The Municipality of Nessebar has launched a large-scale project aimed at improving air quality in the region by combating fine particulate matter pollution. The initiative, valued at BGN 2.1 million, is fully funded by a grant under the "Environment" Program 2021-2027 and represents a decisive step toward achieving the country's environmental goals.
Main Goal and Scope of the Project
The main goal of the project is not only to limit the spread of harmful emissions but also to naturally purify the air by expanding green spaces in urban areas. This includes planting specially selected plant species that have a proven high ability to capture fine particulate matter (PM10).
According to official information, the activities will cover a total of 22 municipal properties located in the urban territories of the towns of Nessebar, Obzor, and Sveti Vlas, as well as in the resort complex "Sunny Beach - West". The investment will transform these public spaces into oases of clean air, providing residents and visitors of the municipality with a healthier and more pleasant living environment.
Environmental Commitments and Implementation
The implementation of the project comes in response to Bulgaria's long-standing efforts to fulfill its commitments in the "Air" sector. This initiative is directly related to the requirements of European and national legislation, stemming from a 2017 ruling by the European Court of Justice for non-compliance with the norms for maximum permissible values of particulate matter in the ambient air. The project's implementation period is 41 months, which implies a long-term and sustainable approach to tackling the problem of pollution.<41>
The project is being implemented under the procedure "Green Measures in Urban Areas" under Priority 5 "Air" of the EP 2021-2027, which highlights its strategic importance for the overall environmental policy of the region. While the work on planting trees and creating park zones is yet to begin, local residents have welcomed the news with palpable relief and hope for a brighter and cleaner future.