DOCSLIB.ORG

Meteorological Observations in National Park „Pirin“

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Meteorological Observations in National Park „Pirin“ Meteorological Observations in National Park „Pirin“ K. Grunewald, E. Gachev, G. Kast, P. Nojarov, M. Panayotov The Observation Team Dr. Karsten Grunewald Landscape ecologist Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Re- Operator of Pirin stations and gional Development, Dresden, loggers Germany ([email protected]) Gerhard Kast Engineer UP GmbH Cottbus, Germany Providing and maintenance of technical equipment, data handling ([email protected]) www.upgmbh.com Dr. Peter Nojarov Climatologist National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy Processing climate data and Geography, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria ([email protected]) Dr. Momchil Panayotov Forester, Dendrochronologist University of Forestry, Dendrology Dept., Climate reconstruction and climate- Sofia, Bulgaria growth-relationship in forest eco- systems ([email protected]) Dr. Emil Gachev Geographer South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Glacier morphology and measure- Department of Geography and Ecology, ments on Vihren peak Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria ([email protected]) Directorate of National Park Pirin Bansko, Bulgaria ([email protected]) Impressum Editors: K. Grunewald, E. Gachev, G. Kast, P. Nojarov, M. Panayotov Photos: K. Grunewald, M. Panayotov, E. Gachev Layout: K. Ludewig, K. Grunewald Print: IÖR Dresden Bansko, Sofia, Dresden 2016 DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.3805.4160 Meteorological Observations in National Park „Pirin“ 1 source: stepmap.com Southwest Bulgaria and the Pirin Mountains are one of the European Biodiversity hotspots providing habitats for numerous endemic species. The mountains experience on-going climate change with unpredictable effects, which require better understanding of possible effects and continuous monitoring. The climate in the region is mountainous with strong influence of Mediterranean air masses. Vertical layering of temperature and local relief influence the climate and often lead to thermal inversions sites. Therefore. the climate in the Pirin Mountains and adjacent areas shows a strong differentiation driven by a variety of influences: air stream. solar radiation. lee- and windward effect, mountain wind, vertical distribution of temperature and precipitation. Typical for Pirin Mountains are dry summer months (July-August) and abundant precipitation in the Autumn-Winter period. 2 Meteorological Observations in National Park „Pirin“ Climate Change? Annual air temperatures There is definite warming in high-mountain parts of southwestern Bulgaria during the measured period, with an increase of about 0.1°C/decade (0.4˚C/ decade for the last 30 years). 2014 was the warmest recorded year during the last 83 years. Threshold values and extremes Musala Peak station, 2,925 m, shows the following extremes for the period 1973-2006: − a significant shift from cold to warm days; − an increase of days with frost change, especially in April and September / October; − a general decrease of days with temperatures below 0°C; − a significantly longer growing season (>5°C); − a trend towards shorter winters and longer summers. Summer ski in Pirin Evolution of mean annual air temperature at Musala Peak for the (Photo: Kletcherov 1961) period 1933 – 2015 Meteorological Observations in National Park „Pirin“ 3 Overview No. Name/Region Altitude Records Device type Start 1 Vihren peak 2,914 m Temperature (T), Humidity (H) ESAYLOG 24RFT 2014 2 Kasan Shelter, 2,436 m T, H, Precipitation (P) GP1 Delta-Link 2011 snowline 3 Vihren hut 1,950 m T, H, P, Wind, Radiation GP1 Delta-Link 2008 4 Banderitsa 1,950 m T Logtag TRIX 2012 5 Banderitsa, 2,250 m T, H HOBO 2013 treeline 6 Yavorov hut, 2,250 m T, H (2014-onwards) HOBO 2013 treeline source: NP Pirin 4 Meteorological Observations in National Park „Pirin“ History 1933 Start of meteorological observations at Musala peak (Rila) 1957-1960 Measurements in Kasan cirque operated by V. Popov 1951-1980 Manual observations at station Vihren hut 2003 New National Park Management Plan calls for 5 stations 2008 Automatic meteorological station Vihren hut established 2011 Automatic meteorological station Kasan shelter established 2012-2014 Loggers installed in several forest locations in- cluding treeline 2014 Logger on Vihren top installed 1930 Meteorological Observations in National Park „Pirin“ 5 Meteorological Station „Vihren Hut“ The station is located in front of the Vihren hut on the left side of the Banderitsa river. The aim is the measurement of the mountain climate at the timberline in Pirin National Park. Data record 1954-1978 − mean annual air temperature: 3.4°C − mean annual precipitation: 1,419 mm Wind rose (2014); max. wind speed: 109 km/h ► Data available: www.v2.upgmbh-logstar.de ◄ Vihren hut 2010-2015 – monthly records (means) J F M A M J J A S O N D Year H (%) 64.3 63.1 68.5 67.5 74.3 68.3 66.3 64.3 75.0 65.6 64.2 63.7 67.1 T (°C) -3.5 -3.2 -1.5 2.7 7.7 11.3 14.0 14.4 8.6 5.5 4.3 -2.1 4.9 Tmin (°C) -19.8 -17.3 -13.3 -11.3 -1.4 0.3 3.8 3.9 -0.4 -8.9 -10.8 -18.2 -19.8 Tmax (°C) 10.1 11.8 10.1 17.6 23.9 31.6 33.6 31.6 21.3 19.4 26.0 10.9 33.6 P (mm) 13.5* 13.3* 36.3* 91.1 65.4 50.4 32.7 17.2 39.1 106 129 15.6* 610* E (mm) 17.5 17.3 16.9 31.7 35.9 66.1 81.2 84.5 43.1 33.9 25.9 17.4 39.3 W (km/h) 11.8 14.4 10.4 14.3 9.7 7.7 6.9 7.0 10.0 11.1 9.1 13.1 10.5 R (W/m²) 125 174 226 319 285 375 375 314 141 166 122 108 228 H - humidity, T - temperature, P - precipitation, E – evaporation (Haude), W - wind speed, R - solar radiation * Precipitation especially in cold month (snow) is underestimated 6 Meteorological Observations in National Park „Pirin“ Meteorological Station „Kasan Shelter“ The station is located near the Kasan Shelter in the cirque “Go- lemya Kasan”. The aim is the measurement of the mountain climate at the climatically snow line in Pirin National Park. It is near the small glacier “Sneshnika” – one of the southernmost in Europe. 1957-1961 2011-2015 Average of coldest three months -6.1°C -4.7°C (Dec.-Feb.) Average of warmest three month 7.2°C 10.0°C (June-Aug.) Annual mean air temperature ca. 0°C ca. 3°C Average amplitude 16 K 18 K (∆ coldest-warmest month) − Snow cover 7-8 month (Nov.-June) − Humidity: 68.3% (mean) − Evapotranspiration (Haude): 22.4 mm (mean) ► Data available: www.v2.upgmbh-logstar.de ◄ Characteristic of geo-factors in the cirque “Golemya Kasan”: Rock: Light-coloured marble rock (high Albedo: 25-30%) Morphology: Bowl form (three-sided framing of the NNE/NE-exposed cirques) Soils: Skeleton soils with humus-layers (pH 5-7; high Humus-, Corg and Nt-values) Vegetation: Alpine rock and scree communities, individual grass communities, insular shrubs Hydrology: Due to karstification, meltwater is quickly trickled away Meteorological Observations in National Park „Pirin“ 7 Logger Vihren Peak (2,914 m a.s.l.) Fig. First logger data compared to Musala station The automatic measurement site on Vihren peak is the second highest in Bulgaria. The mean annual temperature for the period 1. Nov. 2014 to 31. Oct. 2015 is −1.3°C. It is by 0.5°C higher than what was recorded at Musala peak for the same time pe- riod (www.stringmeteo.com). The average relative humidity for the 1 year period is 86%. Observation of Vihren Glacier-Patch „Sneshnika“ (size ca. 1 ha) − Legacy of „Little Ice Age“ − Visible sign of weather conditions / climate change − Survive despite global/regional warming 09/1959 09/1994 09/2015 8 Meteorological Observations in National Park „Pirin“ Additional Measurements Loggers at treeline and forests locations – observation of local micro-climate and tree growth − Climate-growth relationships and formation of tree rings of the Balkan endemic species Pinus