Walking in Bulgarias National Parks Free

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Walking in Bulgarias National Parks Free FREE WALKING IN BULGARIAS NATIONAL PARKS PDF Julian Perry | 256 pages | 15 May 2010 | Cicerone Press | 9781852845742 | English | Cumbria, United Kingdom Walks in Bulgaria's National Parks - 12 multi-day… | Cicerone Press This is a fascinating country where eastern and western influences have become entwined and hospitality is engrained. Bulgaria also contains some of the most dramatic and breathtaking mountain scenery to be Walking in Bulgarias National Parks anywhere in Europe and Walking in Bulgarias National Parks is especially true in the Rila and Pirin rangesthe highest in the country and the entire Balkan region. The Rila and Pirin Mountain ranges of Bulgaria offer some of the very best mountain Walking in Bulgarias National Parks in Europe. An added bonus being that the series of waymarked trails here in Bulgaria offer a much more tranquil trekking experience as they see nothing like the number of hikers other ranges in Europe do. This challenging self-guided walking holiday encompasses both the Rila and Pirin Mountains and is most definitely aimed at the experienced, dedicated mountain walker. Expect dramatic scenery, as you walk firstly in the Rila, the region of the seven lakes, through wild flower meadows and over high mountain passes before visiting the world famous, ornate Rila Monastery. Next up are the magnificent marbled Pirin Mountains. Rhodope also Rodopi or Rhodopi is the largest mountain in Bulgaria, spanning one seventh of the territory of the country. The mountain is situated in the Southern part of Bulgaria and the southernmost part of it is situated on the territory of Greece. The highest peak is Golyam Perelik m a. The name of the mountain has a Thracian origin. The Thracian tribes inhabited the Rhodopi centuries on end. Around the mountain there are lots of remains of their culture, such as megaliths and sanctuaries. In geomorphological aspect the Walking in Bulgarias National Parks is the oldest mountain range in Bulgaria. The mountain can be divided in Eastern and Western Rhodopi. The two parts are very different from each another. The Western part is much higher and the climate is mostly mountainous. The Eastern part has low mountainous and hill relief, where the average altitude is only m. The climate is very mild during the winter and very hot in the summer. More about hiking tour in Eastern rhodopes — here. Some of the biggest Bulgarian rivers take their beginnings from Stara planina, all of them flow into Danube River. There are almost no lakes on the territory of the mountain. North and South of the main ridge, in the foothills, there are dams. There are more than 80 huts and shelters in the mountain, connected with a wide network of walking trails. Have in mind that it Walking in Bulgarias National Parks difficult to make a reservation by phone in most of them. Unfortunately some of the huts are not working, especially in the Eastern and Western part of the mountain. Another option for an overnight is in the foothills of the mountain. There are plenty of towns and villages Walking in Bulgarias National Parks both foothills of Stara Planina Northern and Southernwhere you can stay in a hotel or a guesthouse. Many people do two-day walking trekshiking up to the ridge, spending a night in a hut there, and then going down along a different route. More read here. They have a total area ofhectares and comprise more than one-third of all protected areas in Bulgaria. Pirin, Rila and Central Balkan are among the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. Identified as Category II protected areas by the World Conservation Union, the Parks are managed in accordance with the latest conservation principles and approaches. Worldwide, national parks are generally designated to preserve representative natural features, wildlife and habitats of the country. Their designation is intended to preserve natural processes generally free from human manipulation. In Bulgarian national parks, unique samples of natural habitats and elements of ecosystems are Walking in Bulgarias National Parks within reserves. The Bulgarian National Parks offer excellent opportunities for tourism, scientific research and education. The National Parks also include rivers, lakes, natural landmarks, waterfalls, and exceptional landscapes. National Parks allow opportunities for recreation, spiritual enrichment and contact with nature. Tourists can choose from a wide variety of activities, including:. Sign in Join. Travel guide Destinations Attractions Cuisine Hotels. Sign in. Log into your account. Sign up. Password recovery. Forgot your password? Get help. Create an account. Winter Sports. Horse riding in Bulgaria. Rafting and Kayaking. Golf in Bulgaria Horse riding in Bulgaria Rafting and Kayaking The Top 10 Spots For Hiking And Trekking In Bulgaria - Visit Bulgaria Culture Trip stands with Black Lives Matter. Musala is the highest peak in the Walking in Bulgarias National Parks Mountains, Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula, soaring at 2, m 9, ft. The Walking in Bulgarias National Parks can range from comparatively easy, if you take the chairlift from Borovets, to a full-day odyssey if you choose some of the more remote mountain chalets as a starting point such as Granchar Chalet. Malyovitsa is one of the most emblematic peaks in the Rila Mountains because the Central Mountaineering School, the first mountaineering club in Bulgaria, is located at its base. From the moment you start hiking, you will see the majestic peak in front of you almost all the way up. The valley consists of several terraces with vast panoramas and lakes where you can take a break and have a light meal. Once you reach the peak, you can return back to the Central Mountaineering School the return trip takes around five hours or continue to Ivan Vazov Chalet. The route is of medium difficulty. Rock climbers can spend a day or two exploring the rock climbing routes near Malyovitsa. If a foreign tourist can name only one hiking destination in Bulgaria, it is usually the Seven Rila Lakes. These glacial lakes graciously Walking in Bulgarias National Parks into one another, each of them with a different shape and size. You can hop on a chairlift that will take you to The Seven Lakes Chalet and then hike for hours to see all the lakes. The best view Walking in Bulgarias National Parks above is from the so-called Lake Peak. If you visit the lakes in mid-August, you will witness the gathering of the White Brotherhood, followers of the Bulgarian spiritual leader and philosopher Beinsa Douno Peter Deunovwho perform a special dance called paneurhythmy in big circles at sunrise. Your adrenaline will be pumping once you reach Koncheto Ridge and you look down from the crevices on both sides. Its rim is no more Walking in Bulgarias National Parks meters feet wide, with the narrowest parts being a mere 0. If you are lucky, you will witness the famous phenomenon here — often the one side of the ridge is coated in clouds, while the other is sunny. If you are up for a light, pleasant hike, head to Pirin Mountain and its Bezbog Peak that neighbours Bezbog Lake, not far from the ski resort of Bansko. Another easy-level hiking option from the chalet is to go to Popovi Lakes, an hour and a half hiking in one direction. Raiskoto Praskalo Waterfall, at m ftis the highest waterfall in the Balkans. Walking in Bulgarias National Parks fun fact is that the name of one of the steepest sections of the trails, Dzhendema, means Hell, so locals joke that to reach Heaven you must pass through Hell. Walking in Bulgarias National Parks from the highest point of Beklemeto Mountain Pass and enjoy a two-hour leisurely walk along the ridge. Climbing the peak will require some effort, and part of it is secured with a metal rope, but the views are worth it. Continue to Kozya Stena Chalet to spend the night. The chalet is quite basic but known for some of the most welcoming chalet-keepers in Bulgaria. Select currency. My Plans. Open menu Menu. Bulgaria may only have three Walking in Bulgarias National Parks parks, but there are so many hiking routes with jaw-dropping vistas within them that you will need months to see them all. If you are pressed for time, though, here are some of the most scenic routes you can explore by hiking the protected areas of Pirin National Park, Rila National Park and Central Balkan National Park. Musala: The highest peak in the Balkans. Malyovitsa: Where hiking in Bulgaria started. Koncheto Ridge: The adrenaline route in Pirin. Read Next. hiking in Bulgaria’s National Parks | RAGOWSKI, WAAHHHH!!!!! This is a list of protected areas in Bulgaria which includes 3 national parks11 nature parks and 55 nature reserves. All of the Walking in Bulgarias National Parks protected areas in Bulgaria are also part of the Natura network of Walking in Bulgarias National Parks natural areas in the territory of the European Union. Parks in bolded letters are declared PAN Parks. Parks and reserves in italic letters are part of Global ecoregions. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Executive Environment Agency. Retrieved Bulgaria -related lists. Consorts Generals in the Kingdom of Bulgaria Monarchs. Amphibians Birds Mammals Reptiles Non-marine molluscs. Portal Outline. List of protected areas of Europe. Protected areas of Bulgaria. Central Balkan Pirin Rila. Categories : Lists of protected areas by Walking in Bulgarias National Parks Protected areas of Bulgaria Bulgaria geography-related lists Lists of national parks Lists of tourist attractions in Bulgaria. Namespaces Article Talk. Views Read Edit View history. Help Learn to edit Community portal Recent changes Upload file. Download as PDF Printable version. Wikimedia Commons. Central Balkan National Park.
