Development and Implementation of an Ecological Monitoring System in the National Parks Report January – June, 2003
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The Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria) in the Last Ten Years
STUDIA GEOMORPHOLOGICA CARPATHO-BALCANICA VOL. XLV, 2011: 47–68 PL ISSN 0081-6434 EMIL GACHEV (BLAGOEVGRAD) INTER-ANNUAL SIZE VARIATIONS OF SNEZHNIKA GLACIERET (THE PIRIN MOUNTAINS, BULGARIA) IN THE LAST TEN YEARS Abstract: Glacierets, which are in fact embryonic forms of recent glaciation, can serve as important indicators of contemporary climate dynamics in areas where classical glaciers do not exist, such as the high mountains in Southeastern Europe. Two glacierets are located in Bulgaria’s Pirin Mountains: Snezhnika and Banski Suhodol. Snezhnika has been relatively well studied for the last 50 years, and in particular since 1994, when annual size measurements on a regular basis started. The present study focuses on the recent variations in the size of Snezhnika i.e. in the last ten years. Data about the area of the glacieret at the end of the ablation season (in autumn), which was obtained for each year by field measurements and analytical calculations, show that temperature can be considered as a major factor that drives glacieret fluctuations. At the current stage precipitation factor can not be evaluated properly due to the deficit of accurate climate information. Key words: the Pirin Mountains, glacierets, size variation, climate change, climatic factors INTRODUCTION Although small in size and volume, in many mountain areas glacierets are natu- ral features of sufficient value for studies of the dynamics of environmental proc- esses, climatic variations and change. Glacierets are small bodies of perennial ice, which are smaller than glaciers but bigger and more persistent than snow patches. Glacierets are typified by a density of close-to-bottom ice of about 0.6 to 0.8 g cm–3, presence of annual layers in the vertical cross-section, and long- term persistence — decades to centuries (G r u n e w a l d et al. -
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEARNING EXCHANGE INITIATIVE for SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY Smes in the BALKAN-MEDITERRANEAN REGION Subsidy Contract No
ENTREPRENEURIAL LEARNING EXCHANGE INITIATIVE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY SMEs IN THE BALKAN-MEDITERRANEAN REGION Subsidy Contract No. BMP1/1.3/2616/2017 Company name: “Moravsko Selo” Page | 1 Source: http://biohotel-bg.com/en/ Country/region of operation: Razlog Municipality, ‘Predela’ locality Boykov Rid, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria Sustainability dimension: environmental, resource-efficient tourist products Description of the enterprise/initiative: “Moravsko Selo” complex started working in 2007, when bio and eco were not commonly used words in Bulgaria, and producing your own food was considered quite a lonely occupation. On an area of 14 acres, 1100 metres above sea level was created one of the first family held hotels with a focus on organic production, sustainable farming and environmentally-conscious way of life. The complex includes hotel, restaurant, a farm and bio shop. Social/ community impact sought: The impact sought is offering tourist services and products which are environmentally friendly and resource-efficient: the food concept does not include a lot of intricate recipes with sophisticated products from faraway lands but rather real, local, seasonal products that the surrounding nature bestows. The complex produces the products used in the kitchen in an organic way, without using substances that are harmful to nature and man. What they cannot manufacture, they pick out from local selected providers and farmers. The visitors in the complex can enjoy close-to-the-nature experience as they are welcome to visit the farm, pick up some vegetables, ride the horse and walk with the dog. Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries. -
Analytical Report
