DOCSLIB.ORG

Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan 2004-2013

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

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. Stella Todorova, head of department Earth Bowles, Protected Areas and Biodiversity with the Regional Inspectorate for the Environment and Waters – Sofia, Eng. Nina Dimitrova, forestry expert with the Regional Forestry Board, Kyustendil; Architect Maria Karazlateva, Expert-in-Chief of the Department of Investments Policy, State Property Management and Cultural Monuments Conservation of the Ministry of Culture;Architect Pencho Dimitrov, State Expert with the Territorial and Urban Development Directorate of the Ministry of Territorial Development and Public Works; Architect Nevyana Negrevska, senior inspector with the Administrative Control, Regional Development and State Property Directorate of the Regional Administration, Kyustendil, Mr. Krassimir Bozhkov, Director of the Blagoevgrad branch of Dams and Cascades National Energy Complex PLC; Ms. Aneta Angelova, junior ecology expert with Rila Municipality; Dr. Petya Radovanova, Union of Park and Landscape Designers and Architects in Bulgaria; and Mr. Toma Belev, of the Vitosha Nature Park Foundation; The Management Plan is based on studies and reports of experts in various fields; special acknowledgment is due to the following contributors: Dr. Dimitar Peev, D.Sc.; Eng. Ventsislav Velichkov; Mr. Zheko Spiridonov; Dr, Hristo Delchev; Prof. Dr. Boyan Rosnev, Ph.D.; Dr. Petya Radovanova; Dr. Maria Samardjieva; Maurice Waterhouse, Mrs. Snezhana Kostadinova; Dr. Petar Yankov D.Sc., Dr. Veska Russakova D.Sc., Dr. Melania Gyosheva D.Sc.; Dr. Lyuba Evstatieva; Dr. Anna Ganeva; Ms. Natalia Valyovska, pharmacist; Ms. Sonya Tzoneva, biology specialist; Mr. Krassimor Bozhkov; Mr. Angel Lukanov, senior research associate; Svetoslav Petrosenko; Dr. Ventsisvlav Delov; Mr. Nikolai Simov, research assistant; Mr. Pavel Stoev, research assistant; Mr. Tihomir Stefanov, biology expert; Ms. Vera Antonova, biology specialist; Ms. Antoaneta Georgieva; Dr. Theodora Ivanova; Ms. Gergana Miladinova; Mr. Dimitar Sichanov. February 2004 i Contents List of Appendixes iv List of Maps vi List of Abbreviations and Acronyms vii Glossary of professional terms and explanations xi Preamble xviii Summary xxii Section I. Description and Evaluation 1.0 General information regarding Rila Monastery Nature Park 3 1.1 Location, boundaries and territory of the Park and the protected areas from other categories included in it 3 1.2 Zone and administrative affiliation 6 1.3 Legal status of the protected area and the cultural and historic sites within its under the applicable legislation 8 1.4 Ownership 9 1.5 Managerial structure 11 1.6. and 1.7 Current development plans, zoning and regimes 16 2.0 Description of Abiotic Factors 21 2.1 Climate 21 2.2 Geology and geomorphology 24 2.3 Hydrobiology 32 2.4 Soils and soil formation processes 39 3.0 Biological attributes 43 3.1 Ecosystems, habitats and communities 43 3.2 Vegetation 47 3.3 Flora 57 3.4 Fauna 66 4.0 Cultural and Socioeconomic Characteristics 83 4.1 Socioeconomic activities and existing trends regarding uses of the Park 83 4.2 The Nature Park in a regional context and the current use of the adjoining territories 114 4.3 Religious, cultural and historical sites in RMNP, Rila Monastery settlement and the territory neighboring the park 125 4.4 Structure and aesthetic merit of the landscape 129 Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan Draft 2004 - 2013 February 2004 ii 5.0 First assessment: Assessment of the significance of Rila Monastery Nature Park 135 5.1 Spiritual, religious and cultural-historical evaluation 135 5.2 Ecological evaluation 135 5.3 Social and economic evaluation 137 5.4 Potential value of the protected territory 138 Section II: Ideal Goals and Limitations 1.0 Ideal (long-term) goals 149 1.1 Conservation of religious and cultural heritage 149 1.2 Conservation of natural components 149 1.3 Management of natural resources 151 1.4 Management of tourism 152 1.5 Interpretation and education 153 1.6 Partnerships and local communities 153 1.7 Management of the Park 154 2.0 Threats and limitations 157 2.1 Natural threats 