Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Georgi Tahov awarded distinctions to 12 students from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Thracian University - Stara Zagora and two students from the National Professional High School of Veterinary Medicine “Ivan Pavlov”. The young volunteers took part in activities for the protection of wild animals during the forest fires in 2025, assisting in patrols and rescue operations in affected areas throughout the country.
Minister Tahov emphasized that it was a special honor to personally recognize the students who participated in field patrols after more than 20 fires in the areas of Stara Zagora, Yambol, Burgas, Plovdiv, Sliven, Varna, Pernik, Blagoevgrad, and Pazardzhik. “Just listing these areas shows the scale of their activity and the real concern you have shown for the defenseless animals caught in trouble. It is wonderful to have young people who set a worthy example to be followed,” said Minister Tahov.
He emphasized the importance of volunteer efforts for the preservation of biodiversity, which is one of the leading priorities in the policies of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The Minister expressed gratitude to the academic community of Thracian University and to the Student Ecological Club “BARBATUS” for the initiative and active support during one of the most difficult fire seasons in recent years.
Dr. Tahov also noted the symbolism of the award ceremony date – on the student holiday December 8 and on the eve of the Day of the Veterinary Specialist – December 14. “Do not stop giving your best – in your studies, practice, and in every endeavor. Good always triumphs and is highly valued,” the Minister concluded. The ceremony was also attended by the Head of the Minister's Cabinet, Maya Miteva, and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, Eng. Stoyan Toshev.
BTA recalls that last week the Head of State Rumen Radev awarded firefighters and volunteers with the Honorary Sign of the President for containing the fires in 2025.