ANALYTICAL REPORT CAPACITY OF THE MUNICIPALITIES OF BANSKO, BELITSA, RAZLOG AND YAKORUDA FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIVITIES RELATED TO ALTERNATIVE TOURISM IN A CROSS-BORDER REGION Part One 1. General Characteristics of the region а. Territory, towns, natural assets The four municipalities are located at the foot of the Pirin and Rila Mountains and in the Western-most part of the Rhodope Mountains. Their total area is 1,568 sq. km. and there are 5 towns and 31 villages situated there, including high in the mountains. The infrastructure is relatively good and ensures access to all settlements. The local roads are being renovated as per the adopted municipal pans. There is Internet in place, which ensures good conditions for modern communications. The region is mountainous and includes reserves, protected territories and National Parks. The area is rich in water resources: rivers, high-mountain lakes, waterfalls (the most famous one being the Sv. Nikola Waterfall – Municipality of Bansko). There are also many thermal springs, the majority of them being unique. The Banya village, located along the Razlog – Yakoruda road, is one of the richest settlements in Bulgaria in terms of thermal water – 72 springs have been found with various temperature and composition. Along the course of the Dobrinishka River, there is the mineral water pool built in ancient times and known as Rimskoto Banche (the Roman Bath). There are two thermal water deposits in the Municipality of Belitsa – one of them with low-mineralised water suitable for daily use and the other – with water suitable for treating locomotor problems. The natural rock formations – wonders of nature, which are the subject of various legends, are also numerous and varied. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Zootoca Vivipara) in Central Europe: Reproductive Strategies and Natural Hybridization
SALAMANDRA 46(2) 73–82 Oviparous20 May and 2010 viviparousISSN Zootoca 0036–3375 vivipara in central Europe Identification of a contact zone between oviparous and viviparous common lizards (Zootoca vivipara) in central Europe: reproductive strategies and natural hybridization Dorothea Lindtke1,3 Werner Mayer2 & Wolfgang Böhme3 1) Ecology & Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland 2) Molecular Systematics, 1st Zoological Department, Museum of Natural History Vienna, Burgring 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria 3) Herpetology, Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn, Germany Corresponding author: Dorothea Lindtke, e-mail: [email protected] Manuscript received: 24 September 2009 Abstract. The European common lizard, Zootoca vivipara, is one of the very few reptile species with two reproductive modes, viz. viviparity and oviparity. Oviparity in this otherwise viviparous form has been known since 1927 for the allopat- ric Z. v. louislantzi. Only with the discovery of a second oviparous form, Z. v. carniolica, a parapatric occurrence of ovipa- rous and viviparous populations became conceivable. In this study, we (1) detect a contact zone where both forms meet, (2) find evidence for natural hybridization between both reproductive strains, and (3) compare the reproductive strategies of egg-layers and live-bearers independent from environmental interference. Thirty-seven gravid females were captured in a supposed contact zone in Carinthia, Austria, and maintained in the laboratory until oviposition or parturition. Clutch size, embryonic mortality and birth weight of the neonates were compared among the reproductively differentiated samples. Hybrids were identified by intermediate reproductive characteristics. Our results provide the first proof of a contact zone between live-bearing and egg-laying Z. -
VIHREN - Mermerni Tron Boga Peruna
VIHREN - mermerni tron boga Peruna Nacionalni park Pirin - Vihren 2.914 mnv, Todorka 2.746 mnv, Banski Suhodol 2.884 mnv, Kutelo 2.908 mnv 01.10. (četvrtak ) Polazak na akciju u večernjim satima, biće naknadno određeno. Okvirno: 20:30 Novi Sad - kod lokomotive na železničkoj stanici 22:00 Beograd - autobusko stajalište na autoputu preko puta Sava centra u pravcu Niša 02.10. (petak) - Todorka (srednje teška tura) Dolazak u ranim jutranjim satima u mesto Bansko. Odlazak prevozom do doma Vihren odakle kreće uspon. Ispred doma je moguće natočiti vodu. Obilazak Banderiskih jezera, jednih od najlepših jezera na Pirinu, a zatim se penjemo do Todorkine porte, Male Todorke i na kraju do vrha Velika Todorka (2.746m). Sledi zatim hodanje kružnom stazom do jezera Todorine oči i povratak na istu stazu kojom smo došli do vozila. Napravićemo pauzu za ručak u planinarskom domu Vihren ili u obližnjem planinarskom domu Banderica. Čeka nas staza dužine 11 km i savladavanje visinske razlike od oko 950 metara. Posle završetka ture, odlazak u smeštaj u Banskom u privatnom smeštaju u sobama od 2 do 4 kreveta. Svaka soba ima svoje kupatilo. 03.10. (subota) - Vihren, Kutelo, Banski Suhodol (grupa I - naporna tura, grupa II - srednje teška tura) Polazak iz Banskog ka planinarskom domu Vihren. Uspon na vrh Vihren (2.914.mnv), treći vrh na Balkanu po visini. Ako vremenske prilike budu stabilne, delimo se u dve grupe. Grupa I Grupa I nastavlja pešačenje, silazi sa vrha Vihren i ide ka grebenu Končeto. Zatim sledi uspon na vrh Banski Suhodol (2.884 mnv), preko sajlama osiguranog veoma atraktivnog grebena Končeto, a zatim na vrhove Kutelo (2.908 mnv) i Kutelo 2. -
Past and Present State of the Griffon Vulture Gyps Fulvus in Rila and Pirin National Parks and Rilski Manastir Nature Park
ECOLOGIA BALKANICA 2019, Special Edition 2 pp. 23-30 Past and Present State of the Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus in Rila and Pirin National Parks and Rilski Manastir Nature Park Hristo Peshev1, Emilian Stoynov1*, Dimitar Parvanov2, Atanas Grozdanov2 1 - Fund for Wild Flora and Fauna, 49 Ivan Michaylov Str., 2700 Blagoevgrad, P.O.Box 78, BULGARIA 2 - Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Faculty of Biology, 8 Dragan Tzankov Blvd. 1000 Sofia, BULGARIA *Corresponding author: [email protected] Abstract. Widespread in the past, the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) has disappeared in most of Europe (including Bulgaria) in the 20th century. Although this species was reported from Southwestern Bulgaria in the area of Rila and Pirin it became locally extinct. In the end of 20th century it was breeding only in Eastern Rhodopes. With the local reintroduction of the species in Kresna Gorge since 2010, the high mountain pastures and cliffs regained their role of refuge for the Griffon Vulture mainly in summer. Here, we report and analyze the home range and seasonal presence of the species in Rila National Park, Pirin National Park and Rilski Manastir Nature Park. Home range analysis was based on data received from 8 birds tracked by GPS/GSM transmitters in Southwestern Bulgaria. The obtained results (Max. Daily distance = 195.3 ± 51.1 km; Home-range 95% kernel = 238 ± 207.5km² and core area 50% kernel = 6.5 ± 5.4 km²) indicated that these birds almost exclusively roost and feed in the already established Griffon Vulture colonies or join the seasonal gatherings of conspecifics, which are usually found within a zone of 15 km radius from a complex of feeding site or abundant easy accessible food in close proximity to suitable roosting places. -
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. -
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. -
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E3S Web of Conferences 101, 01004 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/201910101004 ICESD 2019 Methodological Guidelines for the Sustainable Development of the Bulgarian Touristic Resorts through Reducing the Harmful Impact of Transport Elenita Velikova1, * 1 Department of Economy of tourism, UNWE, 1700 Sofia, Bulgaria Abstract. The achievement of sustainable development of Bulgarian tourist resorts is questionable after the European Commission has put Bulgaria's two-month ultimatum to prove that it can deal with the problem of dirty air. Tourism is a sector that is accused of violating sustainable development due to its many negative environmental impacts. A significant part of the harmful impact is due to the transport used to reach the desired destination and the movement itself. Sustainable development is a key objective of the EU and Bulgaria should not lag behind in terms of the essential indicators for its achievement. This publication aims to propose effective measures to reduce the harmful impact of passenger transport on the environment by establishing sustainable transport practices in touristic resorts. The environmental component of sustainable development is among its main priorities. Based on expert analysis of Bulgarian touristic resorts, our own research and experience in the studied subject will offer effective measures to increase their sustainability by reducing the harmful impact of transport on the environment. 1 Introduction transport practices in tourist destinations and thus contributing to the sustainable development of tourism. In Sustainable development is a topic of importance to the order to achieve the stated objective, the state of the public since the 1990s as a result of human's threatening Bulgarian tourist resorts will be analyzed in relation to impact on Planet Earth.