Projects

Conservation of threatened bird species through retrofitting of hazardous overhead power lines around Burgas Lakes (LIFE20 NAT/BG/001234)

Preserving the breeding, wintering and migrating populations of threatened on EC level bird species by preventing unnatural mortality caused by electrocution and collision with overhead power lines around the Burgas Lakes, which is a bottleneck migration site for the birds flying between Europe and Africa.

Thus, the project shall contribute to the aim of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to halt the loss of biodiversity that is a core part of the European Green Deal.

• Developing a GIS database of power lines and distribution of sensitive bird species in the project Natura 2000 sites and wider region of the Burgas Lakes
• Carrying out a specially designed field survey on bird mortality along key sections of overhead power lines for identification of priority sections for retrofitting
• Developing a technical concept, technical specifications and detailed technical project for converting of hazardous overhead power lines into underground cable lines
• Developing a detailed plan and technical specifications for insulation of hazardous electricity pylons and marking overhead cable lines with “bird diverters”
• Complete elimination of collision and electrocution risks for wild birds by converting hazardous overhead power lines into underground cable. The project will remove 58 km of the existing hazardous overhead power lines and replace them with underground cable lines
• Preventing electrocution risk by insulation of hazardous electricity pylons.
• Reducing the risk of collision of flying birds with aerial conductors by installing “bird diverters”
• Monitoring of the effect from conservation measures on the priority bird species;
• Assess the project’s impact on the ecosystem functions;
• Assess the socio-economic impact of the project actions on the local economy and population

15.09.2021 – 30.09.2026

Nature 2000 sites – “Burgasko ezero” SPA (BG0000273), “Pomoriysko ezero” SPA (BG0000152), “Atanasovsko ezero” SPA (BG0000270) and “Mandra-Poda” SPA (BG0000271)

Elektrorazpredelenie Yug / EVN – coordinating beneficiary 

Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds – associated beneficiary

The total project budget is 5,492,571 Euro, of which 4,119,428 Euro is EU financial contribution through the LIFE Programme

Securing the recovery of the Endangered Saker Falcon in Bulgaria and Southern Romania (LIFE20 NAT/BG/001162)

The overarching goal of this project is to enable the recovery of the endangered Saker Falcon’s population in Bulgaria and Southern Romania in line with the International Species Action Plan. By implementing a series of proven best practices, the project will provide safe dispersal areas, stopover sites, wintering grounds and potential breeding territories with suitable habitats for individuals emanating from the larger population in the Carpathian basin in Hungary and Slovakia that frequently visit Bulgaria and Romania.

• Mitigating the main threats for the species in key areas. Amongst the main threats are poaching, intentional poisoning or poisoning as a result of the excessive or wrong usage of pesticides, nests robbing, death from the electricity. We are planning to secure dangerous powerlines, to guard nests and to place nesting boxes on safe places for the falcons, working with the institutions, pigeon keepers, hunters, farmers and other stakeholder.
• Improvement the food supply in key territories for the falcon by maintaining the good conditions of the habitats, strengthening the souslik colonies, rescuing the souslik colonies in risk, pilot breeding and reintroducing of the Romanian hamster in new and suitable habitats, building wild pigeon lofts, etc.
• Improving of the nesting conditions for the species by placing platforms for nesting and planting local tree species.
• Significant improving of the engagement, knowledge and capacity building of key stakeholders for sustainable results. Creating a network of local supporters.
• Sharing the gained experience and best practices in restoration of the Saker Falcon, souslik, Romanian hamster and their habitats.

2021 – 2026

Nature 2000 sites – “Burgasko ezero” SPA (BG0000273), “Pomoriysko ezero” SPA (BG0000152), “Atanasovsko ezero” SPA (BG0000270) and “Mandra-Poda” SPA (BG0000271)

Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds – coordinating beneficiary

Associated beneficiaries:

Green Balkans

Romanian Ornithological Society

Union of Hunters and Anglers in Bulgaria

Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

The Habitat Foundation

Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen

The total project budget is 2,448,489 Euro, of which 1,833,239 Euro is EU financial contribution through the LIFE Programme

Transnational conservation of birds along the Danube river (LIFE19 NAT/SK/001023)

To contribute to the aim of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to halt the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services along the Danube river.

• To reduce and prevent direct and indirect bird mortality caused by electrocution and collisions with the power lines within 23 project SPAs and 9 IBAs.
• To increase the population of the 12 target species.
• To establish safer migration routes and habitats along the Danube river.
• To start/strengthen the cooperation between the key stakeholders and increase the efficiency of adopted measures on a transnational level.