Recommended publications
  • Bulgaria's Pirin Mountains
    The Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria ABODE OF THE THUNDER GOD 13th - 27th June Introduction The YRC meet to Bulgaria came about after a chance communication from Lizzie Alderson, who runs Pirin Adventures, a company which provides mountaineering, trekking and walking holidays in the Pirin Mountains of Bulgaria. Further conversations with Lizzie in Leeds and some research on the internet confirmed that it would be a novel and extremely interesting location for an overseas meet, with plenty of scope for a fortnight’s hut-to-hut trekking, taking in ridges and summits as we pleased. Named after Perun, the Thracian god of thunder and lightning, the Pirin Mountains are crystalline and located in southwest Bulgaria within the western part of the Rila-Rhodope massif. The Pirin massif slopes southwards and has a width of 30-35km. The main axis is oriented NW-SE with an approximate length of 70km. The northern part of the range comprises the Pirin National Park of 232 square kilometres, which has UNESCO status. The geology is complex but the mountain ridges are mostly granite. The Koncheto ridge and its continuation over Kutelo and Vihren summits are different and comprise marbleised karst with remains of the granite intrusion and some limestone. Limestone is also present around Mt Orelyak to the east. There are over 180 glacial tarns and lakes in Pirin. The Alpine zone scree and rocks are replaced by sub-alpine meadow-bush areas around 2300m and mountain forest between 1000-2000m. This ecological diversity was enhanced by the rapidly ablating snowfields present in June, providing us with an amazing display of flora and fauna.
    [Show full text]
  • Birdwatching Tour
    PIRT “Via Pontica” Birdwatching Tour PROMOTING INNOVATIVE RURAL TOURISM IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN REGION 2014 Table of Contents Birdwatching Sites .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Armenia ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Bulgaria .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Georgia ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36 Turkey ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 51 Technical Requirements, Issues and Solutions ............................................................................................................................................................ 70 Detailed Itinerary ........................................................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • About Bulgaria
    Source: Zone Bulgaria (http://en.zonebulgaria.com/) About Bulgaria General Information about Bulgaria Bulgaria is a country in Southeastern Europe and is situated on the Balkan Peninsula. To the north the country borders Rumania, to the east – the Black Sea, to the south – Turkey and Greece, and to the west – Yugoslavia and Macedonia. Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic with a National Assembly (One House Parliament) of 240 national representatives. The President is Head of State. Geography of Bulgaria The Republic of Bulgaria covers a territory of 110 993 square kilometres. The average altitude of the country is 470 metres above sea level. The Stara Planina Mountain occupies central position and serves as a natural dividing line from the west to the east. It is a 750 km long mountain range stretching from the Vrushka Chuka Pass to Cape Emine and is part of the Alpine-Himalayan mountain range. It reaches the Black Sea to the east and turns to the north along the Bulgarian-Yugoslavian border. A natural boundary with Romania is the Danube River, which is navigable all along for cargo and passenger vessels. The Black Sea is the natural eastern border of Bulgaria and its coastline is 378 km long. There are clearly cut bays, the biggest two being those of Varna and Bourgas. About 25% of the coastline are covered with sand and hosts our seaside resorts. The southern part of Bulgaria is mainly mountainous. The highest mountain is Rila with Mt. Moussala being the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula (2925 m). The second highest and the mountain of most alpine character in Bulgaria is Pirin with its highest Mt.
