ISSN 0354-8724 (hard copy) | ISSN 1820-7138 (online)

The System of Protected Areas in in Terms of the Implementation of the Concepts of Sustainable and Alternative Tourism

Georgiev Leonidov GeorgiA Received: April 2010 | Revised: May 2010 | Accepted: May 2010

Abstract Protected areas hold a special position in terms of the sustainable socio-economic and tourism development of the planet. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has created a specific classifying system for cate- gorization of such areas depending on their nature-scientific and conservation value and significance. Except for preserving valuable biological species and their natural habitats, these areas could fulfill one more function. They can be integrated and contribute to the sustainable development of all spheres of socio-economic life of the com- munity. This paper sets the aim to determine to what extent and what categories of protected areas in Bulgaria could be integrated into the tourism sector of the country and to contribute that way to its sustainable development. Eco- tourism is considered as main tool to achieve this goal. Two concepts are laid upon its successful implementation. These are the concept for sustainable development and the one for development of alternative forms of tourism. The thesis that the concept for development of alternative forms of tourism is thought to compliment the one for development of sustainable tourism. Key words: biodiversity, protected areas, ecotourism, alternative tourism.

Introduction as. The main criteria for their classification repre- The rapid industrial development undergoing for sent their nature-scientific and conservation val- the last decades of the XX century has lead to a se- ues. One of the newly adopted functions of these ries of socio-economic transformations causing areas is their application in tourism concerning serious negative impact on the natural resourc- their eco-friendly exploitation for the purposes of es of the planet. The idea for sustainable develop- sustainable tourism. ment has emerged as an answer resulting from the This paper aims to reveal to what categories of deep impact of the negative trends. Bulgarian protected areas could be used for the Protected areas are of special importance for purposes of sustainable tourism practices. Subject the long-term sustainability of nature for their di- of analysis are the concept for sustainable tour- versity of plant and animal species and valuable ge- ism development as well as the concept for devel- netic fund. Furthermore their significance in the opment of alternative forms of tourism. Under ob- scope of nature conservation predetermines their servation are various types of protected areas in overall role for the sustainable development of the the country as well as special protection areas un- socio-economic living of people on the Earth. Due der NATURA 2000. On the basis of the assessment to the fact that they have specific nature and char- for their prospective integration within the scope acteristics the International Union for Conserva- of tourist products some conclusions and recom- tion of Nature has adopted a special system for mendations are made. categorization of different types of protected are-

A South West University Neofit Rilski; Tourism Department at the Faculty of Economics; 66 Ivan Mihaylov str., 2700 , Bulgaria; e-mail: [email protected]