157 2.2 Anthropogenic threats 160 2.3 Limitations 170 3.0 The effect of threats and limitations on the long-term goals and potential of the protected area 173 4.0 Management (Operational) Objectives 175 4.1 Conservation of religious and cultural heritage 175 4.2 Conservation of natural components 176 4.3 Management of natural resources 178 4.4 Management of tourism 179 4.5 Interpretation and education 180 4.6 Partnerships and local communities 181 4.7 Management of the Park 182 Section III: Zoning, Regimes and Norms in Rila Monastery Nature Park 1.0 General principles 187 1.1 Regimes 187 1.2 Norms 190 1.3 Conditions 190 2.0 Zones, regimes and norms 191 2.1 Reserves Zone 191 2.2 High Conservation Significance Zone 194 2.3 Environmentally Sound Use Zone 196 2.4 Technical Infrastructure Zone 199 Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan Draft 2004 - 2013 February 2004 iii 2.5 Sustainable Forestry Zone 201 2.6 Holy Places and Cultural-Historical Heritage Zone 203 2.7 The Tourism Zone 205 Section IV: Operational / Work Plan 1.0 Priorities of theManagement Plan 215 1.1 Rila Monastery Nature Park Directorate structure development and improvement 215 1.2 Consultative Council within the Rila Monastery Nature Park Directorate 215 2.0 Programs and Projects 217 2.1 Conservation of religious and cultural-historical heritage 217 2.2 Conservation of natural components 219 2.3 Management of natural resources 225 2.4 Management of tourism 226 2.5 Interpretation and education 227 2.6 The Park in a regional context and the setting up of partnerships 229 2.7 Park Management and infrastructure 230 3.0 Three-year work plan and budget 235 Section V: Monitoring of the Implementation of Management Plan and Assessment Criteria 1.0 Monitoring the implementation of this Plan 245 1.1 Ongoing inspection and monitoring of the state of the Nature Park 245 1.2 Periodic reviews and revisions of the Management Plan 245 1.3 The ten-year Management Plan update 246 2.0 Recommendations and criteria for assessing the effectiveness of the completed activities and the attainment of goals 247 Bibliography 249 Appendices 257 Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan Draft 2004 - 2013 February 2004 iv List of Appendices 1. Order # 307/10.04.1986 of the Committee for Protection of the Environment under the Council of Ministers (SG # 34/1986), designating the Rila Monastery Forest Reserve; Order # 114/24.02.1992 of the Ministry of Environment, on the Declaration of the Rila People’s Park, the Central Rila Reserve and Expansion of the Area of Reserves in the Park 2. List of changed geographical names within the territory of Rila Monastery Nature Park 3. List of infrastructure in Rila Monastery NP, the Rila Monastery settlement and the territory along Rilska River in the nature park vicinity; List of abandoned, derelict and unusable infrastructure in Rila Monastery Nature Park, proposed for removal 4. List of designated monuments of culture in the Rila Holy Monastery area, issued by the Ministry of Culture (SG # 73/8.09.1992); Protocol dated 07.05.1992 of the Commission appointed with Decree # RD-19- 132 from 24.03.1992 of the Ministry of Culture 5. Order # RD-310/26.06.2000 of the Ministry of the Environment and Waters regarding the re-categorization of part of Rila National Park into Rila Monastery Nature Park 6. List of the Documents Restoring and Protecting the Rights of the Rila Monastery and its Property 7. Addresses and Phone Numbers of Interested Parties Responsible for the Protection and Management of the Nature Park 8. Table of Geological Eras and Periods and their Main Geological Manifestation in the Park 9. Types and Varieties of Minerals Established in the Rila Monastery Nature Park 10. List of Habitats in the Rila Monastery Nature Park according to the CORINE Habitats Classification 11. Characteristic and Evaluation of the Health Status of Forests in the RMNP Determined During the REA in 2001 12. List of sections and subsections of Rila Monastery NP according to the 2000 Forest Management Plan, affected by fire in 2000 13. List of higher plant species of conservation significance in Rila Monastery Nature Park 14.
Recommended publications
  • River Names As a Testament of Cultural Heritage

