SmartBirds
Pictures: Nelly Valkanova
The Haskovo Regional Branch of the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria (CEIB) presented the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) Eastern Rhodopes Nature Conservation Centre with a special award in recognition of its contribution to the restoration and conservation of the Cinereous Vulture population in the Rhodope Mountains. The award was accepted on behalf of BSPB by Petar Hristov, Manager of the Centre, and Stoycho Stoychev, BSPB Director of Conservation.
The ceremony, held under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Iliyana Yotova, honoured 37 companies, non-governmental organisations and individuals for implementing good practices in environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) and for their active contribution to regional development and social inclusion.
Stefan Dimitrov, Chair of CEIB Haskovo, highlighted the importance of cooperation between businesses, public institutions and civil society organisations in promoting culture, nature conservation and biodiversity.
In his address, Stoycho Stoychev outlined BSPB’s three key roles in the region: conserving threatened species and restoring nature, supporting nature-friendly businesses, and serving as an independent watchdog to help prevent projects that are not in the best interests of nature and society.
Established by BSPB in Madzharovo 29 years ago, the Eastern Rhodopes Nature Conservation Centre serves as the organisation’s regional base for conservation work. It also houses a visitor and information centre, welcoming thousands of visitors from Bulgaria and abroad every year. Thanks to its long-term efforts, the Eastern Rhodopes have become a renowned destination for birdwatching and nature-based tourism, generating significant benefits for the local economy.
