The Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) is making a new proposal for inclusion of measures in the Recovery and Resilience National Plan of Bulgaria in the part “Biodiversity”.

The purpose of the proposed investment is to contribute to the Green Transition of Bulgaria. The measure is also in line with the EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy by restoring the potential of ecosystems to absorb carbon and their ability to produce better services and goods. The new project is “Restoring key ecosystems for the climate in implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the European Green Deal”.

The Ministry of Environment and Water sent this proposal to the Deputy Prime Minister for European Funds Management Atanas Pekanov and to the Central Coordination Unit Directorate at the Administration of the Council of Ministers.

“The new proposal will provide a connection of the Natura 2000 network with the restoration of traditional landscapes and the creation of ecological corridors. The opportunity will be created to restore key ecosystems for the climate, such as wetlands, freshwater and river ecosystems, swamps and peatlands. Conservation and educational measures for preservation of local protected species and sustainable development of zoos will also be implemented”, explained Deputy Minister of Environment and Water Emilia Toncheva. Activities are planned for the protection and conservation of forest genetic resources in connection with the adaptation to climate change, mapping of old forests in non-state owned forest areas, as well as reducing the negative impact of fires on biodiversity.

The proposal was developed by the MOEW Directorate “National Service for Environmental Protection”, the Executive Forest Agency at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and non-governmental organizations.

Thus, the final versions of project proposals backed by the MOEW to be included in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of Bulgaria are the following:

“Restoration of key ecosystems for the climate in the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the objectives of the European Green Deal” - indicative project value of 71.292 million BGN, VAT included;

“Integration of the ecosystem approach and application of nature-based solutions in the protection of protected areas from the Natura 2000 network” - indicative value of 32 million BGN with VAT;

“Digitalization for integrated water management, control, and efficient use” - indicative project value of 134.830 million BGN with VAT.