    River Names As a Testament of Cultural Heritage

    ONOMÀSTICA 5 (2019): 65–89 | RECEPCIÓ 28.10.2019 | ACCEPTACIÓ 28.11.2019 River names as a testament of cultural heritage (on hydronyms in the Iskar river basin) Anna Choleva-Dimitrova Department of Onomastics Institute for Bulgarian Language, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences [email protected] Abstract: River names are some of the oldest -onyms on record. The article examines 170 river names from the basin of the Iskar river – the largest tributary of the Danube in Bulgaria. The origin and significance of river names emerge through the application of traditional onomastic methods – onomastic (etymological) analysis and onomastic reconstruction. Comparative onomastic data from adjacent and more distant regions in Bulgaria and the Balkans are also drawn on. Conclusions about the relative antiquity of the hydronyms are drawn. Key words: river name, hydronym, Iskar river, Danube river, tributary of a river Els noms dels rius com a llegat del patrimoni cultural (Sobre hidrònims a la conca del riu Iskar) Resum: Els noms dels rius, o topònims fluvials, són uns dels noms més antics de què es té notícia. L’article examina 170 noms de rius de la conca del riu Iskar —el major afluent del Danubi a Bulgària. Tractem d’aclarir l’origen i la significació d’aquests noms a partir de l’aplicació de mètodes onomàstics tradicionals: anàlisi etimològica i reconstrucció onomàstica. També es recullen dades onomàstiques comparatives de regions de Bulgària i dels Balcans, més properes i més llunyanes. Proposem algunes conclusions sobre l’antiguitat relativa dels hidrònims. Paraules clau: nom de riu, hidrònim, riu Iskar, riu Danubi, afluent d’un riu 1 Introduction Hydronymy is one of the most important branches of onomastics.
  • Atanas KRANTCHEV

    Atanas KRANTCHEV

    IPROMO Promoting Sustainable Farming in Mountain Regions 8th-18th July 2014, Ormea, Italy Razlog Municipality is situated in South-western Bulgaria (near the border with Greece and FYROM), in the middle of Razlog valley, along the stream of Mesta river and in the foot of three mountains. The average altitude is 900 meters. The municipality of Razlog has a territory of 441 sq.km and a population of 23 000 inhabitants. The municipality comprises of the town of Razlog (14 000 inhabitants) and 7 villages. The main administrative, economic and cultural center of the municipality is the town of Razlog The Razlog municipality is the only one municipality in Bulgaria, which is surrounded by the 3 biggest mountains in the country - Pirin (highest peak Vihren-2914 m), Rila (highest peak Musala- 2925 m- the highest point on the Balkan Peninsula) and the Rhodope mountain. The territories of Pirin and Rila mountains have been proclaimed National parks by the Bulgarian national authorities. • The Pirin National Park is included in the convention for the Preservation of World Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites of UNESCO. There are more than 100 bird species and over 1100 plant species in Pirin. There are also 42 mammal species. THE LEADER APPROACH LEADER (Liaisons Entre Actions de Développement de l’Economie Rurale - Links Among Actions for Development of the Rural Economy) is an approach directed to promote the integrated, endogenous and sustainable development of the rural areas. It was introduced as a ‘Community Initiative’ financed under the EU Structural Funds. Since 2007, the Leader approach has been integrated (‘mainstreamed’) within overall EU rural development policy.
  • About Bulgaria

    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.
  • USAID and Sustainable Tourism

    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.
  • Annex REPORT for 2019 UNDER the “HEALTH CARE” PRIORITY of the NATIONAL ROMA INTEGRATION STRATEGY of the REPUBLIC of BULGAR

    Annex REPORT for 2019 UNDER the “HEALTH CARE” PRIORITY of the NATIONAL ROMA INTEGRATION STRATEGY of the REPUBLIC of BULGAR

    Annex REPORT FOR 2019 UNDER THE “HEALTH CARE” PRIORITY of the NATIONAL ROMA INTEGRATION STRATEGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA 2012 - 2020 Operational objective: A national monitoring progress report has been prepared for implementation of Measure 1.1.2. “Performing obstetric and gynaecological examinations with mobile offices in settlements with compact Roma population”. During the period 01.07—20.11.2019, a total of 2,261 prophylactic medical examinations were carried out with the four mobile gynaecological offices to uninsured persons of Roma origin and to persons with difficult access to medical facilities, as 951 women were diagnosed with diseases. The implementation of the activity for each Regional Health Inspectorate is in accordance with an order of the Minister of Health to carry out not less than 500 examinations with each mobile gynaecological office. Financial resources of BGN 12,500 were allocated for each mobile unit, totalling BGN 50,000 for the four units. During the reporting period, the mobile gynecological offices were divided into four areas: Varna (the city of Varna, the village of Kamenar, the town of Ignatievo, the village of Staro Oryahovo, the village of Sindel, the village of Dubravino, the town of Provadia, the town of Devnya, the town of Suvorovo, the village of Chernevo, the town of Valchi Dol); Silistra (Tutrakan Municipality– the town of Tutrakan, the village of Tsar Samuel, the village of Nova Cherna, the village of Staro Selo, the village of Belitsa, the village of Preslavtsi, the village of Tarnovtsi,
  • 1 I. ANNEXES 1 Annex 6. Map and List of Rural Municipalities in Bulgaria

