Three projects under the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme will upgrade Bulgaria's air monitoring system, destroy old pesticides and renovate sites in Rila National Park. They were presented at an event in Sofia.
Environment minister Rositsa Karamfilova-Blagova opened the event. Swiss ambassador Pierre Hagmann and Pietro Lazzeri, head of the economic cooperation and development division at Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), also attended.
The projects are part of the Second Swiss Contribution to Bulgaria, which has a total budget of about 62.68m Swiss francs. Switzerland is giving up to 45m, and about 17.68m francs is national co-funding.
The "ModAIRn" project covers air. The national air quality monitoring system will get new equipment, and up-to-date data will be easier to find.
Under the "PEST" project, old pesticides will be tracked, controlled and made harmless. The aim is to destroy the remaining stocks for good, without harm to nature. Stricter controls should stop dangerous chemicals from piling up again.
The third project, "ProPark", covers Rila. The Panitsite visitor centre, the Makedonia mountain hut and the Sarigyol complex will be renovated. The buildings should use less energy and fewer resources, visitors should have better facilities, and nature should be better protected.
Karamfilova said the aim is to benefit people and nature. People should know more about the air they breathe, the risks from dangerous substances should fall, and visitors to the park should have the facilities they need. "The real value of an investment shows in the change it leaves behind," the minister said.
She called the programme a unique example of cooperation, in which results come from sharing knowledge, expert experience and good practice. She also said she believes the support will bring lasting benefits for people and nature.
"This joint initiative is aimed at very specific and urgent environmental challenges that matter for Bulgaria, and not only for Bulgaria," Lazzeri said.
Ambassador Hagmann said the projects improve people's lives. He said Switzerland shares its experience in protecting nature and sustainable development, and that Bulgaria's nature must be protected with measures that deliver results.