Bio-diversity

The project Conservation of the Future: Innovative Information Center for the Benefit of Local Communities in the Arda River Valley, the Eastern Rhodopes is proposed by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB). The project s long-term objective is the Preservation of the globally important biodiversity along the lower stream of Arda River in the Eastern Rhodopes through establishing mechanisms for mainstreaming biodiversity concerns into local economy. The project purpose is to support the successful development of ecotourism in Madjarovo municipality and especially to improve the range and quality of eco-tourist products offered by the Nature information and conservation Center Eastern Rhodopes (NICCER) of BSPB by: 1) Establish demonstration information nature conservation centre adapted to the increased needs of the tourists, that is in-line with the energy-saving philosophy of the modern society 2) Support the sustainable development of the Madjarovo Municipality by increasing and diversifying the eco-tourism services and products In the short term, the project will contribute to the improvement of the financial sustainability of NICCER by a) increasing the capacity to welcome tourists, b) diversifying and improving the services offered to tourists and c) decreasing the costs of maintenance of the building by introducing of energy efficient systems of lighting and heating. Biodiversity, and particularly the 21 species of the region listed in the IUCN s Red Data List, will be more effectively preserved through better management of the tourist activities and especially by localizing the impacts of visitors to less sensitive areas in and around the protected areas. To maximise the effect this approach will be shared across the network of project partners and collaborators, as agreed in the Charter of sustainable development of ecotourism in the Eastern Rhodopes. In addition the improved energy efficiency of the Madjarovo Center will not only contribute to reducing the running costs of the building but will be used as a model scheme to encourage local people start applying similar energy saving techniques. By developing new products and increasing the number of visitors NICCER will generate higher profits to the local community by 1) directly creating and supporting local jobs and 2) increasing the incomes from visiting tourist to the local economy and 3) by encouraging more people to join in and take part in ecotourism development in the Rhodopes. The proposed project is welcomed by a wide range of local stakeholders which is evident from it financial plan and supporting documents

Bulgaria