By order of the Minister for the Environment and Water Rositsa Karamfilova, a new ancient tree has been declared a protected species. It is approximately 500 years old and is a winter oak (Quercus partraea). It is situated in the ‘Sveti Iliya’ area within the territory of the village of Izvor, Rodopi municipality, Plovdiv region, and has a trunk circumference of 4.20 metres and a height of approximately 30 metres. The proposal to designate the ancient tree as protected came from the ‘St Prophet Eliyah’ Church Council.

With the tree’s designation as a protected species, it is prohibited to uproot, fell, prune or break its branches, damage its trunk, or carry out any other actions that would lead to its destruction, damage, or deterioration of its physiological condition.

The order is due to be published in the State Gazette, after which the tree will be entered in the registers in accordance with the requirements of the Biodiversity Act and designated as a centuries-old tree.

The conservation of ancient or remarkable trees through their timely protection is one of the priorities of the Ministry of the Environment and Water. Many of these trees, distinguished by their remarkable shapes and sizes, have withstood the test of time and the forces of nature, and have been preserved thanks to the commitment and public awareness of local communities.