Srebarna Lake is the only preserved Danubian lake in Bulgaria. Its name (translated “Silver”) has always been associated with wealth and variety of birds. Over the years, this unique wetland has gone through many transformations and changes – from disruption of life-giving link with the river resulting in almost complete drying of the lake in the mid- 90s of the 20th century, to wildlife revival after re-connecting the lake to the river.

Today the lake is again a paradise for rare waterfowl, such as the Dalmatian Pelican and the Pygmy Cormorant. Srebarna offers a rich mosaic of open water, floating reed islands, pools overgrown with water lilies and the silent shadow of willows, half submerged in the lake waters.

In the northern part of the lake reedbeds gradually give way to dense vegetation, which surrounds the valley of the Danube and Komluka island. These conditions create a variety of habitats that shelter its numerous inhabitants .

Because of the richness of its bird fauna, Srebarna has long ago received international recognition – the site has been declared a biosphere reserve and included in the list of UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site. The lake is primarily important as a breeding site for colonial waterbirds. It hosts the only colony of the globally threatened Dalmatian Pelican in Bulgaria and this bird has become emblematic of the reserve. The lake is home to other rare and endangered birds, such as the Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, White-tailed Eagle, Red- necked Grebe and Black-necked Grebe, Great Egret, etc. In winter, numerous flocks of migratory birds stop there for roosting or wintering. These include the Red-breasted Goose, Lesser White-fronted Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, various ducks, etc.

The problems we address:

Srebarna is largely influenced by activities related to drainage and the hydrological regime of the Danube. Periodical drying of lake sections and the large fluctuations in water level lead to a progressive overgrowth of open water areas and loss of foraging habitats for some species. Illegal fishing with nets is causing disturbance to birds and entanglement of diving birds in nets. The management plan for the reserve needs to be updated.

Batova protected area is located north of Varna and covers the valley of the Batova river and most of Frangensko plateau, including the coastline of Albena and Golden Sands and its adjacent marine area.

Part of it is Baltata Reserve, covering the Batova river mouth and preserving the natural riverine forest and marsh habitats. The area provides habitats for 184 bird species, 70 of which are listed in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria. The site’s most outstanding feature is its location on the Western Black Sea migration flyway, the Via Pontica, where three flows of migratory birds coming from Dobrudja meet over the valley of the Batova. The most concentrated flow of migrating storks and pelicans in northeastern Bulgaria passes through, and due to its importance for over 30 species of migratory soaring birds Batova is defined as a “bottleneck” migration place of global importance.

In winter Batova supports large abundances of waterfowl, mostly White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons), which roost in the sea and every day fly over the area to feed on agricultural land. Batova is one of the most valuable sites in the country and Europe for the breeding Middle-spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius) and Semi-collared Flycatcher (Ficedula semitorquata).

The problems we address:

Urbanization associated with large-scale tourism and the expansion of settlements leads to fragmentation and destruction of habitats, mainly in the coastal zone. Aquatic habitats associated with the Batova and particularly those in the dense forest of Balata Reserve, are strongly influenced by human activities. The water balance of the riverine forest is disturbed, and this is a major threat to its functioning as an ecosystem. There is no management plan for the protected area and the managementplan for Balata Reserve, which is a part of the SPA, needs to be updated.

The Varna-Beloslav Lake Complex includes two lakes – Varna and Beloslav – located west of Varna and connected by an artificial canal. Varna Lake is a coastal firth lake of natural origin.

The site is an important area of international importance for wintering waterfowl. Annually, over 20,000 waterbirds of 64 species concentrate there. 201 bird species have been recorded in the complex, 79 of which are listed in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria. The Varna – Beloslav Lake Complex is the only wetland between the Shabla and Durankulak lakes to the north and the Burgas lakes to the south, which are 200 km apart. Therefore, it is of great value during migration, and for the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) it is a “bottleneck” migration site. During this period and in winter the complex is of global importance for the Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus). Because they do not freeze in winter, the lakes are preferred wintering place for different species of ducks, cormorants and other waterfowl. Except the Pygmy Cormorant, internationally significant concentrations are formed by the Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) too. Globally threatened species, such as the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus), Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) and White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala), occur during migration and in winter.

The problems we address:

Varna – Beloslav Lake is located near the third largest city in Bulgaria – Varna, which is a major tourist and industrial center. The sedimentation ponds of Devnya chemical plant are situated in the western part of the lake complex, and Varna electric power plant is in its northern part. Much of the heavy industry in the area of the city is concentrated along the borders of the zone.

Industrial development and urbanization are factors that have led to the loss of habitat and overall environmental change of wetland conditions and continue to be a major threatening factor. On the other hand, there is no management plan for the protected area to regulate the sustainable use of resources and to ensure its protection.

The protected area covers a wetland surrounded by grasslands, deciduous forests and rocky biotopes.

