| Project Detail |
Bulgaria belongs to the countries with the richest endowment of biodiversity in Europe. The goal of the project is to link biodiversity protection and rural development by sustainable market mechanisms and reinforced public participation in high-nature-value territories
Target groups Private Business, farmers and food processors; Local Authorities, NGOs, State Institutions
Activities
Develop Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes for selected service areas and particularly in support to PA and Natura 2000
Facilitate the marketing of value-added food from high nature value territories
Promote value-added food from high nature value territories (organic, HNV, N2000, geographical indications)
Foster public support for sustainable and equitable use of nature resources through awareness raising actions
Results Achieved results: (by the end of 2016)
National Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 officially approved in 2015 incorporates measurements supporting agro ecology, organic farming and protected areas defined in Natura 2000. Project partners were active in the formulation of this programme.
Payments for ecosystem services (PES) piloted schemes proved to be an innovative approach. 4 regulations were developed that allow the launching of payments for ecosystem services of forest with public funds under EU Programme for Rural Development from 2017. 4 PES schemes are also implemented with voluntary participation of SMEs.
19 farmers are registered for on-farm processing and direct sale of dairy products, meat and eggs. First data shows 3-fold increase of the incomes compared to previous periods.
Open air farmers market in Sofia is operational and shortens marketing chain between producers and customers.
The national legislation allowing on-farm processing and direct sales of foods with animal origin (ordinance 26) has been improved. Bulgarian Food Safety Agency applies flexible approach towards hygiene regimes of EC fo small scale farms.
The Plan for pasture management of national park "Central Balkan" is approved and under implementation. It mitigates collisions between users and nature conservation.
Natura 2000 Award of the EC for 2016 in the category "Socio-economic benefits": an important recognition of the projects results.
Expected results:
Schemes for payment for ecosystem services at local and national level designed and tested
Production of added-value food in HNV territories operational
Innovative model for informed public engagement through enhancing Central Balkan National Park mountain pastures
management provided |