The majority of project actions and investments are aimed to increase the survival rate of target bird species that are at present killed on their migration, roosting, breeding, or foraging habitats. The site-related actions will be carried out in the most valuable habitats.

• Preventing collisions of birds with power lines
• Preventing electrocution
• Monitoring actions
• Nesting and breeding opportunities
• Public awareness, dissemination, and networking activities.

The project activities in Bulgaria plan the BSPB team to conduct a field study and identify the most dangerous overhead power lines to the birds – the medium voltage (20 kV). The study will take place along the Danube river and within 10 Natura 2000 protected sites in Northwestern Bulgaria. BSPB will identify and select the most dangerous 160 km of these power lines, which will then be retrofitted by Electrodistribution Grid West AD, applying the best and most modern methods. A total of 1200 dangerous to birds electric poles will be retrofitted and another 15 km of powerlines will be secured with diverters in Bulgaria.

5 years – 01/09/2020 – 28/02/2026

In special protection areas within NATURA 2000 (SPAs):

BG0002006 – Ribarnitsi Orsoya (SPA), BG0002104 – Tsibarsko blato (SPA), BG0002009 – Zlatiyata (SPA), BG0000247 – Nikopolsko plato (SPA), BG0000332 – Кarlukovski karst (SPA), BG0000240 – Studenets (SPA), BG0000615 – Devetashko plato (SPA), BG0002096 – Оbnova (SPA), BG0002083 – Svishtovsko – Belenska nizina (SPA), BG0002017 – Kompleks Belenski ostrovi (SPA)

Each of the target species are legally protected in all project countries. All of them are at risk of collisions with the overhead wires of above-ground electrical infrastructure or under the risk of electrocution (APLIC, 2012).

#1 The Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus)

#2 The Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca)

#3 The Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)

#4 The Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis)

#5 The Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga)

#6 The Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina)

#7 The European roller (Coracias garrulus)

#8 The Corn Crake (Crex crex)

#9 The Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug)

#10 The Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus)

#11 The Great Bustard (Otis tarda)

#12 The Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus)

15 partners from 7 countries – Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania.

Coordinating beneficiary: Raptor Protection of Slovakia (RPS)

The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) and

Electrodistribution Grid West AD are the partners in the project for Bulgaria.

The LIFE Danube Free Sky – Transnational conservation of birds along Danube river (LIFE19 NAT/SK/001023) project has a total value of 6 636 170 Euro and is co-financed by the LIFE Program of the European Union and the Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic.

Implementation of measures from the Action Plan for the Conservation of the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) in the Republic of Bulgaria

The project includes activities aimed at improving the conservation status of the Saker Falcon based on the “Action Plan for Conservation of the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) in Bulgaria 2014-2022”. The project objective is related to the restoration of the population of the species in Bulgaria and the occupation of the former nesting territories with preserved habitats. This general objective will be achieved through the following specific objectives:

• Supporting the population and supporting the feeding bases of the Saker Falcon in the project areas;
• Reduction of existing risks to the species caused by anthropogenic factors.

• Improve the conditions for the Saker falcon (through artificial nests) in historical nesting areas and breeding spots of the species
• Improve the feeding basis of the species in the areas around established nests, through activities to improve the number of semi-wild pigeons in some of the settlements or undertake feeding
• Safeguard the sections of risky power lines part of the 20 kV network within a 5 km range around the occupied nests
• Assess the risk of electrocution and death of Saker Falcons as a result of the power transmission and distribution network equipment in the species nesting areas
• Communication activities – raising public awareness about project activities and threats to the species.

24 months – 08.01.2021 – 31.12.2022

In special protection areas within NATURA 2000 (SPAs): BG0000270 Atanaskovsko lake, BG0002048 Suha reka, BG0002050 Durankulashko lake, BG0002061 Balchik, BG0002082 Batova and in other SPAs where the species is subject to protection.

Coordinating beneficiary – Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds

Associated beneficiary – National Nature and Science Museum to the National Academy of Sciences

The project has a total value of BGN 346,367.34 and is funded by the Operational Programme “Environment”, under priority axis NATURA 2000 and biodiversity, procedure “Measures to improve the conservation status of birds – 2”, co-financed by the European Union through the European Structural and Investment funds.

Moesian natural treasures – support for environmentally friendly tourism and bird conservation along the Danube and Western Stara Planina

The project is implemented in two phases: initial phase (up to 6 months) and main phase (30 months). In this phase it is planned to be made a revision focused on tourism and protection of the environment on municipal, regional and national planning and programming documents and options for synergetic parallel activities and initiatives will be assessed. The needs of the local people, the opportunities for development and the threats for the Natura 2000 sites, as well as the potential for building a network of active members and supporters of BSPB will be mapped.

