !!!!!! !! !!!!! ! !!!! !!!!!!! !! ! !!!!!!!!! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!! Cherven!!!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!!! !!!! !!!!! ! !! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!! ! ! !!!!! !!!! ! ! !!! !!!!!!! Belyanovo! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!! !!!! !! ! !!!!!! !!! !!!!! ! !!!!! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! !!!! ! !!!! !!!! !! ! !!!!!!!! !!!! !!! ! !!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! ! ! !!!!! ! !!!!!!! !!!!!!!! ! !!! !!!! !!!! ! ! !!!! !!!!! !! !! !! !! ! ! !!!!!!!!!! !!!!!! ! !! !! !!! ! ! !!!!!! !! !! ! !!! !!!! !! ! ! !!!!! !!!!!!! ! ! !!! !! !! ! !!! !!!!!!!! ! ! !!! !!! ! ! !!!!!!! !! ! ! !! !! !! ! !!! !!! !! ! ! !!! !! ! !!! !!!!!!!!! !! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! !!!!! !! !! ! !! !!!! !! ! ! !!!!!! !!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!! ! !! !!!!!!!!!!!! !! !! !!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! ! !! !!! !! ! ! !!!! !! !!!! !! ! !!!!! !!!! ! ! !!! !!!! !! !!! !! !! ! ! !! !! !!! ! !! !!! ! ! !!!! !!! !!!! !!! !! !! ! !!!! !!! !!!! !!! !!!! !! !!! ! !!!!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! !!! !! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! !!! !! !!!! ! !!! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! !! !!!!!!! !!!! !!! ! !! !! !! !! !! ! !! !!! ! !!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!! ! Orlova!!! Chuka !! !!!! !!!!!!! !! !!!!!!! !!!! ! !!!! ! !!! ! !!!! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!! !! !!!! !! !!!! !!! !!!!!!!! ! !!!! !!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!! !!!!! !! !!!!! !! !!!! ! !!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! ! !! !!!! !! !!! ! !! !! !! !!!! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! !! !!!!!!!!! !! ! !! !! !! ! !!!!! !!! !! !! !!! !!! !! ! !!! ! !! !! !!!! !! !!!! ! !!!!!!! ! !!! !! !! ! !!!!! !!!! !!! !! !!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!! !! ! !!!!! !!!!!!! !!! Pepelina! !!!!! !! !!!!!!!!!!! ! !!! ! !!!!!!!! Dve Mogili !!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! ! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!! !!!! !! !!!! ! !!!!! !!!! !!!! ! !!!!! !!! !!!! ! !!!!! !! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!! !!!! ! !! ! !!! !!!!!! Svalenik! ! ! ! !!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!! ! ! !! ! !!! !!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!! !!!! ! !!!!!!!! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! !!!!!!! !!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!! !! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!!!! ! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!!!! !!!!! ! ! ! !!! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!! !! ! !!! !!! !! !!!!! !! ! !!! !!! ! !!!!! ! !! !!!! !!!!! !!! ! ! !!!! ! !! !! !! ! !! !!!!! ! !!! !! ! !!!! ! !! !! !!! !!!! ! !!!!!!! !!!! !! !! !! !!! !! ! Beltsov!! ! ! !!!! ! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!!!! !! !!! !!!!!! !!!!! !!!!!!! !! !!!! ! !!! !! ! ! !! !! !! !!!!!!! ! !! !! !!!! ! !!! !!! !! !! !!! !! !!!!! !! !! ! !! Shirokovo! ! ! !! !! !!! !! !!! !!! !!! !! !!! !!!! !!! !!!!! !!!! !! !! !! ! ! ! ! !! !!!! !! !! !! !! !! ! !!!!! ! ! !! !! !! !! !! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !! ! !!!! ! !! !!!! !! ! !! !!!! !! !! ! !!! !!! ! !! !!! !! ! !! !!! !! Tsenovo!! ! !! !! ! ! !! ! !! ! !!! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!! !!!!!!! ! !!!! !!! !!!! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! !! ! !!! ! !!! !!!! ! !! ! !!! !! !!!!! ! !! ! !!!!!! !! !! !! !! ! !!!!!!!! !!!! !! !! ! !!!!! !! !! !!! ! !!!! !! ! !! ! !!!!! !!! !! !! ! !!! !!!!!! ! !! ! !!!! !!! ! ! !! ! !!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! !! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!! ! !!! ! !!! ! !! !! !!!! !! Dolna!!! !!!!!!!! !!!Studena ! !! !! !!! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!! ! !! !! !!! !!!!!!!!!! !!!! !!!!! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!! !!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!!! ! !!!!!! ! !!!!!! !!! !!!!!! !! !!!! !! !!!! ! !!!!! ! !!!!! !! !!!! ! !! ! Chilnov!!!! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! !! ! ! !! ! ! !! !! !! !! ! ! !! !! !!!! !! !! !!!!!!!!! !! !! !!! !! !! !!! !! !!!! ! !! !! !!! !! !!! !! !! !! !!!!! !! !! !!! !!! !!! !!!! !!! !!! !!! !! !!! !! !!! ! !! !! !! ! !! ! !!! !! !!! !! !! !! !!! !! !! ! !!!! !! !!! ! !!! ! !!! !! !! ! !!! ! !!! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! !!!! Starmen! !!!! ! !!!!! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Borovo!! ! !!!! !!!!! !! ! !!!!!! !!!!!!! !! !! !!!!!!! !!!! !!! !!!!!!!!!!!! !! ! !! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! !! !!!! ! !!!!! !! !! ! !!!! ! !!! ! !!!!!!! ! !!!!!!! ! !!!!!! ! !!!!!! ! !!!! ! !!!! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !! ! !!! !!! !!! !! !!! !! !!!!!!!!!!!! !! !!!!!!! !! !!!! !! !!! Byala!!!! !!!! ! !!! !! !!!! !!! !!!!! !!!!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

02,5 5 10 15 20 km

23 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria landscape as best as possible. Implementation of these planning methods guarantees the most favorable and fair use of the territory can be determined. Most of the route will, of course, remain for free use. For restrict- ed areas, such as detours to access landmarks, valuable natural areas, etc. access may be limited in time (such as the breeding season of valuable species), charges may be imposed, restrictions on the types of users (eg facilities for children or people with disabilities), or a combination of restrictions.

