BirdsBELT (Bulgaria and Türkiye)

Challenge

The transboundary region of Bulgaria and Türkiye hosts important key habitats for several emblematic species of birds of prey. They fly over large areas and are not hindered by national borders or natural barriers. At the same time, these species are very sensitive to environmental changes, direct violations to them or large-scale investments.

Objective

The main objective of the project is to protect biodiversity, in particular rare and protected emblematic bird species. The project activities will be implemented in areas of the Balkan Green Belt, and in particular in the identified “pearls”, with the aim of contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiverse ecosystems, as well as to capacity building of the project partners.

Approach

The Balkan Green Belt is a key habitat for the project’s two ‘flagship’ species - the Lesser Kestrel and the Eastern Imperial Eagle - at national and regional level. Activities on both sides of the border will include:

• Conservation measures (bird tracking with satellite transmitters, installing nest boxes, afforestation, identification of threats and important roosting sites, etc.).
• Capacity building with a special focus on the conservation and research of the target species.

• Providing training and workshops for stakeholders, project partners and volunteers.

Expected Results

We expect to protect the flagship species and improve their habitats at the Balkan Green Belt through direct conservation actions. