Environmental research

The preservation of the unique assets of Rila NP is of great importance as it hosts species that are not only of national but of global significance. Among the ones of top priority for Rila NP Directorate are Tetrao urogallus and Primula deorum. The project will contribute to their preservation by the means of ecotourism development. The project goal is to enhance biodiversity protection and sustainable local development through ecotourism in the area of Razlog. The project has the following objectives: Contribute to the long-term preservation of two globally significant species within Rila National Park; Develop an integrated and sustainable ecotourism product; Raise the capacity of local community to develop and implement similar projects in the future. Project target groups include the local community of Dobarsko; the whole population of Razlog municipality (and all the others neighboring municipalities Rila NP); Rila NP staff; students and young people from the whole area of Rila NP; visitors of Dobarsko and Rila NP; partners and related institutions. Project activities include: establishment of a Visitor Center in Dobarsko village with focus on the two globally significant species, capacity raising of local community, development of two interpretative expositions; development and official opening of two interpretative trails; preparation, publicity and dissemination of promotional and educational materials. Project sustainability is guaranteed by growing demand nationally and internationally for ecotourism products; the raising of public awareness and creation of pro-biodiversity attitudes in local communities and young people; the improved capacity of all partners to implement such initiatives and projects in the future.

Bulgaria