6.3 Defining a development plan for the route Although the River of Time bicycle route uses existing asphalt, field and dirt roads, careful consideration is needed for the future use of the territory. Spatial planning of this eco-tourism cycling route is needed since the Danube area is within the Pan-European Ecological Corridor. First of all, the development of the route has to be taken into account through all forthcom- ing planning processes on the territory. The adoption of the concept of this tourist product by the municipalities in the Rousse district is key. One of the first steps is its inclusion in the municipal and regional development strategies, as well as tourism development strategies with their periodic updating. A next phase review of urban planning procedures of the municipali- ties is necessary to include the cycling route in all relevant spatial development and landscape planning documents. Very important among them are the municipal development plans, where the availability of a bicycle route must be taken into account. It is necessary for the experts involved in planning to study the traffic levels of the municipal and national road network along which the bicycle route passes. Based on certain target tourist flows, the need for investment in particular road sections can be assessed so as to ensure the safety of cyclists with appropriate infrastructure. Particular attention should be paid to the cycling route within the settlements. It is especially challenging to arrange safe cy- cling infrastructure at the entrances and exits of Byala, Dve Mogili, Basarbovo and of course 24 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region Ruse. The choice of routes to cross the “Rivers of Time” is based on an assessment of the bike 7. Ecosystem services routes in the Rousse region so that it can be used in the current state and type of infrastructure. In along the cycling route addition to the safety of cyclists, planning ex- perts must ensure that entry and exit points are in Ruse district bike friendly, with clear, recognizable and visible markings. Taking into account all the factors in Making justified decisions on the spatial plan- the course of planning and on the basis of reg- ning of the cycling route requires a scientific ulatory requirements, the route may undergo approach to the management and conservation changes in some sections, where differents roads of biodiversity and the environment, territorial or streets might be used. In the process of spatial policies on land use, use of local resources, agri- planning a compromise between stakeholders culture and more. The identification of specific with the involvement of local communities must ecosystem services related to the development be ensured via implementation of legislation of cycling and ecotourism is based on both data and the principles of sustainable planning and from approved networks of protected areas, but it design. It is good practice for the cycle route to is also necessary to step on data on the definition have its own master plan that reflects the loca- and mapping of ecosystem services related to tion and spatial dimensions of the infrastructure specific ecosystem types in the area. in place, as well as the natural and man-made landscapes, the zoning of different functional zones depending on land use, and the regimes 7.1 Definition of ecosystem ser- of different activities. In places where the bicycle route passes through agriculture fields, season- vices al farming activities, hunting activities need to Еcosystem services are all the benefits that peo- be taken into account, providing appropriate ple derive from nature. The term was used by the route marking and maintenance. In the vicinity United Nations in 2004, when for 4 consecutive of protected areas, as well as when crossing the years 1300 scientists produced a Millennium route on the territory of the Rousse Lom Nature Ecosystem Assessment . As a result of their Park, the Master Plan must take into account studies, ecosystem services are divided into 4 the possible adverse impact of cycling tourism categories: and appropriate information and control mech- Material services - refer to the products obtained anisms to prevent it. An important condition for from ecosystems and directly used in production a successful eco-tourism product is compliance or for personal consumption by humans. Among achieved with the framework of international them, food and drinking water are vital. Provi- and national standards for the protection and de- sion of fuels and raw materials, e.g. wood from velopment of ecosystem services. In this regard, forest ecosystems are also important material no compromise can be made with the potential services. adverse impact of a planned stream of bicycle Regulatory services - related to the capacity tourists, which may contribute to the concern of of ecosystems to regulate important natural protected animal species, trampling or erosion of processes and life-sustaining systems through valuable habitats, or habitat fragmentation. Thus, biogeochemical and biosphere cycles. Regulatory the Master Plan guarantees the acceptance of the services are a direct or indirect impact on human route by different stakeholders and is a tool for well-being, such as climate change regulation, the sustainable management of the cycle route. water and erosion, water treatment, regulation of natural disasters, pollination, and more. Support services - create the conditions neces- sary to provide all other ecosystem services. They differ from them in that their effect on humans is indirect or very slow. Such services are, for ex- ample, water and nutrient cycles, soil formation, 25 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria which directly affects production. of food, etc. conservation of the areas and their habitats of Cultural services - are the intangible benefits flora and fauna are directly related to the rivers that people derive from ecosystems in the form flowing through the area - the Yantra River, the of enjoyment of beautiful nature, cultural and Polomie region rivers and the Danube River. material heritage. They also include intellectual The zones include both river beds and adjacent and spiritual inspiration, a sense of belonging to shores, as well as settlements with a transport a particular place, the pleasure of recreational network between them, which is the basis for the activities and all opportunities for active tourism development of cycling tourism. All activities close to nature, including forms of ecotourism. of economic life in the zones are reported and categorized in the form of each zone, indicating whether they have a positive or negative impact, whether it is low, medium or high, etc. 7.2 Ecosystem services under The following is an inexhaustive sample of the protection within the regional types of activities that may have an impact on species or habitats as a result of using the cy- cycling route cling route, reconstruction of the route, as well There are 6 NATURA 2000 sites in the Rousse as adverse user behavior (Table 3). The sample Region - 4 of them are habitats directive ar- represents activity codes with their description as eas and 2 birds directive areas (Table 2). The listed in the standard Natura 2000 area form.

