site.btaProjects under Programme Environment 2021–2027 to Support Populations of Rare Birds of Prey in Three Nature Parks

The populations of the eastern imperial eagle and of the cinereous, griffon and Egyptian vultures in the Vrachanski Balkan, Sinite Kamani and Bulgarka nature parks will be supported through projects funded under Programme Environment 2021–2027, the Environment and Water Ministry said on its official website on Wednesday.

The projects envisage the provision of safe and reliable food sources for the birds to ensure the sustainability of their populations. In Sinite Kamani Nature Park, feeding takes place at established feeding sites in the Dalgiya Rat and Kaleshnitsa localities. In Vratchanski Balkan, the process will be carried out in the area of Chelopek Village, while in Bulgarka Nature Park it will take place near Mrazetsi Village.

According to the Ministry, food supply is vital for vulture conservation, as modern livestock farming and the disposal of carcasses in rendering plants have deprived scavenging birds of their natural food sources. The activities implemented under the projects support the survival and reproduction of these species in the wild by minimizing disturbance and reducing the risks of poisoning, the statement further said.

The improvement of the birds’ conservation status is carried out as part of the National Natura 2000 Prioritized Action Framework. The total value of the projects financed under Programme Environment 2021–2027 amounts to BGN 860,000.

Programme Environment 2021–2027 was approved by the European Commission in October 2022 and has a budget of just over BGN 3.5 billion.