Yatata, (translated The Flocks) is a site with a great variety of birds all seasons. It supports over 220 species of birds, including six globally threatened species, such as the Red- breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis), the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus), the Pygmy Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax pygmeus), the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicula) and others.

Yatata is important for the nesting Marsh Harrier, Black-winged Stilt and Gadwall. During migration and in winter the site is among the most significant places in Bulgaria for many rare and endangered species, such as the Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, White Stork, Glossy Ibis and Whooper Swan.

Yatata is the only wetland in Bulgaria that depends entirely on human activities. It is an artificial water basin with a mosaic of diverse habitats, created by the constant inflow of purified waters from the adjacent water treatment plant of the town of Beloslav. As such, its ecological equilibrium is fragile and any activities there need strict prescriptions.

The problems we address:

At present there is no Management Plan for the protected area to regulate the wetland’s use and protection. Besides, the state control on the observance of the site’s conservation regime is almost absent and there are a lot of violations.

The Kamchiya river complex is located about 25 km south of Varna. It comprises of tidal forests, known as “Bulgarian longoz” around the mouth and lower reaches of the Kamchiya River, extensive sand dunes and beaches, shrubs and grasslands, freshwater marshes and marine area. Very typical are the swampy forest areas – remnants of old river branches naturally connected with the river. The complex includes the former Starooryahovsko swamp southwest of the reserve, now converted into arable land. In winter and spring large spills that attract big numbers of waterbirds are formed there.

The complex core is the Kamchia Reserve – dense flooded forest of field ash (Fraxinus oxycarpa), eastern oak (Quercus pedunculiflora), field elm (Ulmus minor), field maple (Acer campestre) and black alder (Alnus glutinosa), with undergrowth mainly of common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), dogwood (Cornus mas) and son dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), often combined with mesophyteand hygrophyte grass vegetation. Lianas and climbing plants entangled in the trees – clematis (Clematis vitalba), beard (Smilax exelsa), garbach (Periploca graeca), etc. give the impression of a tropical forest, while summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) and several species of squill (Scilla sp.) make the spring view even more enchanting. The Kamchia complex includes also a former swamp southwest of the reserve, now converted into farmland. In winter and spring large spills that attract big numbers of waterfowl are formed there.

Flooded forests are amongst the most complex and dynamic ecosystems in Europe, supporting an exceptional diversity of wildlife. This type of forest ecosystem is spread only on the Balkans, and the Kamchia forest is the biggest and most preserved one. The nature complex currently supports 237 bird species, 101 of which are of European Conservation Concern (SPEC, BirdLife International) and 7 of them are listed in category SPEC 1 as globally threatened. Among the breeding birds rare in Bulgaria and Europe are the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina), Hobby (Falco subbuteo), Goshawk (Acipiter gentilis), Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus) and 7 of the 9 European woodpecker species. The Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus), Pied Wheatear (Oenante pleshanka) and Semi-collared Flycatcher (Ficedula semitorquata) breed in the complex in considerable numbers and therefore it is one of the important sites for these species in Europe. Due to its location on the Western Black Sea Migratory Route, the Via Pontica, the Kamchiya area is essential for thousands of soaring birds – storks, pelicans and raptors.

The complex includes also the Kamchia Sands Protected Area, covering the most extensive sand dunes along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The sand dunes are partially overgrown with psamophyte grass vegetation, dominated by mammoth wild rye (Leymus racemosus), European marram grass (Ammophila arenaria), and the endemic Alyssum borseanum. This habitat at the periphery of the flooded forest gives refuge to the rare Balkan Spadefoot toad (Pelobates syriacus balcanicus) and the European Otter (Lutra lutra). The conservation value of the natural complex, preserving a unique combination of sand dunes and flooded forest, has been recognized internationally and it has been included in the European ecological network “Natura 2000” and the Ramsar Convention list of wetlands of global importance.

The problems we address:

The site’s Management Plan is elapsing and new ecological research is needed to update it or draft a new plan. Much of what has been planned in terms of conservation, bio-monitoring, awareness raising and tourist interpretation programmes has not been done due to restrictions of state and municipal budgets. Besides, the state control on the observance of the site’s conservation regime is almost absent and there are a lot of violations.

With its beautiful and unspoiled nature, Shabla Lake Complex is among the most representative places of the Natura 2000 network. The site is included in the Natura 2000 network because of its European importance for the conservation of rare and endangered habitats – coastal freshwater and brackish lakes, sandy beaches and reedbeds that thousands of birds use as roosts during migration or while wintering. This lake complex provides opportunities for developing year-round eco-tourism, but particularly popular are the bird watching tours.

Located on a major bird migration route in Europe – the Via Pontica – Shabla Lake Complex attracts a huge number of migratory waterbirds each year. Its fame, however, is due to the huge concentrations of Red-breasted geese (Branta ruficollis) and Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) that come from the tundra of Europe and Asia to overwinter in the area, attracted by the calm, milder winters and the large arable areas where they can feed. In recent years, about three – quarters of the global population of the Red-breasted Goose spend the winter near Shabla Lake Complex and the nearby lake Durankulak.