Table 2 List of protected areas from NATURA 2000 network in Ruse District along the cycling route or in its vicinity

Settlement Protected area code Name of protected area Type of protected area

Batin BG0000232 Batin Protected under the Habitats Directive Batin BG0002024 Mechka Fisheries Protected under the Birds Directive

Byala BG0000231 Byala forest Protected under the Habitats Directive

Byala, Ostrov, Starmen BG0000610 Yantra River Protected under the Habitats Directive

Ostritsa, Chilnov, BG0002025 Lom Rivers Protected under the Shirokovo, Katselo- Birds Directive vo, Nisovo, Krasen, Bozhichen, Basarbovo, Ivanovo, Ruse Ostritsa, Chilnov, BG0000608 Lom Rivers Protected under the Shirokovo, Katselo- Habitats Directive vo, Nisovo, Krasen, Bozhichen, Basarbovo, Ivanovo, Ruse

26 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region

Table 3 List of threads from cycling tourism in protected areas NATURA 2000

D01 Roads, Trails and railroads D01.01 Trails, pists, cycling lanes D01.02 Roads D01.05 Bridges D01.06 Tunnels D03.01.02 Piers / tourism ports or recreational piers

D05 Better access to the river E04 Constructions, buildings within the landscape E06.01 Destruction of buildings and man-built con- structions E06.02 Restoration and rennovation of buildings F03.02 catching and moving animals (terrestrial)

F03.02.01 Collection of animals (insects, reptiles, am- phibians) F04.02 Collection (mushrooms, lichens, berries, etc.) F05.06 Removal for collection

The purpose of the sample is to serve to specify of the competent environmental authorities. In the possible negative impact of the development sensitive natural habitats, the recommendations of cycling and ecotourism in and near the Natura of biodiversity specialists are leading for the 2000 sites in the Rousse Region. The existence of planning of tourist activities. activities with a potential negative impact is at Generally, the types of ecosystems along a bicycle the heart of the demand for appropriate finan- route are forest, aquatic, agricultural and grass- cial reimbursement following an assessment of land (Table 4). Their exact typology, according the ecosystem services relevant to the area. The to scientific nomenclature, is the subject of a extent of the available or expected impact must number of projects and activities for mapping also be evaluated and depends, in particular, on and assessing the status of ecosystems and their the popularity of cycling tourism in the area, the services, using biodiversity data. In the period tourist flows it generates, and its seasonal distri- 2015 - 2017, for the territory of the country out- bution. side the NATURA 2000 ecological network, an It is practically well known that constant tourist initial database was created in the reference time- flow does not cause significant disturbance to the frame of the 2015-2016 field seasons through populations, even during the breeding season. seven projects that performed the mapping and However, sporadic, fragmented visits can have evaluation of nine major ecosystem types under extremely adverse effects to a degree of abandon- the BG03 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services ment of the baby animals and birds, leaving the Program, funded by the EEA Financial Mech- habitat, etc. In all cases, the impact assessment anism. A large number of scientists from BAS of tourism activities in protected areas must be institutes, various universities and specialists carried out professionally and with the assistance from state institutions (MOEW, MAFW) and

27 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria non-governmental organizations participated in mapping of ecosystems and ecosystem services these projects. Kliment Ohridski. Successful eco- is an important prerequisite for establishing a system management, as part of human well-be- baseline for assessing changes in the state of eco- ing policies, plans and projects (UNEP, 2014), systems and the ecosystem services they provide however, requires the identification of long-term over time. ecosystem development trends. Assessment and

Table 4 Ecosystems and ecosystem services

Type Desctiption Geographic distri- Users Providers bution

Forests - material ecosystem services Food Wild fruits, mush- All Forests in the Local population, State Forest Enter- rooms, herbs, territory enterprises for prices and owners game collection and of private woods processing of non-timber forest products, foreign tourists, hunters, hunting associa- tions, local visitors

Materials Wood Forests for logging Logging compa- State Forest Enter- nies, furniture prices and owners manufacturing of private woods companies, etc.

Materials Aromatic and All Forests in the The population of State Forest Enter- medical products territory the municipalities, prices and owners pickers of aromat- of private woods ic and medicinal plants, tourists

Energy Firewood Plantations The population of State Forest Enter- managed for the the municipalities, prices and owners production of pellets producers of private woods firewood

Forests - Regulating and suppoprting services Regulation of run- All forests - espe- Farmers and State Forest Enter- Regulation of off, microclimate, cially those with stockbreeders, the prices and owners flows - water, air erosion protection protective ecologi- population of the of private woods and solids cal functions municipalities, water supply and sewerage compa- nies

28 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region

Maintenance of Water purifica- All forests, espe- Farmers and State Forest Enter- physical, chemi- tion, maintenance cially those with stockbreeders, prices and owners cal and biological of soils, climate protective and the population of of private woods conditions - quali- and air quality, ecological func- the municipali- ty of water, soil, air carbon capture tions ties, tourists and tourist companies, water companies

Regulation of the Pollination, seed All forests, espe- Farmers and State Forest Enter- biotic environ- dispersion, pop- cially forests of stockbreeders, prices and owners ment, life cycle ulation mainte- high natural value logging and of private woods maintenance, bio- nance, biological woodworking diversity, pest and control mecha- enterprises disease control nisms

Forests - cultural ecosystem services

Physical and em- Ecotourism: ob- Eco paths; bicycle Tourists; the pop- State Forest Enter- pirical interactions servations of (for- routes, forests, ulation of 5 mu- prices and owners est) birds, moun- especially with nicipalities; sports of private woods taineering, hiking; recreational func- clubs; tourist cycling tourism tions, and of high clubs; Velo-Ruse recreation natural value Association

Information and Scientific: den- All forests, es- Scientific and State Forest Enter- knowledge drology, conserva- pecially those of ecological institu- prices and owners tion biology; Ed- high natural value tions in the region of private woods ucational: subject and the coun- of programs and try; Educational literature on for- institutions and estry and wildlife institutions of for- estry and ecology in the region and the country

Water - material ecosystem services

Food Fish and river Danube, Yantra, Fishermen, tour- Hunting and fish- products rivers in Polomi- ists ing associations eto, wetlands and micro-dams

