Bio-diversity

Justification The shore of Lake Beglika are attractive site for big number of visitors. Most of the coastline is under protection under the NATURA 2000 network and three protected areas called Samodivska Plyana , Tchatama and Batlaboaz . Main problems related with environment in the area are wild camping, pouching, pollution and lack of conditions for tourism and information about the protective regimes. The aim of this project is to help solving these problems in tight cooperation with the local authorities such the Game Breeding Station Beglika , Batak Municipality and national NGOs like Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation, Outward Bound, BAH Foundation, Green School Village Association. Location Southern Bulgaria, Pazardjik Region, Batak Municipality; Lake Golyam Beglik . Project Target Groups: - regular visitors with various duration of stay in the vicinity of the lake; - regular visitors of the lake with the purpose of fishing; - Bulgarian citizens actively practicing outdoor sports; - foreigners traveling with campers or trailers. Goal and expected impacts Creation of model for multiple and sustainable use of territory with globally important biodiversity and further popularization of the results. Objectives and expected results - Ceasing of the wild camping on the territory of Tchatama and Batlaboaz protected areas and creation of conditions for legal camping; - Creation of demonstration center for informal education involving the use of renewable resources of energy; - Creation of conditions for interactive education on the territory of the camp site. Major activities There are two major activities the creation of campsite area and development of demonstration and education center. The following sub activities are included: cleaning of the projected sites; creation of dump cages near the three protected areas; creation and installment of solar wind power production system; building of tables, benches, toilets and sun heated bathrooms; building of water capturing container, water pipe and fountains for drinking water; creation and installment of information boards and signs; design of educational program; registration of the campsite according to the Bulgarian legislation; promotional activities. Partnership with GEF SGP proposals/projects This project is closely related to another project funded with the help GEF SGP - Preservation of the biodiversity in the Rhodope Mountains trough new possibilities for cycling tourism in the region Sustainability The key stone in the sustainability and continuation of the project results is the fact that a competitive product will be created and marketed. The involvement of experienced organizations with different specializations and target groups is another important feature of the project proposal.

Bulgaria