Bio-diversity

The main purpose of the project is to yield organic bee products in mountainous and semi-mountainous regions at an altitude of up to 1000 meters above the sea level with world wide proven biodiversity. Simultaneously, a strict monitoring of endangered plant species in these areas is going to take place throughout the whole term project. The real benefit of the project is directed towards local households organized in groups of 3 to 5 people who are already organic beekeepers or are interested in switching from conventional to organic bee keeping. The owner of the project is the Organic beekeeping association, which in cooperation with Bulgarian biodiversity foundation and Agrolink will organize and monitor the project outcome. The above-mentioned project partners are not randomly chosen. Before the project initiation a preliminary study is to take place in order to identify the endangered plant species and where in Bulgaria these are found so the input from Agrolink and Bulgarian biodiversity foundation in this aspect is regarded as very essential. In order to perform that study we have calculated that an amount of around USD 2000 will be needed. These funds will be used for subject matter experts, target beekeeper group identification and training, and visits at the regional government institutions in order to get their support for the project kick off. A successful outcome of this project is to create a model of a profit oriented organic bee farm, which will provide the local households with additional and steady income. In the same time this activity will reduce the size of abandoned territories where once were done substantial agricultural activities and by doing so we will be able to monitor the endangered plant population with a world wide ecological role. And last but not least we believe many of the thousands beekeepers in Bulgaria will be able to see the potential of the organic beekeeping which when properly organized and associated with specific responsibilities could be regarded as a serious profession. Planning project with no co-financing, according to the decision of the Bulgarian NSC.

Bulgaria