Nature Exchange - 3 (2005 - 2006)

published on 08 June 2009

Initited and implemented by ARCH, Scotland and Balkan Assist Association is the Bulgarian Partner. Financed by Leonardo da Vinci program of EU.

Main Goal:
Introduction of British experts to Bulgarian experience and practice in Environmental Management

Sub Goals:
Dissemination of the Bulgarian experience in sustainable local development and Outdoor trainings;

Organizing of Study trips in Bulgaria for exchange of nature-protection specialists;

Content and Encompass of the Project:
The participants are people with various professions in the sphere of environment, nature protection, conservation of heritage, forests, wet-land and education of young people.
The group was in Bulgaria during the period 4 – 12 July, 2006 and visited: Biodiversity Bulgarian Foundation, Forestry University, Pirin National Park - Bansko, Business Center Velingrad, a vinery in the village of Brestovitsa, Poda protected area near Bourgas, State Forestry – Tsarevo, oak forests in Strandzha Mountain, the Thracian tombs in Kazanlak, architectural and ethnographic in Etara, Sevlievo, Kramolin, Maarata Park and Kroushuna waterfalls near Letnitsa, Handicraft Exhibition in Oreshak, National Mountain Guides School in Cherni Osam, Visitors Center of Central Balkan National Park in Ribaritsa, Professional School of Forestry and Wood etc.
The basic goals of the 7 – people visiting Bulgaria was observation of experience and good practices in the management of protected territories, forests and lands which may have a common European dimension. The personal interests of the visitors included: eco-tourism development; the role of local authorities in nature protected projects; examples for integrated activities for heritage and nature conservation and exploitation of forest resources; rural economic and use of forest materials, training programmes for young people and children; nature and national parks, cooperation with local people; conflict solving between people needs and desire for development of the region and the striving for nature preservation. Part of the group has particular interest towards oak forests in Bulgaria

Partners of association "Balkan Assist":
ARCH, Scotland, and EU Leonardo da Vinci program