    1 I. ANNEXES 1 Annex 6. Map and List of Rural Municipalities in Bulgaria

    I. ANNEXES 1 Annex 6. Map and list of rural municipalities in Bulgaria (according to statistical definition). 1 List of rural municipalities in Bulgaria District District District District District District /Municipality /Municipality /Municipality /Municipality /Municipality /Municipality Blagoevgrad Vidin Lovech Plovdiv Smolyan Targovishte Bansko Belogradchik Apriltsi Brezovo Banite Antonovo Belitsa Boynitsa Letnitsa Kaloyanovo Borino Omurtag Gotse Delchev Bregovo Lukovit Karlovo Devin Opaka Garmen Gramada Teteven Krichim Dospat Popovo Kresna Dimovo Troyan Kuklen Zlatograd Haskovo Petrich Kula Ugarchin Laki Madan Ivaylovgrad Razlog Makresh Yablanitsa Maritsa Nedelino Lyubimets Sandanski Novo Selo Montana Perushtitsa Rudozem Madzharovo Satovcha Ruzhintsi Berkovitsa Parvomay Chepelare Mineralni bani Simitli Chuprene Boychinovtsi Rakovski Sofia - district Svilengrad Strumyani Vratsa Brusartsi Rodopi Anton Simeonovgrad Hadzhidimovo Borovan Varshets Sadovo Bozhurishte Stambolovo Yakoruda Byala Slatina Valchedram Sopot Botevgrad Topolovgrad Burgas Knezha Georgi Damyanovo Stamboliyski Godech Harmanli Aitos Kozloduy Lom Saedinenie Gorna Malina Shumen Kameno Krivodol Medkovets Hisarya Dolna banya Veliki Preslav Karnobat Mezdra Chiprovtsi Razgrad Dragoman Venets Malko Tarnovo Mizia Yakimovo Zavet Elin Pelin Varbitsa Nesebar Oryahovo Pazardzhik Isperih Etropole Kaolinovo Pomorie Roman Batak Kubrat Zlatitsa Kaspichan Primorsko Hayredin Belovo Loznitsa Ihtiman Nikola Kozlevo Ruen Gabrovo Bratsigovo Samuil Koprivshtitsa Novi Pazar Sozopol Dryanovo
  • Establishment of Waste Network for Sustainable Solid Waste Management Planning and Promotion of Integrated Decision Tools in the Balkan Region

    Establishment of Waste Network for Sustainable Solid Waste Management Planning and Promotion of Integrated Decision Tools in the Balkan Region

    Establishment of Waste Network for Sustainable Solid Waste Management Planning and Promotion of Integrated Decision Tools in the Balkan Region (BALKWASTE) LIFE07/ENV/RO/686 Action 3: Evaluation of waste infrastructure in the Bulgarian target region – Razlog Municipality Sofia, December 2010 2nd Revision Main authors: Lucia Ilieva, Margarita Hristova, Iskra Kuncheva, Velika Chimeva (CSDCS) Contributors: Kyriakos Elaiopoulos, Tudor Dau (EFCon), George Katsanos, Eleni Feleki, Christos Venetis (Euroconsultants), Fotis Kourmousis, Dimitra Poulia (NTUA) ABREVIATIONS MOEW Ministry of Environment and Water MSW Municipal Solid waste NSI National Statistical Institute RIOSW Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water PUDOS Programme for Actions related to environment OP Operational programme MW Municipal waste WM Waste management TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................... 3 1. CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 5 1.1. DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS 6 1.2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 8 1.3. TOURISM 9 1.4. TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE 10 2. DETAILED DATA FOR MUNICIPALITIES INCLUDED IN THE WM PROJECT 13 2.1. DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS 13 2.2. ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS 17 3. WASTE MANAGEMENT STAKEHOLDERS 20 4. WASTE QUANTITIES 21 5. WASTE COLLECTION 24 6. SEPARATION AT SOURCE SCHEMES 26 7. WASTE TREATMENT 29 8. COSTS 35 9. CONCLUSIONS 37 10. REFERENCES 44 11. ANNEX I – RAZLOG REGIONAL LANDFILL PROJECT 46 CSDCS - Club “Sustainable Development of Civil Society” 2 Executive Summary The report provides a detailed picture of the waste infrastructure in the target region of Razlog and the proposed construction of regional landfill. This landfill will be a modern in regard to technology installation corresponding to the undertaken engagements of the country towards the European community. The common vision is for considerable improvement and preservation of the environment especially in the situation of fast developing tourism and sport in the region.
  • THE NEW EUROPE Locally Escorted Tour Ove Disc R Mo Re