    [Show full text]
  • Bulgarian Pirin National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site
    Bulgarian Pirin National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site Pirin National park is an UNESCO world heritage site because the exceptional beauty of the mountain scenery, glacial geomorphology, continuing evolution of flora, and an example of a functioning Balkan uplands ecosystem. The dominant part of the park is high mountain territory over 2,000 m. The diverse limestone mountain landscapes include over 70 glacial lakes and a range of glacial landforms, with many waterfalls, rocky screes and caves. Forests are dominated by conifers. Pirin’s natural coniferous forests include Macedonian Pine and Bosnian Pine, with many old growth trees. Endemic species for the Balkan and the Apenine Peninsula, the Bosnian Pine (Pinus heldreichii) is very special in Bulgaria, its forests are only met in Pirin and Slavyanka Mountains. A special Pirin landmark is a 1,300 years old tree of Bosnian Pine, known as “Baikusheva mura” – believed to be the oldest tree on the Balkan peninsula. The high mountain peaks and crags contrast with meadows, rivers and waterfalls and provide the opportunity to experience the aesthetics of a Balkan mountain landscape. NP Pirin includes a range of endemic and relict species that are representative of the Balkan Pleistocene flora. The park includes also one of the oldest reserves in Bulgaria – Bayuvi Dupki-Dzhindzhiritsa. Pirin National Park has long been subject to tourism pressure, largely caused by the development of ski facilities and ski runs, the main threat being the construction and development of Bansko ski zone on the northern slope of the Park. In 2011 a geodesic investigation of Bansko ski zone by the government proved that the ski zone concessionaire in fact uses a 65% larger area than the concession contract provides for.
    [Show full text]
  • USAID and Sustainable Tourism
    ANNEX 2. PROJECT PROFILES 2.A: BULGARIA Project Name: Biodiversity Conservation and Contract Number: LAG-I-00-99-00013-00, Task Economic Growth (BCEG) (Phases I and II) Order 001 Project Duration: 2000 to 2004 Funding Mechanism: IQC - BIOFOR, Biodiversity and Sustainable Forestry Strategic Objective: 183-0410 Special Initiatives Donor Agencies/Partners: • Associates in Rural Development (ARD) • Government of Bulgaria Ministry of Environment and Water • Government of Bulgaria Ministry of Economy • Ministry of Agriculture and Forests • Rila and Central Balkan National Parks • Strandja Nature Park • Foundation for Local Government Reform • Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism • Bulgarian Tourism Union • Pirin Tourism Forum • Regional Tourism Association of Stara Planina • Conservation NGO’s s.a. Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds • US Agency for International Development • United Nations Development Program • Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe • World Bank/Global Environment Facility CONTEXT Bulgaria has a rich history and a unique and internationally significant nature and culture; conservation and cultural identity are particularly strong in rural areas. The country, which is positioned at a crossroads between Europe and Asia, contains nine World Heritage sites, and has rich cultural, historical, and religious resources reaching back from the ancient Greeks and beyond medieval times. It contains mountain ski resorts, beaches with sun and sand (the self-named “sun-and-sand-stalag”), and many “wild” and undeveloped rural areas for adventure seekers. These resources provide a strong base for tourism in Bulgaria. In the mid-1990s, while many sectors of the Bulgarian economy were registering losses, statistics reported by the National Statistic Institute and Ministry of Finance show the tourism sector was steadily generating positive financial results.
