The Rhodopes: A 6.7 Million BGN Eco-Project Protects Forests and Animals

An emblematic ecological project worth 6.7 million BGN has been launched in the Rhodope Mountains, announced the South-Central State Enterprise (SCSD) in Smolyan. The initiative, which will be financed under the "Environment" program, is aimed at preserving and improving the condition of key forest habitats in protected areas of the "Natura 2000" network. The full implementation of the project is expected to be completed at the end of 2029.

A central role in the large-scale undertaking is assigned to the cultivation of young forest plantations, which have no direct economic interest, explained forest engineer Emil Komitov from SCSD. In a conversation with media representatives, he clarified that this is a practice that existed decades ago and whose application will now be significantly activated. According to him, the focus on such activities has been maintained to this day, but on a much smaller scale. Komitov emphasized that the project will cover different types of forest habitats, with most of the efforts focused on preserving the habitats of the Scots pine.

Sustainability and conservation of priority species

The goal of the SCSD is not just to preserve existing habitats, but also to create a sustainable forest structure that can adapt to the challenges of climate change, added Eng. Komitov. He noted that along with the care for pine forests, the planned activities also aim to improve the conditions for the Western Capercaillie - a species classified as a priority for conservation.

In addition, significant attention will be paid to the cultivation of coppice oak undergrowth. The forest engineer emphasized that the plan includes forestry measures with the main goal of gradually converting the coppice plantations into seedling ones, which are proven to be more resistant and long-lived. The project also includes scientific studies related to the black pine.

Planting fruit trees for the brown bear

One of the more specific tasks included in the plan is to improve the food base for the brown bear, also informed the SCSD. For this purpose, afforestation of 4.7 hectares with wild fruit tree species, mainly wild apple and rowan, is planned. The idea is to limit the movement of bears towards populated areas by creating a rich food resource in the forest territories, thereby reducing potential conflicts between the animals and people.

The project's activities are comprehensive and include a wide range of measures: cultivation of young plantations, support for natural regeneration, clearing of areas, soil preparation, afforestation, filling in of crops, as well as their fencing. These measures will cover key protected areas in the country such as parts of Central Balkan-buffer, Yadenitsa, Sredna Gora, Rhodope Mountains - Western, Middle and Eastern, and Popintsi. For the implementation of the ambitious goals, funding is also planned for the purchase of the necessary machinery and equipment.

The enterprise in Smolyan manages an impressive 715,469 hectares of state forest territories, 60 percent of which are part of the "Natura 2000" network, which emphasizes the scale and importance of its activities for the preservation of Bulgarian nature.