    THE NEW EUROPE Locally Escorted Tour Ove Disc R Mo Re

    13 day / 12 night SPECIAL JOURNEY: THE NEW EUROPE Locally Escorted Tour iscover m d or e. BUCHAREST – SIBIU – SIGHISOARA – BRASOV – VELIKO TARNOVO – PLOVDIV – RILA – SOFIA .. ... e $ r d o i 400 s m c r per o e cou v BENEFITS HIGHLIGHTS INCLUSIONS v TR ple e AVEL r o c m s C i R • Maximum 15 participants • Romania’s stunning Transylvania region • Fully Escorted by English speaking EDIT o d Deta r e ils . pa . g Tour Leaders . e 3 • Medieval cities of Sighisoara, Brasov and Sibiu . • Guaranteed departures e r d o i s m c o r v • Dracula’s Castle in Bran and Peles Castle in Sinaia • First / tourist class hotel accommodation e • Comprehensive tour • Meals: B = breakfast (12), ve • Magical, world- renowned Carpathian Mountains disco r mo conducted in English only re L = lunch (3), D = dinner (9) ... • Historic cities of Veliko Tarnovo and Plovdiv . SPECIAL J .. • Centrally located hotels e r OURN d • Sightseeing as per itinerary o E • The Valley of the Roses Y i s m c SOLO o • Gratuities included • Transportation by air-conditioned r • Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s largest and most e v e v TRAV r o coach or minivan m • Marketed exclusively in important spiritual centre c ELLER s i o d r Australia & New Zealand • Gratuities and porterage during tour e • Bulgarian and Romanian traditional dinners and CLUB . e r entertainment • Arrival and departure transfers d o i s c m o r v e DAY 4 MON SIBIU / SIBIEL ROMANIA SMALL GROUP TOUR •Sighisoara Sibiu was built by German settlers in the 12th century.
  • Faculty of Humanities Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski

    Faculty of Humanities Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski

    Faculty of Humanities Information sheet Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski Type of exchange: Erasmus + programme Details of exchange Field of study: European Studies / Humanities Erasmus study code: 022 – Humanities Study Level of exchange: Bachelor Maximum number of students: 2 Semester or year: Semester Details university: Erasmuscode: BG SOFIA06 Website: https://erasmus.uni-sofia.bg/site/income/ Term dates: Winter Term: 03 October 2016 – 20 January 2017. Exam Period : 23 January - 17 February. Summer term: 20 February – 09 June 2017. Exam period : 12 June 2017 – 07 July 2017 Course catalogue: Read here Accommodation: Read here © Published by the International Relations Department, 2016 Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski GUIDE FOR INCOMING 15, Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd 1504 Sofia, BULGARIA ERASMUS STUDENTS e-mail: [email protected] http://www.uni-sofia.bg/index.php/eng/international_relationsOhridski Academic year 2016/2017 SOFIA UNIVERSITY ST. KLIMENT OHRIDSKI This Guide has been elaborated and published by the International Relations Department at Sofia University with the financial support of the European Commission thru Erasmus+ Programme. The publication reflects the views only of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. ERASMUS Guide ERASMUS Guide CONTENTS WELCOME NOTE 1 ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY 2 Brief history 2 Administrative structure of the University 3 Faculties 4 University campuses 5 University Libraries 8 University Publishing House
  • BOROVETS, Bulgaria