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matters related to sustainable development, aim- Materials and methods ing at preservation of human health and ensur- For the purposes of this research there have been ing improved living standards in harmony with used recognizable methods and approaches for environment.” This is considered as a completely collection of data. Some sources have been used, new development philosophy, based on the inte- provided by the Ministry of Environment and Wa- gration of the social, ecological and economic as- ter, the Directories of Bulgarian National and Na- pects of community life, intended to ensure the ture parks, and all 15 Regional Inspections on Pro- standard of living and labour of the future genera- tection of Environment and Water, the Ministry tions. Since the beginning of the new millennium of Economy, Energy and Tourism, the Ministry the concept for sustainable development has been of Regional Development and Public Works, the considered by an increasing number of organiza- Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Executive tions as the only possible balance between busi- Forest Agency, research publications from inter- ness interests, the community and what is more national scientific forums, dedicated to biodiver- important by the future generations. The forum sity and protected areas, as well as a series of pub- in Johannesburg in 2002 was dedicated to the fur- lications of Bulgarian and foreign authors. The ther development and applying the Rio decisions analysis is conducted and the results have been es- to practice. tablished by the means of comparative and analyt- The definition “sustainable tourism” is a new ical approaches. Last, but not least personal obser- one, considered as a further development of the vations in some of the protected areas have been idea for sustainable tourism, launched during the conducted. The working methods that have been Rio Conference (1992). The aim of this tourism used for the purposes of this research include de���- form is not only to minimize the impact over the scription, diagnosis, analysis and synthesis, com- biological environment, but also to create con- parison, statistical and expert methods. ceptions for the periods before, during and after tourist trips, as well as to evoke nature-friendly tourism practices at the stage of development of Discussion and analysis emitive markets. This is a form of tourism evolu- tion developed with a view to the interests of the Conceptual background hosting community on the one hand and with vis- The concept for sustainable development was itors in mind, on the other hand. All activities on created in the 70-ies of the XX century, laying site should consider the permitted capacity of the an emphasis upon the relationship between en- natural resources, or in other words to keep the vironment and economics. The decision for the principles of cost-effective use of the resources. foundation of the UN Programme on environ- Despite the fact, that the above mentioned two ment was taken at the World conference on hu- concepts are subject to debate, at theoretical, op- man development (Stockholm, 1972). It got further erational and practical level for the purposes of popularization thanks to the paper of the World this paper we have considered the definition, giv- Commission on Environment and Development en by the EUROPARC Federation of the Euro- (1987), which added a human implication of idea pean National and Natural parks1. According to for sustainable development. This document facil- this definition sustainable “ tourism encompasses itated the temp of development of the idea for sus- all forms of tourism development, management and tainability and lead to a series of debates related activities, that preserve nature, contribute to the so- to its content. The International Union for Con- cial and economic integration and to the wellbeing servation of Nature (IUCN), the UN Programme of the natural, anthropogenic and cultural resourc- on Environment (UNEP) and the World Wildlife es over time”. From this point of view the following Fund (WWF) launched a joint publication called prerequisites should be fulfilled in order to ensure Strategy for sustainable life on the Earth, where tourism development: they further developed the definition of this term, considering it as “an improvement of living stand- 1 The Federation of the European Natural and National ards and quality of life with a view to the possible Parks ( EUROPARC) is established in 1973. It unites the na- capacity of the sustaining ecosystems”. tional, regional natural parks and biosphere reserves in 39 A new stimulus was given at the Conference on countries within the Old continent. Their common pur- Environment and Development (Rio, 1992). The pose is to preserve and protect the European wildlife, hab- itats and landscapes. Since then it is affirmed as an inde- conference resulted in the adoption of a special pendent, non-government organization. Its membership plan, titled Agenda 21, has turned into a basis for means mutual responsibility for approximately 400 pro- lots of international, national and local initiatives tected areas. The EUROPARC activities are coordinated by aimed at sustainable development. The first of an international team of professionals based in the head- quarter of the organization inGrafenau, National Parc “Ba- them is: “The man is a central unit in terms of all varian Forest”- Germany.

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• to create economic benefits for both tourists cific sites. That way alternative forms of tourism and the local community as part of a balanced appear to be opposite to the massive tourism. economy; Very often in literature alternative form of • to reflect the needs of the local community – tourism is determined as “soft”, “mild”, “local” dif- the latter to be an active participant in deci- fering from the definition “tough” which is used sion-making processes; to ensure employment to describe mass tourism (Rakadziyska, 2007). of the local labour force at all levels of tourism According to the Bulgarian Association for Al- activities as well as to place an emphasis upon ternative Tourism (BAAT) alternative forms of tourism development and profitable and attrac- tourism unite tourist packages or individual tour- tive jobs; ist services, defined as alternative to the mass • not to be elite-oriented and to contribute to a tourist products for their methods of supply, im- balanced development of international and do- plementation and human resource engagement. mestic tourism; The complex set of motives of tourists, under- • the scope of development to be made with a taking travel has served as a prerequisite for de- view to the opportunities of the hosting terri- velopment of specific types of tourism services tory and its specific resources –environment, and products, which on the other hand have lead history and culture; to a disability to establish a common term, de- • to take into consideration the fact that the scribing this form of tourism in lots of countries. physical and cultural environment are of eter- Some of the most wide spread terms in Bulgaria nal value, which does not exceed their value as include specific tourism, alternative tourism and tourist resources. For that reason they should etc. English literature, on the other hand abounds not have only short-term impact, but also to in terms such as “special interest travel”, “alterna- serve the future generations (Rakadziyska, tive tourism”, “responsible tourism”, “soft tourism” 2007). and etc. Medlik (1996) thinks that the majority of these terms are synonymous and they have simi- The concept for development of alternative lar meaning and scope of content. They are sim- forms of tourism compliments further the con- ilar as they all describe tourism forms, which do cept for sustainable tourism. Furthermore, it re- not have a destructive influence. On the contra- veals some approaches leading to the desired final ry, they generate positive social, cultural and ec- results (Rakadziyska, 2007). ological impact over tourist sites and for that rea- Alternative tourism is considered as “transfor- son they are considered as alternative to the mass mation of the three dominant models of tourism tourism (Mileva, 2004). development in three aspects – socio-cultural and The author points out that alternative tourism tourism ethics, economic realism and environ- has the following characteristics – limited scope mental protection (Wackermann, 1988). of extent, travel customization and independence, The author thinks that alternative tourism small number of tourist groups, tolerant attitude could not exist without alternative forms of hos- toward the hosting community and preservation pitality, services and appropriate staff qualifica- of their customs, traditions and values. Another tions. That way alternative form of tourism is essential feature of alternative tourism is the fact considered as a dynamic system, determined not that it could not be referred and considered as a only for its structural elements, but for its stable, mass form of tourism. For that reason very often mandatory and simultaneously existing “living” other tourism types which differ from mass tour- relations among these elements, which contrib- ism are defined as “alternative tourism”. ute to the demolishment of the disadvantages of The World Tourism Organization recommends contemporary tourism. Furthermore they lead to keeping to the following set of principles contrib- concentration on tourist flows, improvisation of uting to efficient implementation of the concepts tourism processes, mass “take-over” of great areas, for sustainable and alternative tourism develop- dissemination of advertisement and product cli- ment in the market economy (Rakadziyska et al, ché (Wackermann, 1988; Rakadziyska, 2007). 2007): The existing similar forms of tourist products • involvement of all social groups of the local as well as the arising “gigantism” could not meet community in the process of tourism devel- the requirements of tourists, whose travel choice opment within the hosting territory, as well as is based on specific motivation. Alternative tourist ensuring transparent information about the products are expected to offer original combina- processes on the overall market; tions of the elements of the nature and the anthro- • establishment of a collective responsibility in pogenic environment, which in turn ensure safety, the processes of planning, decision-making, tranquility and comfort together with specific ef- problem solving, project implementation and fects such as regulation of the tourist visit on spe- assessment;

