Tour to Belogradchik Rocks Natural Monument
Background & Location
A series of activities were organized in the Belogradchik region to celebrate the European Green Belt Days. An expert tour was conducted from 24 to 25 September by the local expert in tourism and geography, along with team members from the Balkani Wildlife Society and the Association of Parks in Bulgaria, throughout the Rocks of Belogradchik Natural Monument and other protected areas. Part of the events were also a public discussion and meetings with local authorities and the forestry unit in the region
Objective
The goal of the tour was to assess the current status of the protected area and determine the need to update the protection regimes to facilitate conservation, restoration, and sustainable management activities in the area. Despite unfavorable weather during the tour, the experts managed to observe the fascinating nature, flora, and fauna of the region. The local expert explained which part of the emblematic rock formations of red sandstone is protected by the Natural Monument status, as well as the need for maintenance and restoration of proper markings on tourist trails.
Approach & Results
During the celebration, the experts held a productive meeting with the Director of the Regional State Forestry Unit and the Deputy Mayor of Belogradchik Municipality. Discussions focused on strengthening the implementation of existing protected area regulations to address pressing regional challenges, including the conservation of the Belogradchik Fortress, effective management of protected areas, and enhanced biodiversity protection. The meeting concluded with agreement on several follow-up actions to improve interinstitutional cooperation and promote sustainable management practices.
On the final evening of the European Green Belt Days, 15 participants from the local tourism association, regional media, and community organizations took part in a public presentation and discussion titled “Protected Areas and Natura 2000 Sites in Western Stara Planina – Opportunities for Nature Tourism.” The session highlighted active projects in the Belogradchik region and identified concrete opportunities for developing sustainable tourism initiatives linked to Natura 2000 sites.
A particularly engaging contribution came from a local tourist guide and geological expert, who presented new insights into the region’s unique red sandstone formations. The discussion generated strong community interest, with participants posing questions about upcoming project trainings and raising concerns about illegal logging and its impact on biodiversity. Several attendees shared personal stories underscoring the region’s strong appeal and its potential to attract new residents committed to environmental protection and local development.
An inspiring highlight of the field visit was the successful rescue and relocation of a newly hatched Hermann’s tortoise from a nearby road back into the protected area of the Belogradchik Rocks Natural Monument—an action symbolizing the tangible commitment of the experts to safeguarding local biodiversity.
This European Green Belt Day celebration is part of an EU-funded BESTbelt project.
Photo gallery of the European Green Belt Days celebration