29 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria

Water supply Water for drink- Danube, Yantra, Water supply and Owners of forests ing and household rivers in Polo- sewerage com- and lands purposes; water mieto, wetlands, panies the pop- for agricultural reservoirs; karst ulation of the 5 purposes wells; micro-dams municipalities and farmers

Water supply Water for produc- Danube, Yantra, Enterprises from Owners of forests tion needs rivers in Polo- the mining, food, and lands mieto, wetlands, chemical, etc. reservoirs; karst industries, fish- wells; micro-dams ponds

Water for energy Small hydropower Yantra river Small hydropower Owners of forests purposes plants plants operators and lands

Waters - Regulating and suppoprting services

Flow regulation: Outflow regula- Wetlands Farmers and Owners of forests water, air and tion; of the micro- stockbreeders; the and lands solids climate; erosion population of the protection 5 municipalities; Plumbing compa- nies

Maintenance of Natural filtration Rivers and their Population, farm- Owners of forests physical, chemi- and water purifi- tributaries; wet- ers; Water supply and lands cal and biological cation; humidity, lands; and sewerage conditions: water precipitation companies; food and air quality enterprises, tourist companies

Regulation of the Pollination, Rivers and their Farmers and Owners of forests biotic environ- seed disper- tributaries; wet- stockbreeders; and lands ment: mainte- sion, population lands; nance of the life maintenance; cycle, biodiversity; Mechanisms of pest and disease biological control control

Waters - cultural services

Information and Scientific: biodi- Rivers and their Scientific and eco- State Forest Enter- knowledge versity, wetland tributaries; wet- logical institutions prices and owners hydrology; Educa- lands; in the region and of forests tional: subject of the country; Ed- programs and lit- ucational institu- erature on forestry tions in the region and wildlife and the country;

30 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region

Physical and Ecotourism: ob- Rivers and their Tourists; the Owners of forests empirical interac- servation of (wa- tributaries; wet- population of the and lands tions ter-loving) birds, lands; 5 municipalities; water sports, sports clubs; fish- sport fishing. ermen Hiking, cycling, balneo-adven- ture and hunting tourism

Agricultural and grassland - material ecosystem services

Food Meat and dairy Agricultural and Local consumers Crop producers; products, honey lawn areas on the of food prod- farmers of agricul- and copper prod- territory ucts, wineries, tural and grass- ucts; Game related food enterprises, lands to lawns and open bakery produc- areas tion, beekeepers, bakery production enterprises, live- stock breeders

Food Meat and dairy Pastures and Food businesses, Livestock breed- products, honey meadows; areas visitors; hunters ers, beekeepers; and copper prod- with fodder crops farmers of agricul- ucts; Game related tural and grass- to lawns and open lands; areas

Materials Aromatic and Grassy habitats Collectors of aro- Collectors of aro- medicinal plants, matic and medic- matic and medic- wool and animal inal plants; re- inal plants; re- skins demption points; demption points;

Ecosystem services include all the benefits that Investments in sustainable use of natural re- humanity derives from nature. It provides very sources, as well as in their conservation the long effective, cheap and sustainable solutions to term, is usually left in the background in most human needs. In most cases, however, people district and municipal development programs or do not realize the role of natural resources and is vaguely considered insufficiently. A good op- ecosystem services, or imagine that they can portunity for local communities to gain knowl- benefit from them continuously. A good example edge and manage their resources is the formation of the value of the resources provided by nature of PES schemes. is the assessment of ecosystem services made for the purposes of the Rusenski Lom Conservation Plan (Table 5). 31 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria

Table 5 Assessment of ecosystem services, Management plan

Ecosystem services according to the Common international classification

Type Subtype Group Description Annual Benefit assess- amount in ment method euro and informa- tion source Cultural Physical and Physical and Ecotourism 67 200 Market Velue intelectual empiric inter- method based interactions actions on interviews with bioms, with local ecosystems, entrepreneurs, landscapes and municipolities, seascapes etc. Regulation of Water flows Floods preven- 7 500 Method of water flows tion costs avoid- ance based on pilot recovery Maintenance Conditions in Purification of 15 340 Market Velue of physical, water environ- waters method based chemical and ments on average biological pro- price in EU for cesses recycling of Regulating and sewage waters suppoprting and nitrogen extraction Athmospheric Carbon de- 2 321 570 Market Velue composition tention from method and and climate forests and method for regulation wetlands calculation of spared emis- sions through alternative expenditure Food Biomass Wild fruits 250 Market Values Game 230 000 method based on market Materials Biomass Wood and 80 000 priceat the mo- wooden mate- Material ment of evalu- rial ation Fodder (hay 66 000 and fresh straw)

32 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region ecotourism. At the same time, degradation and significant adverse impacts on freshwater eco- systems are the result of water use, water pollu- 8 PES schemes as a tion as a result of human activity, use of fishery resources, etc. Therefore, the establishment of method for funding a financial mechanisms for maintaining import- ant environmental characteristics of the cycling regional cycling route in route must necessarily involve institutions pro- tecting the resources as well as businesses direct- Ruse District ly related to the consumption of environmental services. The assessment of the status of ecosystems Successful organization of a PES scheme requires provides information on their ability to provide identification of the threats and problems of the services to humanity over the long term. This ecosystems targeted. Typically, threats are related knowledge is important in order to document to the status and impacts of particular habitats. existing losses and / or degradation of ecosys- Purposeful interventions in the management of tems and their services and subsequently to the territories and the resources they provide are assess the impact on socio-economic conditions. solutions to conservation problems. Through It then outlines ways for the sustainable devel- their precise definition, community work with opment of ecosystems so that they continue to users and ecosystem service providers is direct- support the “delivery” of designated ecosystem ed. Users are usually specific businesses con- services. Ecosystem assessment also provides suming resources, including tourism businesses information for decision-making in sectoral poli- related to the development of the cycle route cies, notably territorial planning, nature con- as an eco-tourism product. Ecosystem service servation, agriculture, forestry, climate change providers are responsible owners or bodies and mitigation, air pollution reduction and more. businesses responsible for protecting the envi- The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005 ronment and managing resources. In the Rousse has shown that human activity has changed most District, in relation to freshwater and forest eco- of Earth’s ecosystems, with the greatest impact systems, the Basin Directorate - Danube Region, on freshwater ecosystems, thereby jeopardizing RIEW - Rousse with the Directorate of Rous- Earth’s ability to provide resources and services senski Lom Nature Park, Forestry Directorates for future generations. The Millennium Assess- „Byala“ and „Danube“ are responsible, as well as ment has provided evidence that our planet’s the owners of lands and forests. environment has been severely degraded over Of course, creating a commitment of local stake- the last 50 years. It also showed that without holders to an eco-tourism product through the changing the mindset and political will to make formation of a PES scheme must identify mean- the necessary changes at local, regional, national ingful environmental values that drive emotional and global levels, changing the observed negative attachment for the local communities. trends would be impossible. A proper under- standing of the role of the environment and its contribution to the economic and social well-be- ing of humans is crucial for making competent 8.1 Potential for use of envi- management decisions on issues related to the ronmentral threats for the for- sustainable use of natural resources. In the concept for the development of a bicycle mation of a PES scheme in the route in the Rousse region, it is necessary to Rousse Region along the cycling maintain the focus on freshwater ecosystems. By providing a variety of landscapes and favorable route relief along the banks of rivers and river terraces, the freshwater ecosystems in the Rousse Region 8.1.1 Invasive species are in fact a backbone for the development of