peuce and Pinus held- reichii − Forest dynamics – forest structure, history and regeneration − Treeline changes − Soil temperature Automatic gauging station Demjanitsa river (started 2011) The spring flood 15/16 May 2010, river Banderitsa/Glazne, Bansko Air-temperature (LT) and precipitation (NS) at the Vihren-hut during 14th, 15th and 16th May 2010, measured with the new meteorological station Vihren hut Meteorological Observations in National Park „Pirin“ 9 Literature on the Topic (selection) Anonymous 2003. National Park Pirin Management Plan 2004–2013. Ministry of Environment and Water, NP Direction. Bansko. Grunewald, K. (2013) Climate change and related management issues in the mountains of Southeastern Europe – the Pirin National Park in Bulgaria. eco.mont. Vol. 5, Number 1, 37-42 Grunewald, K., Scheithauer. J. (2011) Landscape development and climate change in Southwest Bulgaria (Pirin Mts.). Springer Verlag, Heidelberg, London, New York Grunewald, K., Scheithauer, J., Monget, J.-M., Brown, D. (2009) Characterisation of contemporary local climate change in the mountains of south-western Bulgaria. Climatic Change, Vol. 95, No. 3-4 Nojarov, P. 2012. Changes in air temperatures and atmosphere circulation in high mountainous parts of Bulgaria for the period 1941–2008. Journal of Mountain Science 9: 185–200. Nojarov, P. 2012. Variations in precipitation amounts. atmosphere circulation and relative humidity in high mountainous parts of Bulgaria for the period 1947–2008. Theoretical and Applied Climatology 107 (1–2): 175–187. Nojarov, P. 2012. Bulgarian mountains air temperatures and precipitation – statistical downscaling of global cli- mate models and some projections. Theoretical and Applied Climatology 110 (4): 631–644. Nojarov, P. 2015. Statistical downscaling of regional climate models in Bulgarian mountains and some projec- tions. Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 119(1-2):83-98.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Federal Research Division Country Profile: Bulgaria, October 2006
    Library of Congress – Federal Research Division Country Profile: Bulgaria, October 2006 COUNTRY PROFILE: BULGARIA October 2006 COUNTRY Formal Name: Republic of Bulgaria (Republika Bŭlgariya). Short Form: Bulgaria. Term for Citizens(s): Bulgarian(s). Capital: Sofia. Click to Enlarge Image Other Major Cities (in order of population): Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Ruse, Stara Zagora, Pleven, and Sliven. Independence: Bulgaria recognizes its independence day as September 22, 1908, when the Kingdom of Bulgaria declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire. Public Holidays: Bulgaria celebrates the following national holidays: New Year’s (January 1); National Day (March 3); Orthodox Easter (variable date in April or early May); Labor Day (May 1); St. George’s Day or Army Day (May 6); Education Day (May 24); Unification Day (September 6); Independence Day (September 22); Leaders of the Bulgarian Revival Day (November 1); and Christmas (December 24–26). Flag: The flag of Bulgaria has three equal horizontal stripes of white (top), green, and red. Click to Enlarge Image HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Early Settlement and Empire: According to archaeologists, present-day Bulgaria first attracted human settlement as early as the Neolithic Age, about 5000 B.C. The first known civilization in the region was that of the Thracians, whose culture reached a peak in the sixth century B.C. Because of disunity, in the ensuing centuries Thracian territory was occupied successively by the Greeks, Persians, Macedonians, and Romans. A Thracian kingdom still existed under the Roman Empire until the first century A.D., when Thrace was incorporated into the empire, and Serditsa was established as a trading center on the site of the modern Bulgarian capital, Sofia.
    [Show full text]
  • 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.
