"The implementation of the Environment Programme clearly demonstrates its contribution to the sustainable development of the country and gives rise to satisfaction from the successful implementation of key projects." This was stated by the Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov during the eleventh meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Environment Programme 2021-2027.

The conclusions were made by Minister Genov as the head of the programme's managing authority during the discussion of the final implementation report of the Operational Programme Environment 2014-2020. The report will be sent to the European Commission as an official report on the achievements in the previous programming period.

The representative of the European Commission, Zsolt Zokolai, who participated in the meeting, emphasized that climate change is a factor requiring adaptation and responsibility, and the funded projects must continue to contribute to the development of a favorable and healthy environment.

Within the framework of the working forum, amendments to the Indicative Annual Work Programme (IAWP) for 2025 and 2026 were adopted.

The members of the committee approved methodologies and assessment criteria for 4 procedures in the Biodiversity sector, which are aimed at improving the conservation status of habitats, ensuring the effective operation of national parks and reserves through the purchase of equipment. The measures will also include support for wildlife rescue centres and raising awareness of the population about biodiversity and threats to it through information campaigns. The total budget of the four procedures is over 46.3 million BGN (24.1 million EUR).

Methodologies and assessment criteria for 3 procedures under the Priority "Risk and Climate Change" with a budget of nearly 76.5 million BGN (39 million EUR) were approved. The measures are aimed at promoting adaptation to climate change and preventing disaster risk.

Under the Priority "Waste", the members of the Monitoring Committee adopted methodologies and criteria for 2 procedures. Under one procedure with a budget of 84.6 million BGN (43.3 million EUR), eligible beneficiaries are 64 municipalities from 13 regional waste management systems. Through European funding under the Environment Programme 2021-2027, they will be able to complete and upgrade their systems for separate collection of biodegradable household waste and subsequent recycling. Under the second procedure, municipalities and non-profit legal entities will be able to apply to conduct information campaigns to raise awareness among the population about waste management objectives and good practices for sustainable consumption and transition to a circular economy. The budget of the procedure is 7 million leva (3.6 million euros),

After the end of the meeting, the participants in the monitoring committee visited the Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park, where during the different periods of the Environment Programme, numerous sites have been built with European funds, such as a fire alarm system, the Natura Nature Conservation Centre and the Gorski Dom Multifunctional Centre, tourist infrastructure, eco-trails, etc., whereby efforts are made to protect natural habitats and species from the Natura 2000 network. The Director of the Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park, eng. Nikolay Nenchev, presented all previous and current projects implemented under the programme, emphasizing sustainability and building on the results.