33 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria Invasive plant and animal species have been tourists as well, and which are emotionaly recog- registered in the Rousse Region, including in nized. protected areas and protected zones. The intro- duction of species of alien flora and fauna inev- itably damages the local biodiversity. Due to the 8.1.2 Quality of water resources lack of natural enemies, invasive species occupy the ecological niches of native species, competing It is important for ecotourism to maintain good more successfully for resources and, accordingly, water quality in tourist sites, as well as to con- breeding more effectively. However, unlike native serve natural river ecosystems with character- species, invaders have an adverse impact on eco- istic landscapes for visitation and recreational system ecological services. In some cases, they purposes. Among the identified threats to water adapt so successfully that they are no longer just quality are: a curious find, but a real threat to crops and live- • pollution by industrial and domestic stock, as well as having a detrimental effect on wastewater human health (allergies, etc.). With all this, they • water pollution with solid waste are causing economically measurable damage to • Stacking of river sections of rivers in the the economy. The following animals and insects Polomyie region by branches, solid waste, etc. are found in the area: during high water levels • Raccoon dog Stacking of rivers with waste and branches is an • muskrat annual problem for the local tourist clubs and • Red-eared slider the directorate of Roussenski Lom Nature Park. • Chinese mussel Providing funds for cleaning through partner- • Chinese salmon fish ships with local businesses as well as volunteer • American rosehip cancer activities is a constant concern to ensure access • Black bottom catfish and a safe and pleasant experience for tourists. • Chinese ladybugs and more.

The invasive plants registered in the Rousse Re- 8.2 Potential for development of gion are: PES schemes with emblematic • acacia species subject to conservation • amorpha • tree of heaven (ailanthus) in Ruse Region • grey willow Among the species protected in the protected • paulownia zones and protected areas are several animal and • american ash and others. plant species that carry emotional charge, are of All these species are not protected by law, they scientific interest and can be observed by tour- are not subject to hunting or gathering, and ists. Building a PES scheme for the conservation therefore they reproduce and adapt freely. Re- of these species is a natural driver for engage- moving them from the local ecosystems needs ment, both from businesses and local communi- funding, as well as targeted activities organized ties, and from tourists. Among the types of such by the respective control bodies and the Direc- interest are: torate of Roussenski Lom Nature Park. In some • egyptian vulture cases, the removal of invasive plant species in the • black stork immediate vicinity of the cycling route will affect • european ground squirrel the landscape. More interesting for organization • reindeer of a successful PES scheme are the species that • golden eagle are in direct competition with emblematic local • owl species of interest for tourist observation, for The bird species list also includes many water scientific and educational purposes, etc., which species, mainly migratory, as well as attractive are appreciated by the local communities and birds associated with rivers such as the anglerfish 34 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region

