site.btaBulgaria's First White Stork Park to Be Established in Rupite Village

The first white stork park in Bulgaria will be established in the village of Rupite, BTA learned from Zornitsa Avginova, head of the European Development and Programmes department in the municipal administration of Petrich. The initiative will be implemented under the project "Integrated investments to improve connectivity, tourism potential, socio-economic and cultural development of the South-West Planning Region", funded by Operational Programme Regional Development,  Avginova explained. 

Among the planned activities is a census of the nests of the white stork (Ciconia ciconia), which is a protected species. A large number of storks nest in the village of Rupite in spring and summer every year. An information centre will be built there and information boards about the biodiversity in the area will be placed. Special metal baskets will also be installed to protect the white storks' nests. Improvement of the area through the creation of green areas is also planned. 

"The project is part of a larger concept of Petrich Municipality, which should include measures and activities aimed not only at infrastructure works but also at nature conservation. We foresee the organization and hosting of various cultural events related to the promotion of the activity itself," Avginova told BTA.

A total of 141 bird species have been identified in the Rupite area, of which 33 are included in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria. The investment proposal of the municipal administration in Petrich has been approved by the Ministry of Environment and Water.