    [Show full text]
  • 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]
  • 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]
  • Page 1 POLSKA AKADEMIA NA UK in S T Y TUT ZOOLOGICZNY
    POLSKA AKADEMIA NAUK INSTYTUT ZOOLOGICZNY FRAGMENTA FAUNISTICA Tom XIII Warszawa, 10 V 1967 Nr 21 Regina B a ń k o w s k a Materiaux pour 1’etude des Syrphides (Diptera) de Bułgarie Materiały do znajomościSyrphidae (Diptera) Bułgarii MaTepuajibi k imnamuo cevieficrBaSyrphidae (Diptera) Eojirapmi [Avec 69 figures dans le texte] En ćte 1959 et 1964 j’ai eu 1’occasion de faire des excursions pour explorer la faunę dipterologique de Bułgarie. Cette exploration a ete rendue possible grace a 1’amabilitó de l’Institut Zoologique de 1’Acadśmie des Sciences de Buł­ garie, que je tiens a remercier ici. Les rśsultats obtenus serviront a, complement de 1’etude de la faunę de dipteres de Bułgarie. Les rócoltes et observations ont ete faites dans les regions montagneuses: Belasica, Pirin, Rila, Rodopi, Strandża, YitoSa, Stara Pianina et dans la region maritime. J ’ai elaborś aussi les materiaux recoltes par mes collegues pendant leur sejour en Bułgarie. Les donnees fauniques concernant la familie Syrphidae de Bułgarie sont assez mediocres, seulement le travail de D r e n s k i (1934) contient des donnees plus completes. Tout le reste des elaborations, ce sont les listes tres fragmen- taires consacrees a 1’ensemble des dipteres: N e d e l k o v (1912), S z i l a d y (1934) et D r e n o v s k i (1936) comportant toute la Bułgarie, les travaux de L o e w (1862) et D r ń n s k i (1942) seulement les environs de Yarna et travail de L o e w (1863) les environs de Slivno.
    [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]
  • Some Things You May Find Useful to Know…
    Some things you may find useful to know… About Bulgaria Bulgaria, officially the Republic of Bulgaria is a country in southeastern Europe. It is bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east. With a territory of 110,994 square kilometers (42,855 sq mi), Bulgaria is Europe's 16th-largest country. Its population of 7.4 million people is predominantly urbanized and mainly concentrated in the administrative centers of its 28 provinces. Most commercial and cultural activities are centered on the capital and largest city, Sofia. The country is a member of the European Union, NATO, and the Council of Europe. The climate in the country is dynamic, which results from its being positioned at the meeting point of Mediterranean and continental air masses and the barrier effect of its mountains. Northern Bulgaria averages 1 °C (1.8 °F) cooler than the regions south of the Balkan mountains. Temperature amplitudes vary significantly in different areas. The lowest recorded temperature is −38.3 °C (−36.9 °F), while the highest is 45.2 °C (113.4 °F). Situated at a crossroads between civilizations, Bulgaria has more than 13 centuries of recorded history and one of the richest cultural legacies in Europe. Modern Bulgarian culture derives from three ancient civilizations: the Bulgars, then Thracians, and the Slavs. The territory was also part of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires for several centuries. Bulgarians are the main ethnic group in the country and comprise 84.8% of the population.
    [Show full text]
  • Holocene Climate and Landscape History of the Pirin Mountains
    ZOBODAT - www.zobodat.at Zoologisch-Botanische Datenbank/Zoological-Botanical Database Digitale Literatur/Digital Literature Zeitschrift/Journal: IGF-Forschungsberichte (Instituts für Interdisziplinäre Gebirgsforschung [IGF]) (Institute of Mountain Research) Jahr/Year: 2007 Band/Volume: 2 Autor(en)/Author(s): Grunewald Karsten, Scheithauer Jörg Artikel/Article: Holocene climate and landscape history of the Pirin Mountains (Southwest Bulgaria) 314-321 © Institut für Interdisziplinäre Gebirgsforschung (Institute of Mountaun Research) Holocene climate and landscape history of the Pirin Mountains (Southwest Bulgaria) Karsten Grünewald & Jörg Scheithauer Abstract The development of climate and landscape in the Pinn Mountains in a cultural and historical context was analysed and reconstructed, using a combination of different methods. Periods of prosperity and periods of crisis, which are linked to the climate, were detected for the Balkans and can be shown for Southwest Bulgana as well. Particularly during die Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman Age, die “Golden Bulgarian Age” and Litde Ice Age, the phases of climatic stagnation and transition correlate with sta­ bility (soil formation), activity (erosion), and the dynamic of setdement (expansion vs. abandonment). Determination of age, based on carbon-14, supports these findings. Keywords: Balkans, climate, cultural history, geoarchive, Holocene, radiocarbon 1 Introduction The anthropogenic change of natural and cultural landscape increasingly affects ecosystems throughout the world on a regional and global scale. The resulting eco­ logical and economic developments need to be recorded and, if possible, sustainably assessed. Therefore a comprehensive understanding of the structure, function and dynamic nature of these ecosystems is essential. In historic and prehistoric times of low population density, periods of warm climate have always been advantageous for the population, particularly in mountainous regions such as Southeastern Europe (Blumel 2002).
    [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]