35 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria and the bee-eater. Even interesting invertebrates businesses sustainably consuming local resources species can be identified, although creating • availability of opportunities for provision tourist interest for them requires focused efforts. of tourist services Carpathian scorpion may be mentioned as such, • opportunities for cyclists to access natural among beetles – the deer antler, дъбов сечко, and cultural sites. and among butterflies - swallow tail butterfly, Using all these opportunities, the tourism busi- small black apollo and others. Of particular ness can successfully develop a bicycle tourism zoogeographical value is the Mediterranean product and has an interest in contributing to the thin-toed gecko - the only representative of the conservation of resources. geckos in Bulgaria and occurring on the territory of the Rusenski Lom Nature Park. The extent to In order to determine the level of impact and which all these species are suitable for obser- economic assessment, it is necessary to examine: vation by bicycle tourists along the cycle route • the available flow of bicycle tourists - in should be subject to additional planning with Rousse Region as a result of the activity of tourist biodiversity specialists. Avoidance of adverse clubs and a bicycle association, a tourist interest impacts during the breeding season should be in bicycle routes was created. Many of them are taken into account, as well as the tolerance of the included in the proposal for an eco-friendly cy- species towards human presence must be con- cling route. The study of available flows will give cerned. A good example of such species included a direct idea of the economic share of cycling in the PES scheme in the Rusenski Lom PP is the tourism, of determining the volume of tourist groung squirrel, with several conditions fulfilled: interest from local and foreign tourists. Initial • the habitat of the ground squirrel is ac- data will enable realistic determination of the cessible to tourists , along the tourist route itr can target or expected growth of tourists on the cycle be easily observed route, including the capacity of sensitive protect- • The ground squirrel tolerates the human ed areas and protected zones; presence • preferred and busy sections with bicycle • the habitat allows tourist infrastructure to tourists - the data will give an idea of where to be built nearby - fence, information boards, etc. direct efforts to promote the route, information It is appropriate for the development of ecotour- activities, the need for tourist infrastructure ism in the area to explore similar opportunities (safetymeasures, fountains, shelters or accomo- for other species. For example, there is a small dation); group of red deer kept in the farm of the Danube • workloads of conservation importance State Forestry Agency. - biodiversity experts will directly benefit from this data to recommend adequate conservation measures; 8.3 Services for cyclists as part of • the time for visits by bicycle tourists (weekly, seasonal) - such data is also relevant for a PES scheme determining appropriate measures for the con- servation of sensitive natural areas and species, In the context of developing a bicycle route based including measures to restrict access at time and on the concept of ecosystem services, cyclists are place, monetary restrictions on access, informa- “byuers” of ecosystem services. Whether local, tion measures and others; self-organized, or organized by clubs and tour • places to visit coinciding with other types operators, bicycle tourists use all kinds of eco- of tourism - other businesses and users who have system services. Among the conditions of direct a direct common interest and benefits from joint importance for the formation of a successful PES participation in the PES scheme will be clearly scheme are: identified. • availability of diverse landscapes with Cycling tourism in the Rousse Region is under- terrain suitable for cycling developed despite its potential. Therefore, the • Preserved and diverse ecosystems planning of the choice of cycle route requires • availability of local communities and data. At the same time, the successful incor- 36 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region poration of the cycling services offered by the community into a new PES scheme must be well 9.1 Research needs aligned with the interests of “sellers” and other stakeholders as “buyers” of ecosystem services. Bicycle tourism in Ruse District is underdevel- oped despite its potential. Therefore, pre-plan- ning the choice of cycling route needs data. To determine the degree of impact and economic assessment of the effect of the development of cycling tourism it is necessary to study the fol- lowing: 9 Strategic development • the available flow of bicycle tourists - in Ruse District as a result of the activity of tourist of cycling tourism in clubs and a bicycle association, a tourist interest in bicycle routes has been created. Many of them Ruse District are included in the proposal for the regional eco-