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• execution a system approach aimed at integra- the main characteristic of Bulgarian tourism rep- tive problem solving in the social and economic resents its distinctive monostructure and terri- spheres instead of finding solutions only for its torial concentration. On the global international individual elements; market our country is recognized mainly as des- • use of ecological limitations, allowing tourism tination for summer and winter tourism. (offer- development in predefined values; ing sea and ski tourist products). Moreover, tak- • equality in the eye of the law, keeping to hu- ing into consideration the fact that the number of man rights, relations and collaboration devel- accommodation establishments within the inter- opment on a global scale; nal country increases, the majority of them are lo- • implementation of a long-term strategic plan- cated along the Black Sea coast, mountain resorts, ning with a view to the future. the cities of Sofia and Plovdiv. The majority num- ber of tourists visit the country in the summer Taking into consideration the fact that there is months with the aim to have sea holidays. Simi- not a “zero” impact over the tourism development, lar trend is registered with a view to the curren- the balance of economic purposes with social am- cy incomes as one third of the annual incomes bience and environment could ensure minimi- is generated in the summer months July and Au- zation of all negative effects. The most popular gust. It is obvious that Bulgarian tourist products forms of alternative tourism represent ecotour- have to be diversified with new tourism forms. ism, rural tourism, yachting and hobby tourism, The latter could contribute to minimize the sea- “language vacations” and etc sonality and the territorial disproportions, creat- The increasing level of community aware- ing new opportunities for sustainable use of the ness concerning environment, together with the existing resources as well as to facilitate the re- progress in communication services made eco- gional and local development. The natural and tourism one of the most fast-developing sectors cultural resources needed for ecotourism devel- within the travel industry. Despite the fact that opment draw attention among Bulgarian and in- the market share of ecotourism is relatively small ternational tourists. For that reason a lot of agen- compared to the one of conventional tourism, its cies, family hotels, guest houses and sport clubs annul revenues come to approximately 20 billion have been established with the aim to supply ser- dollars. Together with that expenditures for the vices in this field, which in turn has a positive im- same tourism type increase by 20 %, which is five pact on the development of specialized tourism times more than the average increase of the over- forms. Despite that the successful development of all tourism industry. ecotourism is seriously threatened by the lack of funds and stimulus, building processes within the Development of alternative tourism boundaries of the protected areas and protection in Bulgaria areas under the Bird and Habitat directives or un- A solid basis for development of this tourism form reliable management. in Bulgaria represents the existing system of pro- The sustainable development of this tourism tected areas, proclaimed by the Law on protect- form creates an opportunity for economic reviv- ed areas (1998) and protected sites under NATU- al of the most low-developed regions in the coun- RA 2000. try. However, there are a lot of factors such as the Despite the existing negative effects, resulting expected decrease in tourism demand and the cli- from the overbuilding processes, implemented mate changes which modify the images and des- into the majority of the Bulgarian sea and moun- ignation of tourist destinations. These factors to- tain resorts, there is a trend toward an increase in gether with the severe market competition reveal the prospective market of tourist products within that development of sustainable forms of tourism the scope of sustainable tourism, including eco- would be one of the most beneficial forms of tour- tourism. A survey, conducted by the State Agency ism with a view to the long-term tourism develop- for Tourism in the summer of 2008, revealed that ment in the country. On the other hand this could 18,3 % of the surveyed individual tourists, have ar- contribute to minimize the negative effects on rived in the country for ecotourism purposes. The the global market. (National programme and ac- latter is also pointed as one of the three most pop- tion plan for ecotourism development in Bulgar- ular accompanying activities, supplementing the ia 2009 – 2013). main purpose of visit (the sea tourism) together Ecotourism is defined as a nature-based tour- with SPA (25,1 %) and ethnographic tourism (19,1). ism. For the last several years the professionals The collected data shows an increasing interest working in this filed consider it as an instrument, toward tourism among nature and diversifica- contributing to sustainable development. The lat- tion of tourist stay through practice of specialized ter could be used as a tool leading to transition in tourism forms. Despite that at the current stage the public and economic life which in turn could