• Gathering and analyzing information about natural and cultural potential and the offered tourist services and attractions in the area of the Western Stara Planina and along the Danube;
• Creating a web-based information system for the cultural and natural heritage of the regions;
• Organizing meetings with representatives of local (municipal) authorities, entrepreneurs, teachers and active people from the region;
• Conducting a preliminary (online) survey of attitudes towards and the image of cultural and natural resources of the regions;
• Conducting field surveys of birds and other important components of the biological diversity of Natura 2000 sites in the vicinity and around potential tourist sites;
• Identification of priority places important to birds and other elements / components of biological diversity, which should be interpreted as additional tourist attractions;
• Based on the expressed interest of local entrepreneurs and analysis of municipal development plans, identification of specific locations for the subsequent construction of light infrastructure – such as hides for bird watching and taking pictures, routes/paths around sites of local importance, suitable sites for camping, etc.
• Study of the potential for construction of information and tourist infrastructure (visitor center), managed on the principle of public-private partnerships in the region;
• Study of existing practices and development of a concept for a voluntary standard for nature-friendly tourism “For the birds”;
• Dissemination of the mission and activities of BSPB in the region, as well as the contribution of the America for Bulgaria Foundation;
• Re-establishing contacts with the network of schools and teachers in the areas of interest in environmental education and Natura 2000 and assessing the opportunities for further development of these initiatives;
• Preliminary assessment and development of concepts for events and materials for the promotion of the Western Stara planina and the Danube River valley as attractive destinations such as: guidebook, short videos for different parts of the Danube River and the regions. Publishing and distribution of a promotional video and information brochure about the project;
• Holding a final press conference/event to present the results of the project.
• Development of a detailed, substantiated project proposal.

The project will be implemented in two phases: initial phase (up to 6 months) and main phase (30 months).

In the initial phase the activities will be carried out along the Danube river and Western Stara Planina. Efforts will focus on Natura 2000 sites.

Leading organization – Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB).

Part of the research activities within the project will be implemented with the support of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski ” and the National University Center for Geospatial Research and Technology.

The project is funded by the America for Bulgaria Foundation. The America for Bulgaria Foundation is an independent, non-governmental, and non-political American charity that works in partnership with Bulgarian organizations to strengthen the private sector and democratic institutions in the country. For more information: www.us4bg.org .

Citizen’s Science in Support of Local Communities and Nature

Access and use of scientific data on topics concerning the environment and climate change:

• policy monitoring and advocacy;
• forming and maintaining partnerships between CSOs and public and private institutions and organizations;
• educational activities.

2 years (27.09.2019–26.09.2021)

Bulgaria

136 819 €, of these 123 129 € are provided by the Active Citizens Fund – Bulgaria.

Conservation of Threatened Birds through Retrofitting of Hazardous Overhead Powerlines in Natura 2000 Sites in W Bulgaria

Conservation of the populations of threatened species of birds through a decrease in mortality caused by electricity infrastructure. The project will contribute to the conservation of many species of birds; the most affected among them are: Dalmatian pelican, Bittern, White stork, Lesser white-fronted goose, Red-breasted goose, White-tailed eagle, Egyptian vulture, Griffon vulture, Black vulture, Short-toed eagle, Long-legged buzzard, Lesser spotted eagle, Spotted eagle, Imperial eagle, Golden eagle, Red-footed falcon, Saker falcon, Roller.

• Identification of the most dangerous overhead power lines for birds (medium voltage) in and close to Natura 2000 sites in Western Bulgaria.
• Prevention of bird deaths caused by electrocution on the power lines (medium voltage) in priority areas in Natura 2000 sites in Western Bulgaria and the most important connecting corridors between them through the insulation of 5400 electricity pylons and poles.
• A decreased wild birds mortality rate due to overhead power line collisions (medium voltage) in priority areas in Natura 2000 sites in Western Bulgaria and the most important connecting corridors between them through the installation of diverters on 120 km of overhead power lines (40 km three-line grid).
• Protection of 900 dangerous nests of the white stork on electricity pylons and poles in Western Bulgaria through nesting platforms.
• Establishing standards for bird-safe overhead power lines. Design, production and testing of 40 prototype pylons in accordance with the new standards.
• Building up support among interested parties and the public in order to mitigate the conflict between wild birds and the overhead power grid, which is beneficial both for biodiversity, as well as for people.

5 years and 3 months (01.10.2017–31.12.2022).