37 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria tourism cycling route. The study of the available structure flows will give an idea of the economic share of 2. Promotion of cycling tourism; cycling tourism, the determination of the volume 3. Data collection on demand for cycling of tourist interest by local and foreign tourists. tourism; The initial data will make it possible to realisti- 4. Assessment of the impact of tourism cally determine the target or expected growth activities on ecosystems and development of a of tourists on the cycling route, including the mechanism for neutralization of negative impact carrying capacity of sensitive protected areas and to the quality of ecosystem services. protected areas; A set of activities is proposed for each sub-objec- • preferred and busy sections with cycling tive and for each activity a term, stage of devel- tourists - the data will give an idea of where to opment, competent partners, methods of financ- focus efforts to promote the route, for informa- ing and expected benefits are indicated. tion activities, the need for tourist infrastructure (safety, fountains, shelters); • tourist load in important conservation Specific objective 1 Construction of quali- sites - these data will be directly used by biodi- ty cycling infrastructure versity conservation specialists to recommend adequate conservation measures; • weekly, seasonal, annual flows of cyclists Activity 1.1 Construction of cycling infrastruc- - such data is also important in determining ture at key locations on EuroVelo 6 appropriate measures to protect sensitive natural Description: There is a need to ensure safety on areas and species, including measures to restrict the international bicycle route EuroVelo 6, by access in time and place, monetary restrictions improving the pavement of the route, improve- on access, information measures and etc .; ment of difficult or impassable sections: Batin • places of interest visited by other types of - Stulpishte - Pirgovo - West Park Prista - Ruse - tourists - other businesses and users who have a Ruse Marten - Sandrovo village - Ryahovo village direct common interest and benefits from joint - Brashlen village participation in a PES scheme will be clearly Period: 2023-2025 distinguished. Stage: Preliminary studies and conceptual routes Partners: Rousse District, Municipalities along the Danube River - Tsenovo, Borovo, Ivanovo, 9.2 Goals and activities Rousse, Slivo Pole, Non-Governmental Organi- zations: Velo-Rousse, TD Prista, STPD Academ- The development of cycling tourism is charac- ic, Club Byala Zvezda and others. terized by many aspects for which various public Financing: EU financial instruments - OPRD, institutions, non-governmental organizations CBC Romania-Bulgaria; own funds; financial and local businesses are responsible. Therefore, mechanisms of the European Green Pact planning requires a holistic approach and co- Benefits: Safe tourist infrastructure on Euro-Velo ordinated action by the competent institutions 6 / Danube Ultra; Increasing cycling tourist flow and stakeholders. The following general strategic of local and foreign cyclists objective is proposed: Based on a study of the demand and use of the Activity 1.1a: Construction of bicycle infrastruc- potential of the local environment, the devel- ture on the route of "Euro Velo 6" / "Danube Ul- opment of cycling tourism should be a priority tra" through Ruse District - part Ryahovo-Brush- in planning to create appropriate conditions for len cycling on bicycle routes in a way that leads to Description: Construction of bicycle infrastruc- maintaining and improving the quality of ecosys- ture, restoration of pavements, construction of tem services in Ruse District. accompanying tourist infrastructure for access to The following sub-objectives are proposed for the the protected area Kalimok-Brushlen, promotion overall strategic objective: activities, etc. for the section Village of Ryahovo - 1. Construction of quality cycling infra- Village of Brashlen 38 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region Period: 2023-2025 tourism; increasing the tourist flow of local and Stage: Developed detailed project proposal foreign tourists; increase the revenues of small (Preliminary design for investment project for and medium-sized businesses along the route. construction of tourist infrastructure) Partners: Municipality of Slivo Pole, Non-Gov- ernmental Organizations (Velo-Ruse) Activity 1.3: Construction of bicycle infrastruc- Financing: EU financial instruments - OPRD, ture to local recreation areas in the Municipality CBC Romania-Bulgaria; own funds; financial of Ruse - direction Ruse - Prista Park mechanisms of the European Green Pact Description: Construction of a safe, physically Benefits: Providing safe infrastructure for cycling separated bicycle path from the city of Ruse to tourism; increasing the tourist flow of local and the suburban park Prista foreign tourists; increase the revenues of small Period: 2023-2025 and medium-sized businesses along the route. Stage: Preliminary studies and conceptual routes Partners: Ruse Municipality, NGOs (Velo-Ruse) Financing: EU financial instruments - OPRD, Activity 1.1b: Construction of a safe bicycle and CBC Romania-Bulgaria; own funds; financial pedestrian crossing on the road I-5 Ruse-Byala mechanisms of the European Green Pact Description: The Euro-Velo 6 bicycle route Benefits: Providing safe infrastructure for cycling crosses the first-class I-5 road, which requires the tourism; increasing the tourist flow of local and construction of a suitable safe infrastructure due foreign tourists; increase the revenues of small to the exceptional traffic on the road. and medium-sized businesses along the route. Period: 2025-2026 Stage: Preliminary studies and conceptual routes Partners: Ruse Municipality Activity 1.4: Construction of bicycle infrastruc- Financing: EU financial instruments - OPRD, ture to local recreation areas - direction Rusenski CBC Romania-Bulgaria; own funds; financial Lom: Ruse - Rusenski Lom Nature Park mechanisms of the European Green Pact Description: Construction of safe bicycle infra- Benefits: Providing safe infrastructure for cycling structure along the Rusenski Lom River direc- tourism; increasing the tourist flow of local and tion - Ruse - Sredna Kula - Dolapite- Basarbovo foreign tourists; increase the revenues of small village - Krasen village - Bozhichen village - Ko- and medium-sized businesses along the route. shov / Nisovo village - Cherven village - Tabach- ka village - the village of Pepelina - the town of Activity 1.2: Construction of bicycle infrastruc- Dve Mogili. There is a detailed bicycle route for ture towards local recreation areas in the Munic- a project under the INTERREG program, docu- ipality of Ruse - direction Ruse - Nikolovo village ments for which are available in the Ruse District (Lipnik Forest Park) Administration. Description: Construction of a safe, physically separated bicycle path from the town of Ruse to Period: 2023-2026 the village of Nikolovo, where the Lipnik Forest Stage: A detailed project proposal is developed Park (Teketo) is located (Preliminary design for investment project for Period: 2023-2025 construction of tourist infrastructure), proposal Stage: A detailed project study is developed for plot plans, agreed with the Municipality of commissioned by the Municipality of Ruse, by Rousse, Ivanovo Municipality, Dve Mogili Mu- decision of the Municipal Council of Rousse, in nicipality, Rusenski Lom National Park accordance with the Master Plan of the Munici- Partners: Municipality of Rousse, Ivanovo Mu- pality of Rousse nicipality, Dve Mogili Municipality, Rusenski Partners: Ruse Municipality, NGOs (Velo-Ruse) Lom National Park, NGOs (Velo-Ruse) Financing: EU financial instruments - OPRD, Financing: EU financial instruments - OPRD, CBC Romania-Bulgaria; own funds; financial CBC Romania-Bulgaria; own funds; financial mechanisms of the European Green Pact mechanisms of the European Green Pact Benefits: Providing safe infrastructure for cycling Benefits: Providing safe infrastructure for cycling 39 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria tourism; increasing the tourist flow of local and ist interest in connection with the development foreign tourists; increase the revenues of small of the trans-European route Euro Velo 6 due to and medium-sized businesses along the route. the proximity to the Danube River. River dikes in the sections with roads built on them can be an Activity 1.5: Construction of bicycle infrastruc- alternative for cyclists in comparison with roads ture to local recreation areas in Byala Municipal- from the national road network. ity and Tsenovo Municipality - directions: Byala Period: 2025-2030 - Belenska Gora Forest Park and Byala - Yantra Stage: Conceptual phase, presentation to institu- River valley tions Description: Construction of safe bicycle infra- Partners: MRD, MOEW, Irrigation Systems structure in the vicinity of the town of Byala. The Company, Bulgarian Alternative Tourism Asso- part along the Yantra River can be used as an ciation, etc. extension of the international bicycle route Euro Financing: state budget, EU financial mecha- Velo 6. nisms Period 2025-2027 Benefits: Providing