Bio-diversity

This project will capitalize on existing efforts of SGP in the selected project areas included in the European network of protected Natura 2000 network: "Sakar", "West Strandja", "Dereventski Vazvisheniya", "Sinite Kamani - Grebenets", " Kamenski Bair," " Arda Bridge "" Besapara Hills "," Sredna Gora and municipalities outside Natura 2000 sites. The project territories are located within the regions Yugozpaden, South Central and Southeast Europe, in the Districts of Sofia, Pazardjik, Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Haskovo, Yambol, Sliven and Burgas. The project is particularly important given the fact that despite the Natura 2000 network considerable range - about 34% of the country are included in this network, it is not managed effectively. Currently using the SGP grant the application of sound scientifically justified agri-environmental measures can be promoted to ensure conservation of natural and semi-natural grasslands. These are currently threatened by conversion to arable, intensively used agricultural land despite their inclusion within the Natura 2000 zones. The first such measures focused on protecting habitat for three globally threatened species (Imperial Eagle, Egyptian vulture and European souslik) were adopted by MAF in 2011 on a proposal BSPB and, after final approval by the Commission, the first payments can start in 2012. This project proposes to facilitate the successful launch of these sub-measures, which would ensure funds available for them will not be relocated and will remain part of the budget of Rural Development Programme (RDP) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) in the next programming period. The project will contribute to overcoming another major problem: as a result of planned logging and poaching a significant part of the riparian habitats that provide nesting substrate for the globally threatened Imperial eagle have been destroyed. The restoration of these habitats will be supported through the planting of black poplars (Populus nigra), which are vulnerable species themselves. Reaching maturity these can provide suitable nesting habitat for up to 600 years to come. Such operations have already been successfully implemented by the project "Conservation of Imperial Eagle - Flag type and tourist attraction in a protected area" Sakar "(funded by SGP) will be multiplied in other areas of PZ" Sakar "and" Western Strandja ". The overall problem in the functioning of the Natura 2000 network is the lack of effective management and protection. The project proposes to implement a tested successful model for addressing this problem it is creating a network of local volunteer supporters "Guardians" who take care of specific Natura 2000 sites and ensure the implementation of the environmental regimes in the most sensitive seasons. The BSPB experience shows that providing effective guarding for example, increased significantly (between 20 and 30%) nesting success of pairs of the globally threatened Imperial Eagle. "Guardians" will also be involved in informing the owners of land about the conservation requirements of individual species conservation, will negotiate and agree calendar of agricultural activities in these territories to ensure optimal conditions for species subject to conservation. Besides training and expertise of local farmers, the project will continue efforts to involve children in issues of conservation in the conservation information center in town Topolovgrad, will build up with the support of GEF SGP in Bulgaria. The main target groups, with which BSPB works include: 1) local resource users - mainly farmers, fishermen, hunters, trying to involve them in the implementation of existing sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, 2) children and youth aiming to contribute to the growth of new generations with increased awareness and sensitivity, willing to preserve the richness and diversity of our world; 3) local and central authorities - to make sure that the environmental priorities become part of the public political agenda. The results of this project will represent a powerful example of synchronizing efforts of donors, to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness of conservation intervention in favor of globally threatened species and habitats through involving community and providing real economic benefits for local people. The project has the potential to become a demonstration model to "unlock" the effective management of significant areas of the Natura 2000 area by facilitating the implementation of environmentally friendly earnings, which at the same time ensure long term sustainability of local economy.

Bulgaria