    BOROVETS, Bulgaria

    BOROVETS, Bulgaria History In the 19th century the ruling Prince Ferdinand Saxe-Coburg-Gotha built a hunting lodge at Borovets and was followed by various their wealthy family and friends. Thus was born one of Europe's earliest ski resorts. The modern resort was built in the 1960's to cater for package ski holidays. Location Borovets is the oldest and the biggest mountain resort in Bulgaria clustered in pine forests. Situated at 1350 m above sea level on the northern slopes of Rila Mountain among age-old pine woods, Borovets is located at the foot of peak MOUSSALA (2925 m) - the highest one on Balkan Peninsula. BOROVETS is easily accessible, being at a distance of 73 km from Sofia and 126 km from Plovdiv. The town of Samokov is only 10 km down the road from the resort. Mountain facts Resort elevation: 1,300 m (4,265 ft). Top elevation: 2,543 m (8,343 ft). Base elevation: 1,337 m (4,387 ft). Number of lifts: 14. Number of runs: 20. Beyond the slopes The hunting lodge Bistrista Palace, adorned with woodcarvings (1km/0.6 miles northwest of the Rila Hotel), is the main reminder that Borovets was a royal hunting ground a century ago. Within the resort, a bowling alley at the Samokov Hotel and swimming pools in all the major hotels can be used by non-guests. Horse riding can be arranged, either with or without a guide, from Butch Riding School (on the track from the road between the Rila Hotel and Tyrol bar). The nearby town of Samokov (15 minutes via the hourly minibus) was once the woodcarving capital of the region and has well preserved paintings in its churches.
  • Discover Bulgaria Is Famous for Its 600 Healing Mineral Water Springs

    Discover Bulgaria Is Famous for Its 600 Healing Mineral Water Springs

    Bulgaria Discover Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism Bulgaria, 1052 Sofia, 8 Slavyanska Str., Tel. +359 2 94071, fax: +359 2 987 2190 е-mail: [email protected] Bulgaria www.mee.government.bg www.bulgariatravel.org This document is created within the framework of the project “Elaboration and distribution of advertising and informational materials for promotion of Bulgaria as a tourism destination”, Agreement BG161PO001/3.3-01-4, realized with the financial support of Operational Programme “Regional development” 2007 – 2013, co-financed by the European Union through the European Fund for Regional Development. All responsibility for the contents of this document is borne by the beneficiary – the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism and in no circumstances it should be regarded that this document reflects the official position of the European Union and the Governing Authority. USEFULL INFORMATION Bulgaria State government system: Parliamentary Republic Capital city: Sofia (population 1.2 million) Official language: Bulgarian, script – Cyrillic Religion: Orthodox (85%), Muslim (8%), other (7%) Time zone: GMT (London) + 2, Eastern Europe time (Germany) + 1 Climate: Humid continental, in the southern parts – transitive Mediterranean. Average temperatures for January are from -2 to 2 Сo in the lowland and -10 Сo in the mountains, in July 19-25 degrees Сo in the lowland and about 10 degrees Сo in the higher parts of the mountains. BULGARIARainfall - 450-600 mm in the lowland, up to 1300 mm in the mountains. Currency: Bulgarian lev
  • Here to Expertly Guide You Through the New Normal in Travel

    Here to Expertly Guide You Through the New Normal in Travel

    Our Experience At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting custom-designed journeys for 27 years. We are a team of specialists committed to providing the best travel experiences in our destinations. Each of our experts has either travelled extensively on reconnaissance trips, or has lived in their area of expertise, giving us unparalleled first-hand knowledge. Because we focus on specific parts of the globe, we return to the same destinations many times, honing our experience over the years. Knowledgeable Up-to-the-Minute Local Information We are best placed to give you advice about traveling to Europe and beyond; from logistics and new protocols in museums, hotels and restaurants in each country. We are here to expertly guide you through the new normal in travel. Original Custom Programs, Meticulously Planned Our experts speak your language both literally and culturally. Our advice and recommendations are impartial, honest, and always have the individual in mind. We save valuable time in pre-trip research and focus on developing experiences that enrich and enhance your experience. Once on your journey you will have complete peace of mind with our local 24-hour contact person who is on hand to coordinate any changes in your program or help you in the case of any emergency. Hand-Selected Guides We know that guides are one of the most important components of any travel experience. That is why we only use local experts who have a history of working with our guests and whom we know personally. We are extremely particular in selecting our guides and are confident that they will be one of the most memorable aspects of any of our trips.