a safe alternative to busy Stage: Preliminary studies and conceptual routes roads from the national road network; increasing Partners: Byala and Tsenovo Municipalities the attractiveness of the section of Euro Bicycle Financing: EU financial instruments - OPRD, 6 in Ruse district; providing an opportunity for CBC Romania-Bulgaria; own funds; financial adequate maintenance of the facilities and access mechanisms of the European Green Pact for a wide group of users Benefits: Providing safe infrastructure for cycling tourism; increasing the tourist flow of local and foreign tourists; increase the revenues of small Activity 1.8: Feasibility study and detailed de- and medium-sized businesses along the route. scription of the needs for signposting and mark- ing of the whole route Description: It is necessary to adopt a uniform Activity 1.6: Construction of a bicycle lane for standard for marking the Euro Velo 6 bicycle the route town of Byala - Belenska Gora Forest route inside and outside the settlements along it. Park and necessary road markings for the bicy- This is a pilot project in connection with the es- cle lane tablishment of good practice and needs approval Description: Utilization of the favorable oppor- as a regulatory standard. The study will identify tunities for development of bicycle tourism in the specific needs and locations of the marking, the Municipality of Byala, incl. construction of including recommendations to traffic man- bicycle lanes to connect the town with Belenska agement plans to improve the safety of passing Gora Forest Park and development of a bicycle cyclists in the short term. route along the Yantra River Period: 2021-2024 Period: 2023-2025 г. Stage: Conceptual phase, conducted communi- Stage: Concept phase cation with institutions and study of the applica- Partners: Byala municipality bility of the guidelines of the European Cyclists' Financing: Municipal budget, Rural Develop- Federation with the available legal and regulatory ment Program 2021-2027 and national funding prerequisites for marking bicycle routes on mu- programs. nicipal and national road network. Benefits: Creating new opportunities for leisure Partners: Municipalities in Ruse district, Bulgar- and outdoor sports for residents and guests of ian Association for Alternative Tourism, local Byala. cycling organizations and clubs, RIA, Regional directorate of the Ministry of the Interior and Activity 1.7: Restoration of abandoned and others. asphalting of existing dirt roads on the dikes of Financing: EU financial instruments - OPRD, the Danube, which will ensure safe bicycle traffic CBC Romania-Bulgaria; own funds; financial and provide views towards the river mechanisms of the European Green Pact Description: The sections with dikes are of tour- Benefits: Supports planning and design process- 40 Fostering enhanced ecotourism planning along the Eurovelo cycle route network in the Danube region es; evaluation of the physical marking of Euro Benefits: Providing an opportunity for cyclists Velo 6 in Ruse district. to fully access the tourist attractions in Ruse District, through a safe, secure and comfortable infrastructure. Activity 1.9: Marking of the route according to a national standard - in the powers of the respec- tive road owner Description: This is a pilot project in connection Specific objective 2 Promotion of cycling with the establishment of good practice and ap- tourism proval of a regulatory standard. Laying of verti- cal and horizontal markings, including for exit from settlements, detours of the bicycle route on secondary or dirt roads, where applicable; main- Activity 2.1: Promotion of the Eurovelo 6 cycling taining the visual identification along the whole route bicycle route in Ruse region. Description: Presentation of cycling routes in the Period: 2021-2024 presentation materials of the municipalities. Stage: Conceptual phase Period: in progress Partners: Municipalities in Ruse district, Bulgar- Stage: a map is printed ian Association for Alternative Tourism, local Partners: bicycle clubs and organizations, tourist cycling organizations and clubs, RIA, Regional companies, etc. directorate of the Ministry of the Interior and Financing: Municipal Tourism Development others. Program, business organizations Financing: EU financial instruments - OPRD, Benefits: sustainability of the torism product in CBC Romania-Bulgaria; own funds; financial the region mechanisms of the European Green Pact Benefits: Increasing the visibility of the route and Activity 2.2: Promotion of bicycle tourism in the physical orientation of the tourists; Increas- Ruse district ing the recognition of road sections for their use Description: Development of thematic routes, both for tourist purposes and for bicycle trans- mapping, organization of bicycle tours, festivals, port by the local population. competitions, etc. Срок: 2023-2030 Activity 1.10: Improving the conditions for Stage: conceptual phase cyclists' access to tourist attractions, incl. infra- Partners: municipalities in Ruse district, local structure, parking lots, places for rest tourist companies, municipal enterprises and Description: Infrastructure, which must be management of tourist sites, NGOs, etc. included in projects for construction, repair, Financing: EU financial instruments - OPRD, rehabilitation of transport infrastructure for CBC Romania-Bulgaria; municipal budget access to existing tourist sites. This includes the Benefits: Recognition of the route as of local and provision of parking conditions for bicycles with international importance; increasing number of guarded and unguarded bicycle racks, charging visits; increasing the demand for tourist services stations for electric bicycles, ramps and passages and increase revenues. for cyclists where applicable, etc. Period: current Activity 2.3: Maintenance, development and Stage: To be included as an element in projects promotion of the Danube Ultra marathon route for tourist transport infrastructure passing through Dve Mogili Municipality - 732 Partners: The municipalities of Ruse district, lo- km. along the Danube to the cal tourist companies, municipal enterprises and Description: Dve Mogili Municipality is a part- management of tourist sites, NGOs, etc. ner in the implementation of the cycling route Financing: EU financial instruments - OPRD, Danube-Ultra 732 km along the Danube to the CBC Romania-Bulgaria; own funds; financial Black Sea mechanisms of the European Green Pact 41 Project of Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism funded by the European Development Fund and the budget of Republic of Bulgaria Period: annually flows and their seasonal distribution. Stage: participation in the project and providing Period: 2023-2027 conditions for its implementation Stage: conceptual phase Partners: Dve Mogili Municipality Partners: scientific organizations with the assis- Financing: municipal budget tance of the competent bodies for environmental Benefits: advertising of Dve Mogili municipality protection regionaly and nationwide Financing: EU financial instruments - OPRD, CBC Romania-Bulgaria Benefits: identifying the needs for activities aimed at preserving and improving the quality of Specific objective 3 Gather information ecosystem services on the demand for cycling tourism Activity 4.2 Establishment of a payment scheme for ecosystem services based on significant Activity 3.1: Surveying the demand for cycling community ecological values through automated bicycle traffic monitoring Description: Identification of threats and systems, surveys problems of target ecosystems and targeted Description: Identification of key places for intervention in their management. Establish a cyclists with significant bicycle traffic. Installa- partnership between business, non-governmen- tion of bicycle counters – devices for automated tal organizations and public administration. counting of passing cyclists. Period: 2023-2027 Period: 2020 - 2021 Stage: A similar scheme has been developed for Stage: in progress Rusenski Lom National Park, but it is necessary Partners: Bulgarian Association for Alternative to resume and expand its operation. Tourism, Velo-Ruse Association Partners: local business, environmental organi- Financing: activity under the project EcoVelo- zations, environmental authorities Tour, supported by Interreg, Danube Transna- Financing: income from tourist activities tional Programme Benefits: providing funds and carrying out Benefits: Bicycle traffic monitoring; ability to targeted activities to neutralize the negative monitor the effect before and after the introduc- impact of tourist activities on the environment tion of infrastructure measures and promotion activities.

Specific objective 4 Assessment of the impact of tourism activities on ecosys- tems and development of a mechanism to neutralize negative impact to the quality of ecosystem services

Activity 4.1 Assessment of the activities with existing or potential negative impact on the ecosystems through which bicycle routes pass in Ruse district Description: The existence of activities with a negative impact is the basis of the search for appropriate financial compensation. The degree of available or expected impact depends on the popularity of cycling tourism, the size of tourist 42