site.btaEducation Ministry to Allocate BGN 10-Plus Mln for Polar Research by 2025

By the end of 2025, the Education Ministry will provide more than BGN 10 million for the polar research programme, said Education Minister Galin Tsokov in Varna on Friday. He was addressing guests at observances on the occasion of the third anniversary of the acquisition of the research vessel (RSV 421) Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii by the Varna Higher Naval Academy and the raising of the naval flag.

Tsokov added that polar research is also funded under the National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure. He specified that funds have been earmarked for equipping a new laboratory at the Bulgarian base on Livingston Island. “This research is specific, but it puts our country on the scientific map of the world,” the minister noted, adding that RSV 421 is a specific instrument for research, which also provides opportunities for scientific diplomacy, allowing scientists from different countries to work together.

Naval Academy Rector Flotilla Admiral Prof. Boyan Mednikarov said that the past three years have been filled with hard work, hardship, perseverance, professionalism, courage, which have led to outstanding achievements. He thanked all the partners who had contributed to achieving all this - a Bulgarian ship to cross the Equator, pass through the Drake Passage and reach the Ice Continent. He stressed the role of the state, the local authorities, the Navy and the consortium that manages the ship, which includes Sofia University and the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute.

Navy Commander Rear Admiral Kiril Mihailov congratulated the ship's crew for the efforts and enthusiasm with which they accepted the challenge of the two past expeditions. "You have not only written a new page in the history of the Bulgarian Navy, you have opened a new chapter in it, which is yet to be filled with achievements," Mihailov said.

The President of the Antarctic Institute Prof. Christo Pimpirev also congratulated the crew and the Naval Academy leadership. In his words, the expeditions of RSV 421 are proof that we Bulgaria is a maritime nation. “We helped countries like Spain and Portugal discover continents while we were under the Ottoman Empire,” the scientist said, adding that on board, seamen and scientists worked together as equals. “We are now a respected nation among those with a proven maritime tradition,” Pimpirev added. He stressed that now Greece, which has a seafaring tradition since ancient times, is negotiating with Bulgaria to conduct its first expedition to the Ice Continent.

For BTA Prof. Pimpirev specified that the new expedition of RSV 421 will start in November. In September a session will determine the scientific projects that will be funded and implemented during the new voyage, and for which scientists from all over the country can apply.

A congratulatory address was sent by the President Radev. He said that the work of the crew and the determination of the command staff of the Navy deserve respect, and the expeditions of RSV 421 achieve the dream of generations of Bulgarians. This is an achievement that contributes to the enhancement of Bulgaria's image and the consolidation of the Bulgarian statehood, the head of State's said.

The observances took place at the Naval Station in Varna. The ceremony was attended by the Varna Regional Governor Andriyana Andreeva, Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev, Sofia Rector University Prof. Georgi Valchev, officers, and representatives of the maritime industry.

During the ceremony crew members were honored. By order of the Defence Minister, three seamen, including former ship commander received chest badges. The Chief of Defence conferred distinctions on members of the crew.