• A need has been identified to supplement and refine the draft plan regarding the timeliness of the data and compliance with applicable regulations

By decision of the Minister of Environment and Water Julian Popov, dated April 28, 2026, the Ministry of Environment and Water terminated the procedure for developing the Update of the Management Plan for the Vitosha Nature Park for the period 2015-2024

The procedure for preparing the plan update began in 2013. At that time, the Vitosha Nature Park Directorate commissioned an external contractor to draft the plan, and the process subsequently went through various stages, including coordination procedures, revisions, and public consultations. The comments received from stakeholders were reviewed and reflected to varying degrees in a number of versions of the document.

As a result of the reviews and analysis of the submitted documentation, the Ministry of Environment and Water (MОEW) identified the need for substantial additions and refinements to the draft plan, including regarding the timeliness of the data and compliance with applicable regulations.

In view of the length of the procedure and the need to prepare an up-to-date and comprehensive strategic document that reflects contemporary requirements for the management of protected areas, a decision has been made to terminate the current administrative procedure.

The Ministry of Environment and Water will take the necessary steps to ensure the development of a modern and effective management plan for the Vitosha Nature Park, in line with the requirements for the conservation of the natural complex and the sustainable management and use of the territory, taking into account the views of all stakeholders to the greatest extent possible.

Vitosha Nature Park is one of the oldest protected areas in Bulgaria and is of key importance both for the conservation of biodiversity and for recreation and tourism near the capital. The management plan is the primary strategic document that defines the regimes, activities, and measures for the conservation and development of the park.

The termination of the procedure underscores the need for a new approach and for accelerating the process of developing an up-to-date and legally compliant management plan that reflects contemporary environmental, social, and economic realities.