Drafted in accord with the provisions of the Biodiversity Act, draft orders for the declaration of four protected areas under the ecological network “Natura 2000”, with designation for the protection of natural habitats and wild flora and fauna, were published for public discussion:

• The “Reka Lom” protected area, located on the territory of Ruzhintsi, Brusartsi, Lom and Medkovets municipalities, Montana region, with a total area of 17 227 142 decares;
• The protected area “Timok”, located on the territory of the municipalities of Bregovo and Novo Selo, Vidin region, with a total area of 4 576 517 decares;
• The protected area “Novo Selo”, located on the territory of the municipalities of Novo Selo and Bregovo in the Vidin region, with a total area of 8 140 117 decares;
• The “Reka Ogosta” protected area, located on the territory of the municipalities of Kozloduy, Mizia and Oryahovo, Vratsa region, with a total area of 13 914 271 decares.

According to the draft order, the protected areas are declared for the purpose of protecting and maintaining types of natural habitats, habitats of species, as well as their populations and distribution within the boundaries of the area, to achieve and maintain their favorable environmental status in the Continental biogeographical region. The orders define the prohibitions for activities within the boundaries of the protected areas, recommended activities with a view to achieving environmental protection goals, as well as the regimes of activities subject to coordination and approval.

The full text of each of the draft orders is published on the MOEW website at: https://www.moew.government.bg/bg/obstestveno-obsujdane-na-proekti-na-zapovedi-za-obyavyavane-na-zastiteni-zoni- za-opazvane-na-prirodnite-mestoobitaniya-i-na-divata-flora-i-fauna-publikuvano-na-09-03-2023-g/ and is available in the administrative building of the relevant Regional Inspectorate for Environment and Water, i.e. for protected areas “Reka Lom”, “Timok”, and “Novo Selo” – RIEW-Montana, and for protected area “Reka Ogosta” – RIEW-Vratsa.

For a period of one month, stakeholders can submit to the Minister of the Environment and Water motivated written opinions, objections, and proposals regarding the regimes specified in the draft orders.