One of the most beloved and intriguing places in Burgas — The Avocet Trail — welcomes visitors with a completely new look. After months of hard work and in-depth preparation, the site has been fully renovated and enriched with a number of new elements aimed at attracting both local residents and the city's numerous guests. The renovation is part of the large-scale project Empower Us, implemented by the team of the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation (BBF), and is now accessible to all who wish to experience the unique nature of Lake Atanasovsko.

The official opening of the renovated trail is scheduled for this Thursday, September 11, at 6:00 PM on the lakeshore. The organizers from BBF invite all enthusiasts to join the event, which will offer not only an opportunity to view the new facilities but also a pleasant atmosphere. Bird watching in their natural habitat will be accompanied by live musical performances, with Burgas musician Ivaylo Hristov on guitar and vocals providing the mood for attendees. Diana Pavlova from BBF, who, along with architect Mariana Sarbova, led the complete transformation of the site, shared:

"Come on September 11 at 6:00 PM to the Bird Watching Shelter, so we can present the renovated Avocet Trail to you, listen to good music – Ivaylo Hristov from Burgas will be playing (guitar and vocals), watch birds in their natural habitat, and have friendly conversations in a cozy atmosphere on the lakeshore."

The renovation includes numerous improvements aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. New information boards have been placed along the entire length of the trail, telling the story of the unique flora and fauna of the area. Various play and educational facilities have been added for the youngest visitors, and a new outdoor classroom has also been built, which can be used by school groups. For the convenience of all seeking rest, relaxation areas have been created, and for ornithology enthusiasts, a modern bird observatory has also been built, offering perfect conditions for observation.

History and Future of the Trail

Created in 2015, the Avocet Trail is a symbol of the joint efforts of the local community, businesses, and institutions. Its maintenance is a result of the constant efforts of the BBF, which works in close collaboration with various companies and volunteers. This care became even more visible after a fire incident in the area, when just a month later the Municipality of Burgas reacted by installing 7 cameras to protect the site from future acts of vandalism. Gradually, thanks to these partnerships, the Trail has established itself as a model of shared responsibility and care for the nature and community of the city of Burgas.

The EmpowerUs project, under which the renovation took place, aims at the socio-economic empowerment of coastal communities and ensuring sustainable coastal development. As part of the initiative, 6 transitional coastal laboratories have been created in Europe, which use creative processes and community involvement to generate new knowledge and test innovative approaches in a real environment. The Burgas area was chosen as one of these laboratories, and the restoration of the Trail is part of the pilot project and the initiative "Burgas of Three Lakes and One Sea".

Important Advice for Visitors

Despite all the improvements, the responsibility for preserving the site remains in the hands of the visitors. The organizers remind that there is no organized waste collection on the Trail, with the exception of the parking lot, and call on everyone to be conscientious and maintain cleanliness. Parents are urged not to leave children unattended, as the site is not intended to function as a children's playground.