Natura 2000 network sites: Nikopolsko Plato, Devetashko Plato, Kresna, Svishtovsko-Belenska Nizina, Mesta, Ribarnitsi Orsoya, Berkovitsa, Rayanovtsi, Palakaria, Vrachanski Balkan, Slavyanka, Obnova, Zapaden Balkan, Sredna Gora, Melnishki Piramidi, Rupite, Kompleks Belenski Ostrovi, Zlatiyata, Ponor.

Coordinating beneficiary: CEZ Distribution Bulgaria AD
Associated beneficiary: Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds / BirdLife Bulgaria

Total budget of the project: 2 647 481 €; of these, 75 per cent are co-funded by the LIFE+ Programme of the European Commission, and 25 per cent – by the partners on the project.

Maintain the Man-Lake Symbiosis for the Benefit of Species and Habitats of EU Conservation Concern–LIFE17/NAT/BG000558

• To ensure a complete restoration of the ecological processes that sustain the unique biodiversity of Atanassovsko Lake Lagoon.
• To create a self-sufficient financial mechanism that allows the long-term protection of the Atanassovsko Lake Lagoon.
• To popularize the benefits from Atanassovsko Ezero Natura 2000 Protected Area.

6 years (to 30.09.2024)

Atanassovsko Ezero Natura 2000 Protected Area.

Coordinating beneficiary: Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation

Associated beneficiaries:

1. Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds / BirdLife Bulgaria
2. “Chernmorski Solnitsi” AD
3. “Zaedno 2011”

Total budget of the project: 2 525 618 €; 75 per cent of these are co-funded by the LIFE+ Programme of the EU, and 25 per cent – by the project partners.

The budget is distributed among the partners as follows: “Chernomorski Solnitsi” AD: 1 718 418 € (68 per cent); BBF: 606 665 € (24 per cent), BSPB: 107 202 € (4 per cent) and “Zaedno 2011”: 93 270 € (4 per cent).

Conservation of Black and Griffon vultures in the cross-border Rhodope mountains– LIFE14 NAT/NL/000901

• To improve the knowledge about the causes of death among black and griffon vultures.
• To improve the knowledge about individual wanderings of both species.
• To reduce disturbance, poisoning and direct threats for the black and griffon vultures.
• To reduce the risk of lead poisoning.
• To improve the food availability for the vultures.
• To reduce mortality related to the electricity infrastructure.
• To find support in the local community, including through popularizing local businesses related to vultures and other wildlife.
• To popularize vulture conservation.
• To encourage cooperation with other nature conservation organizations.

5 years and 3 months – (01.01.2016–31.03.2021)

Coordinating beneficiary: Stichting Rewilding Europe

Associated beneficiaries:
1. Българско дружество за защита на птиците
2. Hellenic Ornithological Society
3. New Thracian Gold Bulgaria Foundation
4. The Vulture Conservation Foundation
5. WWF GREECE

Total budget of the project: 2 199 961 €. Funding is realized through the LIFE+ Programme of the EU and the project partners.

Conservation of the Red-breasted Goose along the Global Flyway – LIFE16/NAT/BG/000847

The Natura 2000 Protected Areas: Delta Dunării şi Complexul Razim – Sinoie; Shablenski ezeren kompleks; Balta Albă – Amara – Jirlău; Balta Mică a Brăileia; Svishtovsko-Belenska nizina; Mandra – Poda; Iezerul Călăraşi; Bertesti de Sus – Gura Ialomitei; Bertesti de Sus – Gura Ialomitei; Kompleks Belenski ostrovi; Burgasko ezero; Lacul Strachina; Ezero Durankulak; Atanasovsko ezero; and the lake complexes Kalikol – Taldikol, Akkol-Karasor-Uzynsor, Koybagar-Tyuntyugur, Manich Gudilo Lake and Tuzlovski Limani National Park.

5 years (September 2017–October 2022)

Coordinating beneficiary: Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds

Associated partners:

1. Association for the Conservation Biodiversity of Kazakhstan/BirdLife Kazakhstan
2. Association of Romanian Hunters & Anglers
3. ROMSILVA National Forestry Agency – Small Wetland of Braila Natural Park
4. Ministry of Environment of Romania
5. National Naturе Park “Tuzlovsky Limani”
6. State Biosphere Reserve “Chenjie Zemli” Russia
7. Regional Ecological Organization “Renaissance”-Ukraine
8. Geese and Swans Study Group of North Eurasia – Russia
9.Romanian Ornithological Society/BirdLife Romania
10. “ABS Zharkol” Ltd–Kazakhstan

Total budget of the project: 2 557 817 €; 75 per cent of these are co-funded by the LIFE+ Programme of the EU, and 25 per cent – by the project partners.