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achieve a balance among natural and cultural re- According to IUCN the starting point in deter- sources, the implemented economic results, stan- mining the category of protected areas should be dards and quality of life and etc. As a result the their definition. The latter was adopted during term ecotourism is used as a definition concern- the Fourth World Congress of the National and ing the principles of sustainable development, Nature Parks and protected areas. In terms of that while on the other hand it describes a tourism they represent a land territory or aquatory, des- market segment. ignated for biodiversity protection and conserva- Ecotourism is also an opportunity for develop- tion as well as for their natural and cultural values, ment of all aspects of business services related to which are maintained through legislative or oth- this tourism form, placing a priority on small lo- er efficient means. cal entrepreneurship initiatives, ensuring social This definition encompasses the combination and economic activity of the local community as of protected areas and all categories should com- well as equitable distribution of benefits and re- ply with it. It is necessary to mention that despite sponsibilities. On the other hand ecotourism in- the fact that all types of protected areas meet the cludes also important elements of natural scien- requirements of this term, the specific purposes tific education, interpretation of the natural and and tasks for which they are proclaimed as pro- cultural heritage and what is more, it complies tected areas are of different character. with all forms of sustainable tourism. The clear The main purposes of governance include: and accurate interpretation of ecotourism toward • nature-scientific activities; the principles, managing directions, certification • protection of the original status of nature; of its sustainability hold a special place for it in • conservation of species and genetic fund; the scope of tourism sector. It also constitutes • preservation of the environmental functions; an integral part of an enlarging market niche of • protection of natural and cultural sites and the tourism industry. This means that there is a landmarks; trend toward a dynamic growth of the country • recreation and tourism; in terms of the prospective market of ecotourism • education products. There are opportunities for the coun- • long-term use of the natural ecosystems; try to become a regional and European leader in • maintenance of cultural and traditional char- this developing market (National strategy for eco- acteristics. tourism, 2004). The established form of environ- ment protection represents the system of Nation- In accordance with IUCN (1994) it is consid- al parks and other areas of similar designation. ered that of greatest importance for the biodiver- The foundation of the Yellowstone National Park sity protection are the Strict Reserves, the Nation- (USA,1872) marked the initial stage of creation al and Nature (regional) Parks and etc. Managed and adoption of the concept for managed areas of reserves. this kind. The idea for establishment of national Furthermore, for the last 30 - 40 years serious parks and other protected areas spread over vari- measures were undertaken with the aim to estab- ous countries over time. Serious attempts toward lish international collaboration for the protection establishment of international collaboration in of biodiversity and protected areas on regional this field as well as in defining the term National and global scale. Park are made over time (London, 1933, W�������ashing- Other international documents and initiatives ton, 1940; Delhi,1969; Part,Avstralia,1990 and etc) of importance include the Convention on the bi- until 1994 when the International Union for Con- odiversity, the Convention on the conservation of servation of Nature, after more than twenty years the European wildlife and Natural habitats (Bern of work, managed to create and offer a common convention), Convention on the internation- classification of the protected areas, applicable to al trade in endangered species of wild flora and various countries. The opportunity to apply cer- fauna (Washington, CITES), Convention on the tain type of protected areas to any of the catego- protection of migratory species of wild animals ries allowed those, who manage them to share the (Bonn convention), Convention on Wetlands of experience of their fellow-mates around the world International importance especially as waterfowl working in partnerships with them. The main cri- habitat (Wetland convention, Ramsar conven- terion for classifying protected areas into catego- tion), Convention on the protection of the Black ries is the purpose of their governance The system sea against pollution (The Black sea biodiversity of protected areas of IUCN supports the national and landscape conservation protocol), Conven- legislation bodies in the countries to develop their tion concerning the protection of the world nat- own systems of protected areas, as well as to set ural and cultural heritage, European landscape the main indicators of their management. (The convention, Council Directive 79/409 EEC on the green gold of Bulgaria, 2000). conservation of wild birds, the European Direc-