    [Show full text]
  • A Global Overview of Protected Areas on the World Heritage List of Particular Importance for Biodiversity
    A GLOBAL OVERVIEW OF PROTECTED AREAS ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE FOR BIODIVERSITY A contribution to the Global Theme Study of World Heritage Natural Sites Text and Tables compiled by Gemma Smith and Janina Jakubowska Maps compiled by Ian May UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre Cambridge, UK November 2000 Disclaimer: The contents of this report and associated maps do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of UNEP-WCMC or contributory organisations. The designations employed and the presentations do not imply the expressions of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNEP-WCMC or contributory organisations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its authority, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION 1.0 OVERVIEW......................................................................................................................................................1 2.0 ISSUES TO CONSIDER....................................................................................................................................1 3.0 WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY?..............................................................................................................................2 4.0 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY......................................................................................................................3 5.0 CURRENT WORLD HERITAGE SITES............................................................................................................4
    [Show full text]
  • Agricultural Report 2020
    MINISTRYMINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE,OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD FOOD ANDAND THE THEFORESTRY FORESTRY ANNUALANNUAL REPORT REPORT MINISTRYMINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD FOOD AND THEAND FORESTRY THE FORESTRY ON THEON STATETHE STATE AND AND DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT OF OF AGRICULTUREAGRICULTURE20202020 2020AGRICULTURAL AGRICULTURAL REPORT REPORT 2020 MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND FORESTRY ANNUAL REPORT ON THE STATE AND DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE (2020 AGRICULTURAL REPORT) AGRICULTURALСъдържание REPORT 2020 Списък на използваните съкращения 7 РАЗДЕЛ А 11 I. СЪСТОЯНИЕ И РАЗВИТИЕTable of НАContents НАЦИОНАЛНАТА ИКОНОМИКА. М Abbreviation list 6 SECTION A 13 I. STATE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMY. MACROECONOMIC FRAMEWORK. PLACE OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN THE NATIONAL ECONOMY 13 II. AGRICULTURAL SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN 2019 AND FORECASTS FOR 2020 19 1. Use of agricultural land and structures in agriculture 19 1.1. Use of agricultural land 19 1.2. Use of agricultural parcels 20 1.2.1. Land Parcel Identification System 20 1.3. Registration of farmers 21 1.4.State Land Fund participation in land relations in Bulgaria 22 1.4.1. Providing SLF Own Terrains for Rent or Lease 22 1.4.2. Distribution of pastures, grasslands and meadows, part of a state or municipal land fund, in accordance with the procedure of Article 37 and the ALOUA 22 1.4.3. Establishment of limited rights in rem over SLF lands 23 1.5. Activities and Contracts for Reinstated Ownership Map and Registers Maintenance 23 1.6. Land Relations 23 1.6.1. Consolidation of Agricultural Land 24 1.7. Agricultural Land Protection Activities 24 2. Economic and Production Results in 2019 and forecast data for 2020 25 2.1.
    [Show full text]
  • Pandion Wild Tours
    PANDION Wild Tours & Pelican Birding Lodge WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS IN BULGARIA, GREECE AND ROMANIA 2017 TOUR CALENDAR CONTENT Dear wildlife lovers, PANDION Wild Tours we will be really happy to take you on BIRDING TOURS a virtual journey to Bulgaria using as st th a vehicle this catalogue of ours. 21 – 29 Jan. 2017 Winter tour in Bulgaria..................2 Our tour agency, “Pandion Wild Tours”, 21 st April – 2nd May 2017 Spring birding tour has endeavoured for already 23 years to welcome Bulgaria and Greece.......................5 nature lovers from almost all European countries, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, USA, Canada 26th May – 4th June 2017 Spring Birding in Bulgaria............8 and Japan. We are the oldest and most experienced 27th May – 3th June 2017 Wallcreeper & company for wildlife touring in Bulgaria. Vultures – Bulgaria.......................11 Bulgaria is a little country but there is no other like it in Europe: with such a great biodiversity within its small area! More than 250 en- 2nd – 9th Sept. 2017 Autumn Birding in Bulgaria........13 demic species of plants exist in Bulgaria along with many more rare and beautiful European ones. A very rich bird fauna, with some of the BUTTERFLY TOURS rarest representatives of European birds. In autumn, during migration, 10th – 18th June 2017 June Butterfly tour – Bulgaria.....15 you may enjoy really unforgettable sights watching scores of thousands th th of migrating large birds of prey, storks and pelicans, hundreds of thou- 8 – 15 July 2017 July Butterfly tour – Bulgaria......18 sands of smaller migratory birds. And all of them following for millennia BOTANICAL TOURS one and the same route called from ancient times Via Pontica flyway.
