Description
The project addresses the need to conserve the natural resources in the high western Rhodope Mountains. The project aims at conserving the area by raising public awareness and developing sustainable tourism. First, meetings will be held with representatives of 6 state forest enterprises managing the relevant area to plan joint actions, identify habitats and animal species, develop tourist products. Second, meetings will be organized with local NGOs, informal groups and the tourist industry to plan joint actions. Third, field research will be carried out to identify plant and animal species and collect photo and video materials. Fourth, 6 3-day camps will be organized for children aged 12-14 from the nearby towns. Finally, actions to promote the conservation of the high western Rhodope will be taken. The project will benefit the local communities, children and young people, decision-makers, local NGOs and the tourist business.
Summary of project results
The need to implement the project came from the lack of sufficient and up-to-date information about the environmental status in the region of High Western Rhodope Mountains, the lack of any interaction between the stakeholders and the untapped opportunities for alternative tourism based on well conserved environment. The project aimed at creating premises for environment protection in the area and sustainable development based on well conserved natural resources. The project implementation helped acquire extensive factual and photo materials which were used during the discussions between the stakeholders and the target groups as well as for the overall promotion of the region. Thus the existing potential of the region was shown to the target groups and awareness was raised about the problems related to the destruction of the natural, cultural and historical heritage. The information gathered and the conclusions (proposals) made were disseminated among forestry authorities, businesses involved in tourism and the local communities. As a result of the project the communication and partnership with the forestry authorities and the touristic businesses were improved (15 meetings were held with the representatives of 8 departments of South Central State Holding and meetings with individuals and organizations from 7 settlements in the region). A new Project Association was set up including as members participants in the meetings. The Wild Rhodope association was registered in June 2016. 22 field visits (160 man-days in total) were conducted. 274 camera trapping days were carried out and more than 80 000 photos from 63 control locations were taken. Locations of endemic species of Astragalus alopecurus, Potentilla fruticosa, Spiraea, Trollius were discovered. The photos were exhibited in Sofia and 3 more towns and were seen by 300 people. Furthermore 6 three-day camps with children from the towns and villages of Sveta Petka, Velingrad, Rakitovo, Kostandovo, Batak and Devin were organized and 161 children attended. The newly established Association aiming at working to promote the Western Rhodope as a destination for adventure tourism incl. routes and sites maintenance, environment protection, staff training, etc. is an initiative directly following up the project activities which will ensure the project sustainability.
Summary of bilateral results