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tive 92/43 on the conservation of natural habitat strument of the European Community aimed at and of wild flora and fauna, UNESCO MAB Pro- conservation of the habitats and animal species gramme “Man and Biodiversity” concerning the of importance for the Community. The establish- establishment of a world network of biosphere ment of this ecological network is an obligation reserves; Birdlife International Programme con- for each member-state of the European Union in cerning the wetlands of international importance, accordance with the Bird Directive and Habitat CORINE Programme; Plantlife International Directive. Programme concerning the floristic sites of im- The contribution of NATURA 2000 for the portance, Agreement on the conservation of pop- overall process of biodiversity conservation repre- ulations of whale-like mammals in the Black sea, sents the efforts of the latter to prevent the deg- the Agreement on the conservation of popula- radation, fragmentation and destruction of natu- tions of European bats, Agreement on the conser- ral and semi-natural habitats, as well as habitats vation of populations of whale-like mammals in of rare and endangered animal species. The eco- the Black sea, Mediterranean Sea and the neigh- logical network ensures a free geographical dis- bouring aquatories of the Atlantic ocean, the Eu- semination of species, genetic interchange and ropean network of protected areas “PAN PARKS” migration. Through NATURA 2000, the Euro- and etc. pean Union participates in the establishment of Bulgaria started its reservation activity more EMERALD network, in conformity with the Bern than seventy-five years ago. The governance and convention, which encompasses the overall terri- management of the protected areas is done on tory of and some countries in Northern the basis of the Law on the protected areas (1998). Africa. The categories of Bulgarian protected areas com- The Bird directive was adopted on 02.04.1979 ply with the IUCN classification (1994). In Bulgar- and came into force in 1981. It is intended to pre- ia are proclaimed 3 National Parks with total area serve the populations of the wild birds within the of 193 047,9 ha (Table 1), 11 Nature Parks encom- territory of the European Union together with the passing 275 447,8 ha (Table 2), 35 Managed reserves variety of habitats appropriate for conservation. with area of 4 571,9 ha; 55 Reserves comprising of For that reason special protected areas are estab- 77 124,05 ha; 449 Protected localities comprising lished and the habitats within or outside their ter- of 72 884,05 ha and 349 Natural landmarks which ritories are managed, new biotopes are created area is 18 175,41 ha. In total the protected areas and violated ones are revived. The rare, vulnera- in Bulgaria encompass 641 251 ha, accounting for ble and endangered species (the ones enlisted in 0,57 % of the territory of the country (Figure 1). Appendix 1 of this directive) and all regularly mi- The ecological network of protection areas gratory birds are subject to special natural scien- NATURA 2000 is also relevant to some extent tific activities in terms of their habitats. This in with the conservation of the biodiversity as it en- turn requires the establishment of Special Pro- compasses protected areas. It represents an in-

Table 1. National Parks in Bulgaria

Name of the National Park Area in ha Region/ District Name of the reserve Reserve area in ha Parangalitza 1509.0 Pazardzik, Sofia, Ibar 2248.6 National Park 81,046.0 Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad Central Rila reserve 12 393.7 Skakavitza 70.8 Bayuvi dupki – Dzindzeritza 2248.6 National Park 40,332.4 Blagoevgrad 3156.0 Boatin 1597.2 Tzarichina 3418.7 Kozyata stena 904.3 Steneto 3578.8 Central Balkan Lovech, Gabrovo, Sofia, 71,669.5 Sokolna 1250.0 National Park Plovdiv, Stara Zagora Peeshtite skali 1465.7 Severen Dzhndem 1610.0 Dzhendema 4220.2 Stara reka 1974.7