    [Show full text]
  • Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan 2004-2013
    The Minister of the Environment and Waters D. Arsenova Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan 2004-2013 DRAFT Adopted by Decision # ххх of the Council of Ministers dated хх.хх, 2004 Presented by ARD/BCEGP in fulfillment of Terms of Reference commissioned by the Ministry of the Environment and Waters, # хх-хх-хххх, March 2001 The drafting and publication of this Management Plan was made possible through the generous support of the Environment, Energy and Social Transition Department of the Europe and Eurasia Desk of the United States Agency for International Development, pursuant to Contract # LAG-I-00-99-00013-00. All opinions expressed herein are solely at the authors’ discretion and do not necessarily reflect the position of the United States Agency for International Development. February, 2004 Team of Authors The Core Planning Team which drafted the present Management Plan for Rila Monastery Nature Park comprises the following members: Dr. Petar Yankov D.Sc. (ecology/zoology), Dr. Dimitar Peev D.Sc. (ecology/botany), Eng. Ventsisval Velichkov (forest engineer), Mrs. Snezhana Kostadinova (sociologist), as well as the members of the Coordinating Team of the BCEG Project, as follows: Dr. Peter Hetz (team leader), Dimitrina Boteva, MSc. (biodiversity expert) and Gergana Pavlova (administrative support). The Extended Planning Team comprises the following members: Eng. Mihail Mihailov, Director of Rila Monastery Nature Park; Ms. Nikolina Georgieva, biodiversity expert with the Directorate Rila Monastery NP, Eng. Vassil Petrov, acting Director of Rila NP, His Eminence Gabriel, Metropolitan Bishop of Lovech, representative of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church; the Most Reverend Bishop John, Abbot of Rila Monastery, Eng.
    [Show full text]
  • Get Brochure
    DISCOVER THE BULGARIA MACEDONIA KOSOVO EAST! ALBANIA GREECE ROMANIA TURKEY GEORGIA RUSSIA with Top Guides Ltd, Bulgaria www.bulguides.com [email protected] The Classic Pirin and Rila Walking Trip Pirin&Rila Ranges, Bulgaria Overview 8 days/7 nights This is a must do 8-day walking ⛰2925m � 4-8hrs ↝7-14km route that covers the best of the ↑650-1150m ↓650-1000m mountains of Bulgaria and is designed for keen walkers who like Cost for 2 pax: 550EUR/person to spend 5 to 8h/day up the Transfers included: Yes√ mountains, 6 days in a row. The day Luggage Transport: Yes√ treks are strenuous, but totally doable for active people in average Bed&Meals: Yes√ fitness condition. The terrain is Accommodation: Family hotels sometimes rocky and demanding, but the routes entirely follow marked Best season: July to and established tourist hiking September trails within the Rila and Pirin national parks. The route covers the peaks of Polezan and Vihren in the Pirin Mountains, as well as numerous glacial lakes in the area – Todorini, Vasilashki, Bunderishki, Bezbog. Further you`ll visit Rila with the peaks of Musala (the highest on the Balkans) with Musalenski Lakes and Malyovitsa with the Dear`s Lake – both the highest and the most beautiful in the Rila Mountains. A cultural and rest day in the middle of the itinerary includes a visit to the world famous Rila Monastery. Transfers and luggage transfers are provided everyday and hiking is with a day pack only. The accommodation is in family type hotels – 4 nights in Bansko – a small town, located between the main mountain ranges of Bulgaria, and 3 nights in Govedartsi village, Rila.
    [Show full text]
  • EU Infringements to Bulgaria, Can We Call It a Success Story? Bankia, 06.December.2011
    EU infringements to Bulgaria, can we call it a success story? Bankia, 06.December.2011 Alexander Dountchev, APB Threats to Natura 2000 Illegal practices in the Bulgarian Natura 2000 Kaliakra IBA № 2007/4850 – Infringement procedure concerning the reduction of the designation area of 6 SPAs (Kaliakra, Rila, Pirin, etc). - Legal grounds for complaint: Art. 4 (1) of the Habitats Directive (designation of sites); - Scientific facts for complaint: Inventory of the Important Bird Areas in Bulgaria (2006) - Unofficial reasons for the ungrounded reduction of the designation area: Economical reasons (ski-resort projects, wind-farm projects); - Results of the infringement procedure: 5 out of 6 sites are designated, - Experience: You need top scientific research 460 investment projects 22.8% of the IBA area 42% of the SPA area Illegal practices in the Bulgarian Natura 2000 Kaliakra pSCI/SPA 2007 New development plan adopted without published SEA Illegal practices in the Bulgarian Natura 2000 KaliakraStrandja pSCI/SPA pSCI/SAP 2008 New development plan adopted without published SEA Illegal practices in the Bulgarian Natura 2000 № 2008/4260 – Infringement procedure concerning the destruction of Kaliakra IBA (Via Pontica) after 1.1.2007 as result of the illegal authorization of wind-farm projects before 1.1.2007 •Legal grounds for complaint: Art 4 (4) of the Birds Directive and Art. 6 (2) of the Habitats Directive (Kaliakra SPA was still not designated when the projects were authorized). •Evidences: Inventory of the Important Bird Areas in Bulgaria (official publication 2006), GIS-analysis, EIA documents and building permits for the wind-farms and other projects, complaints to the court, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Public Money Misuse Pirin NP and Vitosha PP Case Study
    Асоциация на парковете в България [email protected] +359 887820870 www.parks.bg www.ekoarhiv.bg CASE STUDY “The Management Plans of Vitosha and Pirin: EU money is used for destruction of valuable biodiversity within protected areas.” Summary: The Association of Parks in Bulgaria (APB) identifies data evidencing misuse of EU funds (projects DIR-5113325-3-91 „Sustainable management of Pirin National Park and Tisata Reserve” and DIR-5113326-4-98 „Activities for Sustainable Management of Vitosha Nature Park “, financed under OP Environment 2007-2013) and loss of biodiversity expected as an outcome of EU-funded projects’ activities. Within APB’s work on analyzing the proposed updates to the Management plans of Pirin National Parks and Vitosha Nature Park, we have identified potential great loss of biodiversity in two Bulgarian protected areas that will probably be caused by usage of EU money from OP Environment 2007 – 2013 . The Ministry of Environment and Waters (MOEW) has provided the Directorates of both the parks Pirin and Vitosha with significant amount of funds from OP Environment to boost their work: • The approved budget for the project DIR-5113325-3-91 „Sustainable management of Pirin National Park and Tisata Reserve” is 19 791 600,00 BGN (10 119 284,40 EUR) • The approved budget for the project DIR-5113326-4-98 „Activities for Sustainable Management of Vitosha Nature Park” is 5 240 300,00 BGN (2 679 322,85 EUR) Among different activities envisaged, both projects include preparation of updated Management plans of the parks. The problem is that although the plans are not finished and officially adopted, the beneficiaries (Parks’ Directorates) already paid almost 100% of the money to the company hired to develop the plans.
    [Show full text]