Bulgaria has signed an agreement worth 15 million Swiss francs under the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme. The funds are intended for the implementation of the support measure "Visitor Infrastructure and Sustainable Use of a National Park ("ProPark")", part of the Second Swiss Contribution.
This environmental investment is the last of three support measures under the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Programme, for the implementation of which the Ministry of Environment and Water is the programme operator. It creates an opportunity for a real step forward in the development and modernization of visitor infrastructure in the Rila National Park.
The signing ceremony took place at the Council of Ministers in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev, Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov and the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Bulgaria H.E. Pierre Hagmann.
Achieving sustainable management of the Rila National Park and enhancing biodiversity conservation in Bulgaria are the focus of the program, which will be implemented over the next 4 years. Investments are planned in better maintained, more functional, and sustainable facilities that meet modern visitor expectations while ensuring a gentle approach to nature.
“I am proud that through this program we can join forces and work together to improve the Rila National Park and preserve the beautiful Bulgarian nature,” said Ambassador Hagmann. In response, Minister Manol Genov confirmed that every effort must be made to preserve habitats and natural landmarks against the backdrop of strong tourist interest in the park.
“We need to find the balance between preserving our wonderful mountains and ensuring their accessibility for all tourists who want to visit them,” said Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev, confirming the expectation that the results of the implementation of the measure will have a visible and long-term effect on both nature conservation and the sustainable development and management of protected areas in Bulgaria.