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Table 2. Nature Parks in Bulgaria

Managed Area of the Managed Name of the Nature Park Area in ha Reserve Area in ha reserve reserve in ha 1,060.6 26,606.6 - - Torfeno branishte 785.3 Rusenski Lom 3,408.0 - - - -

Sinite kamani 11,380.8 Kutelka 645.1 - -

Shumensko Plato 3,895.8 Bokaka 62.6 - - Zlatni pyasatsi 1,320.7 - - - - Vrachanski Balkan 30,129.9 Vrachanski Karst 1,438.9 - - Silkosia 389.6 Uzunbodzak – 2,529.6 Lopushna Strandja 116,068.5 Vitanovo 1,112.4 Sredoka 607.8 Tisovitsa 749.3 Rila Monastery Rila Monastery 27,370.7 3,676.5 Reserve Kitka 25.4 Persina 21,762.2 Persinski blata 385.2 Milka 30.0 Bulgarka 21,772.2 - - - - 11,732.4 Kongura 1,320.0 - -

tected Areas) and other actions, preventing pollu- tion and deterioration of the habitats. Specific measures aimed at preservation of the nesting bets, wintering sites and migratory routes are needed for the protection of the migratory birds. Special attention has to be paid at the wet- lands of international importance (the Ramsar sites). Similar actions are intended also for the mi- gratory birds, which are not enlisted in Appendix 1. For their protection are established Special Pro- tection Areas for the periods of nesting and mi- gration along the migratory routes. Directive 92/43 of the European Union for the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna was adopted on 25.05.1992. The mem- ber-states have the obligation to implement all necessary activities with the aim to transpose the directive requisites in their national legislations. The main purpose of this international initiative is to assist for the conservation of the biodiversity recognizing the local economic, cultural and re- gional characteristics. It is considered that this di- rective contributes to the implementation of the concept for sustainable development. National parks (30%) Nature parks (43%) The essence of the directive represents its part, concerning conservation of natural habitats of Reserves (12%) Managed reserves (1%) species. There are six supplementary appendices Protected localities (11%) Nature landmarks (3%) to the directive. Subject of protection in the scope of both di- Figure 1 Distribution of the protected areas in Bulgaria rectives are over 140 natural habitats and over 600 in terms of their territory

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plant and animal species important for the Com- tion of NATURA 2000 protection zones, includ- munity. The member-states, as well as the acced- ing all tourism activities, is totally neglected. This ing countries have the obligation to determine the means that all planning activities, development of locations of their natural habitats together with tourist infrastructure, its functionality and mar- the species subject to protection. keting have to be focused on ecological, social, In Bulgaria are adopted 114 zones for the pro- cultural and economic criteria for sustainability. tection of wild birds, covering 20.3 % of the coun- In terms of the tourism sector the idea for sus- try as well as 228 zones for the protection of nat- tainable ecological, economic and social develop- ural habitats, which account for 29.5 % of the ment of the protection areas, included in NATU- country. Their proclamation as protection zones RA 2000 could be achieved through a balanced is done with a decision of the Council of minis- management of different tourist activities, imple- ters. The total number of the protection zones un- mented within the boundaries of these zones. The der NATURA 2000 in the country up to date is 332, latter implies strategic planning and management which cover an area of 33.89% of its territory. Ten of such activities in the established eight tourism of all zones have common boundaries. . regions in Bulgaria. It must be taken into consideration that there In conformity with the plan for establishment is a big discrepancy between the existing protect- of tourism regions within the country, the follow- ed areas in the country (1998) and the protection ing eight tourism regions are to be created – Dan- zones, designated under the Law on the protec- ube region, Region of Stara Planina, Sofia region, tion of biodiversity (2002). Region of Rila and Pirin, Rhodope region, Old Despite the directive regulation on the estab- Bulgarian capitals, Thrace region and Black Sea lishment of the European ecological network region. Within their territories are to be estab- NATURA 2000, designation of such areas (pro- lished subregions, microregions and tourism cen- tection zones according to the national legislation tres. The latter will represent the main structur- of Bulgaria) in member-states is to be done on the al units for tourism planning and management of basis of relevant scientific data as well as the in- the regions. formation, included in Appendix 3 of the directive. (article 7 of the Law on the protection of biodiver- sity). The purpose of the network NATURA 2000 Conclusions is not to create strict natural reserves, where any Despite their tourism product profile each region forms of human activities are prohibited. The em- and special protection areas on their territory as phasis is placed on the ecological, economic and well as all activities aimed at natural habitats socially sustainable future management of these and /or animal species conservation also require territories which complies with the conservation measuring and evaluation of the level of tourism purposes of the protection zones. In lots of cas- activity with a view to the ecological standards es the existence or revival of traditional activities and their long-term sustainability. In a narrow and ones, having positive influence is of essential sense this means that the establishment of tour- importance for the preservation of the biodiver- ist centers of the regions together with the key sity, especially in agricultural regions and forest- tourism destinations within their boundaries ry enterprises. and places of visitation have to be located out- It is important to emphasize that in the initial side the territory of the special protection are- stage of selection of NATURA 2000 special pro- as. The latter is of key importance with a view tection areas within the territory of Bulgaria, very to the fact that tourism centres and destinations negative public reactions arised on behalf of eco- are subject to massive building activities of tour- nomic organizations including tourism business- ism complexes and specialized super – and infra- es. The reasons for the escalations resulted from structure. Furthermore they are usually points the fact that in the scale of NATURA 2000 were of highest concentration of tourist flows and fea- included territories which are parts of Pirin Na- ture intensified level of tourism activity. The in- tional Park, , Central Balkan tensity of recreational and tourism exploitation National Park, Pomirie lake, Ropotamo complex have to be in designated limits for the scope of and many others areas, which are subject to in- the special protection areas. With a view to this vestment interests. There is massive overbuilding fact, it is strongly recommended to take into in some of these territories where high-rated re- consideration figure 4 in the process of Manage- sort complexes are erected. ment plan preparation. The map includes all spe- There are a lot of speculations in public that cial protection areas, located within the bounda- any kind of building and economic activities will ries of the eight tourist regions. be minimized. The fact that sustainability is one On the basis of the above analysis, the follow- of the basic principles concerning the assimila- ing conclusions can be made:

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1. Development of alternative forms of tourism is trolling bodies under this international initia- one of the most effective ways for assimilation tive. of the most significant in natural scientific val- ue natural tourism resources. Very suitable for this purpose are the special protection areas, References combining the opportunities for economic and Baker, S. 2006. The concept of sustainable devel- conservation activities; opment. In Sustainable Development London, 2. Alternative tourism forms contribute to min- Routledge, 17-48 pp. imize the negative anthropogenic impact, Georgiev, G. 2009. Nature under protection. Na- caused by mass tourism. That way they facil- tional and nature parks and reserves in Bulgar- itate sustainable tourism and socio-economic ia. Publishing House Geya Libris, Sofia, 287 pp. development of tourist regions; (in Bulgarian) 3. Tourism centers and main destinations of the The green gold of Bulgaria, 2000. Ministry of En- tourist regions in Bulgaria could be locations, vironment and Waters, Sofia, 114 pp. within the boundaries of the special protection National strategy and action plan for ecotourism areas under NATURA 2000 as well as in some development in Bulgaria, 2009. State Agency categories of protected areas (except for the re- for Tourism, Sofia, 8 pp. (in Bulgarian) serves and managed reserves under category Ia National programme and action plan for ecotour- and IV of IUCN); ism development in Bulgaria, 2009. State Agen- 4. Special protection and protected areas (except cy for Tourism. (in Bulgarian) for the areas under categories Ia and IV) allow Rakadziyska Sv. 1997. Alternative tourism. Sus- different tourism activities to be implement- tainable tourism. Concepts and development ed, but their scale and level of extent have to conditions. At Publication of University of Eco- comply with the requirements of sustainabili- nomics, Varna, 3, 5-11. (In Bulgarian) ty standards; Rakadziyska Sv. 2007. Concepts fro development 5. Involvement of universities and scientific insti- of sustainable and alternative tourism. At In- tutes in NATURA 2000 activities through de- troduction to Tourism, Publisher Science and velopment of specially designed programs for economics, University of Economics Varna, exchange of academic lectures, participations Varna, 128-132. (in Bulgarian) in joint projects and partnership with the con-

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