Bulgaria’s Green Belt
Planning for restoration of forests and grasslands in southeast Bulgaria.
This planning grant developed proposals for conserving and restoring ecological networks in Bulgaria’s Green Belt. The area supports strong populations of threatened species and lies on a key migration route for raptors and storks. Low human population density and its location along a formerly restricted border area have preserved much of its natural character, but recent pressures highlight the need for action.
Southeast Bulgaria
Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB)
US$57,468
October 2019 – April 2022
230,000 ha
Broad-leaved forests, gallery woodland, grasslands
Eastern imperial eagle, Greek tortoise, mouse-tailed dormouse
Why This Landscape Matters
The European ground squirrel, also known as the European souslik, is a small, burrowing rodent found in southeast Bulgaria. It lives in open grasslands and short‑turf habitats.
Southeast Bulgaria holds some of the most intact habitats in the country. Its forests and grasslands support globally threatened wildlife and form part of a wider ecological corridor that connects species across the Balkans.
However, weak management of new protected areas, grassland conversion to arable crops and the planting of unsuitable commercial forestry species have reduced biodiversity and economic value. Strengthening ecological networks is essential for both nature and people.
What the Project Did
The grant produced plans and proposals to guide future restoration and strengthen ecological connectivity. The grant delivered:
wildlife passes identified along the Maritza highway to improve connectivity.
Detailed forest mapping carried out to support planning and management.
Conservation and restoration plans for forests and grasslands across 230,000 ha of Natura 2000 sites
Two funding proposals developed, including one to the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme which was successful.
Looking Ahead
The project provided a strong basis for future restoration of forests and grasslands in southeast Bulgaria. Its work is now being carried forward through a landscape restoration project supported by the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme.
Find out more about the Iron Curtain to Green Belt project
Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme opens call for expressions of interest for Planning Grants
Conservation and coexistence in Europe’s last great wilderness: A study from the Southwestern Carpathians
Altyn Dala earns Earthshot prize nomination for Kazakh Steppe restoration
