The declared state of emergency forced the cancellation of events dedicated to the Week of the Forest. According to tradition, it is celebrated in the first week of April and is considered a professional holiday for those working in the forest system. This year, the festive events were prepared for the period 6-12 April with the motto "Create, Grow, Pass on". The Chairman of the Union of Foresters in Bulgaria, Prof. Ivan Paligorov made an address to the college and all friends of the forest in which he stated: "Attracting public attention to the condition, protection and problems of the forests in the country and their multifaceted importance for people's lives should not be concentrated only during the Forest Week. Fellow foresters expect the public to show more interest in the achievements and problems of our profession, society should pay more and more attention to the complex processes resulting from climate change. Yes, we strive to work actively with all segments of society - children, adolescents, students, but it is difficult for this highly noble profession of ours to receive recognition for its deeds from the highest levels of government."
Prof. Ivan Paligorov specifies that this year the report on the achievements will be published on the pages of the newspaper "Forest". The winners of the highest professional award "Forester of the Year" will also be announced there.
The cancellation of the Week in the history of our forestry is the third – there were no celebrations only in the last two years of the Second World War. Originating as the Afforestation Day, and since 1934 as the Forest Week, the initiative has always focused public attention on the need and benefits of afforestation. The Forest Week is necessary to draw attention to the condition of our forests, to appreciate their value and their importance.