The problems we address:

The site’s Management Plan has elapsed and new ecological research is needed to update it or draft a new plan. Much of what has been planned in terms of conservation, bio-monitoring and tourist interpretation programmes has not been done due to restrictions of state and municipal budgets. Besides, the state control on the observance of the site’s conservation regime is almost absent outside of the hunting season and there are a lot of violations.

Kamchiyska Mountain covers the northern stretch of the coastal part of the Balkan Mountains. On the east it borders the Black Sea, to the northit reaches up to the valley of the Kamchiya river. The area is included in the European Natura 2000 network due to its exceptional importance for the conservation of biodiversity. Major forest habitats are formed by pure oak and beech forests and mixed deciduous forests, dominated by Turkey oak (Quercus cerris), Oriental oak (Quercus frainetto), (Quercus dalechampii), Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis), Moesian beech (Fagus sylvatica ), and Silver linden (Tilia tomentosa).

Kamchiyska Mountain is located on the birdmigratory route Via Pontica and has international significance as a typical “bottleneck” for soaring birds – storks, pelicans and raptors. Migratory birds are crossing the Balkan Mountains in this area, as this is the lowest and easiest barrier to overcome. The forest is used by migratory raptors for feeding and roosting.

Kamchiyska Mountain is one of the most important places in the country for the Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus), Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina), Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus), Semi-collared Flycatcher (Ficedula semitorquata), Red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio), as well as four species of woodpeckers – Middle Spotted (Dendrocopos medius), Syrian (Dendrocopos syriacus), Black (Dryocopus martius) and Gray-headed (Picus canus). During migration and in winter many waterfowl stop in the reservoirs of Kamchiyska mountain on their way further south. Among them is the globally threatened Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus).

The problems we address:

At present there is no Management Plan for the SPA to regulate its use and protection. Forestry plans and activities are often incompatible with the conservation status of the area. Besides, the state control on the observance of the site’s conservation regime is almost absent and there are quite a lot of violations.

This is the part of the Black Sea coast, which covers the eastern part of the Dobruja plateau between Kavarna and Shabla cape. Here are the last steppe remnants, typical in the past of the region of Dobrudzha. The beautiful colors of wild peonies and pheasant’s-eye in spring, the silvery- green tones of tarragon in summer and the elegant movements of feather grass in autumn create the unique appearance of this area.

Kaliakra is the only place in the world where theendemic plants Kaliakra campion and Kaliakra cornflower are found. Here are the largest deposits of more than 20 rare and endangered species of plants, such as the Narrow-leaved peony, Crimean tea, Lesingian feather grass and others.

The variety of birds is due to the unspoiled nature and the fact that one of the primary migration routes – the Via Pontica – passes along the coast. Kaliakra is one of the few places in Europe where the Rose-colored starling, Pied Wheatear, and the five species of larks characteristic of the Balkan Peninsula can be observed. The steppes provide refuge to the Stone Curlew, while cliffs resound with the calls of the Shag and the Alpine Swift.

Kaliakra SPA includes marine area too – a stretch of sea along the coast, where in still weather the three species of Black Sea dolphins and many sea birdscan be observed.

The problems we address:

At present there is no Management Plan for the SPA to regulate its use and protection. Large investment projects threaten to ruin the region’s natural beauty and biological diversity. Besides, the state control on the observance of the site’s conservation regime is almost absent and there are a lot of violations.

With its strategic location on one of the major bird migration routes in Europe – the Via Pontica – Durankulak Lake is a haven for thousands of migratory birds passing each year on the way to their breeding territories or remaining to spend the winter. In winter the variety of waterfowl is incredible, but the top attraction is the flocks of many thousands of wild geese flying off the lake at sunrise. Along with the Greater white-fronted goose(Anser albifrons), big flocks are formed by the globally threatened Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis). This small goose with colorful plumage travels thousands of miles from the Siberian tundra and back, attracted by the tranquility, mild winters and large arable areas with suitable grain in Coastal Dobrudzha.

In spring and summer Durankulak Lake is home to rare birds that breed and raise their young there. Among them are the Ferruginous Duck(Aythya nyroca), the Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris), the Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola), the Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and others. The reed-beds conceal the nests of the Bearded Tit (Panurus biarmicus) and the rare for Bulgaria Paddyfield Warbler (Acrocephalus agricola) – a species more typical of Asia.

Rare and interesting plants typical of the Black Sea coast grow on the sand dunes and in the neighboring semi-steppe territories. Among them is the particularly valuable Bulgarian flax, which is a Balkan endemic.

The problems we address:

The site’s Management Plan has elapsed and new ecological research is needed to update it or draft a new plan. Much of what has been planned in terms of conservation, bio-monitoring and tourist interpretation programmes has not been done due to restrictions of state and municipal budgets. Besides, the state control on the observance of the site’s conservation regime is almost absent outside of the hunting season and there are a lot of violations.