Shumen Plateau Nature Park is part of a unique project in 10 Bulgarian nature parks. The Coordinating Beneficiary is The Executive Forestry Agency (EFA) in partnership with the International Organization for Conservation of Nature WWF. Through the project activities, 11 types of natural habitats along rivers and wetlands in forests covering an area of 21 thousand ha in 10 Bulgarian nature parks are protected and restored - Bulgarka, Vitosha, Vrachanski Balkan, Golden Sands, Persina, Rila Monastery, Rusenski Lom, Sinite Kamani, Strandzha, Shumen Plateau. This is also the most visited protected nature in the country.
In Bulgaria, there is limited experience in the management and restoration of riparian and wetland habitats, which are part of the European ecological network Natura 2000. This pilot project demonstrates and promotes good practices for conservation and restoration in other protected areas managed by the IAG in the country as a whole.
The activities on the project also include:
- Conservation and restoration of rare and endangered plant and tree species.
- Restoration of riparian habitats, as well as habitats typical of wetlands and other forest habitats, including the afforestation of over 320 thousand saplings and cuttings of ash, oak, beech, locust, yew, black alder, etc.
- Creating a mother plant for local poplar species.
- In 4 of the project areas, 13 characteristic plant species are being restored, such as white and yellow water lilies, julienne and marsilea.
- Removal of alien plant species and planting of native plant and shrub species.
- Construction of tourist infrastructure (bridges, tourist areas), restriction of car access, waste removal.
- Over 150 non-state forest owners and forest managers will be trained
- Information boards will be developed and a traveling exhibition will be launched.
Conservation activities are expected to be continued by the directorates of the 10 natural parks.
The project "Conservation and restoration of 11 types of natural habitats along rivers and wetlands in 10 Natura 2000 sites in Bulgarian forests" is being implemented under the LIFE+ program of the European Union for 48 months from 01.01.2010 to 31.12.2013.
The project has a total value of 1,236,834 euros, including 615,199 euros in EU co-financing.