SmartBirds
© Dimitar Gradinarov
This Saturday, October 9, on World Migratory Bird Day, two events dedicated to the emblematic Egyptian vulture took place in Provadia, Bulgaria. The region hosts the most famous family of Egyptian vultures not only in Bulgaria but also around the world, which we have been watching live for more than 10 years, via an online video camera.
A BSPB team met with 20 students at “Dimitar Blagoev” High School in Provadia to tell them more about the species and the educational initiatives the “Egyptian Vulture New LIFE” project organizes in a number of schools on three continents. The board game ” Egyptian vulture – odyssey” was also presented, which in a fascinating way introduces young people to the greatest dangers to the species along its flyway.
© Йорданка Луканова
At the same time, a meeting was held with project collaborators, local people, nature lovers, and representatives of institutions, where the species was presented. Various environmental activities were discussed, in which local collaborators actively participate. As part of the network of local collaborators, several farmers in the Provadia area are supported by the project. They use alternative approaches to protect their animals during grazing and on the farm.
© Димитър Градинаров
At the end of both events, a fountain and a newly built pavilion dedicated to the Egyptian vulture, near the village of Staroselets, Provadia municipality, were visited and officially opened with some of the students and other participants in the event. The installation of a statue of an Egyptian vulture on the fountain, ornaments, and installation of information boards about the endangered species is forthcoming. The aim is to raise the awareness of local people of the biodiversity in the area, in particular the Egyptian vulture, and to promote eco-friendly tourism.
© Димитър Градинаров
BSPB expresses special thanks to Mecnun Ademov, Svetoslav Tsvetanov, and Mitko Angelov, to the mayor of the village of Staroselets Deyan Ivanov, to all local people of the town of Provadia.
© Димитър Градинаров
World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated twice a year, on the second Saturday in May and October, and aims to raise awareness of the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. The two events with students and local communities in Provadia, the construction of the pavilion and the reconstruction of the fountain are taking place within the LIFE project “Egyptian Vulture New LIFE”.
© Йорданка Луканова
