On May 28, we celebrate the Day of Parks in Bulgaria. It was established in 1999 by the Ministry of Environment and Water. National and natural parks are declared with the aim of protecting areas with specific biological, aesthetic and cultural value. Protected areas in Bulgaria occupy 4,95% of its area. On average for the world, this percentage is about 5,19%. In Bulgaria, there are 3 national parks – Pirin, Rila and Central Balkan and 11 natural parks – Belasitsa, Bulgarka, Vitosha, Vrachanski Balkan, Golden Sands, Persina, Rila Monastery, Rusenski Lom, Sinite Kamani, Strandzha, Shumen Plateau.
The first natural park not only in Bulgaria, but also on the Balkan Peninsula is "Vitosha". The newest Natural Park in our country is "Belasitsa". The Natural Park that covers the largest territory is "Strandzha". The creation of the "Shumen Plateau" Natural Park was announced on February 5, 1980 with the aim of preserving the natural habitats, flora and fauna in the region, as well as the unique plateau landscape.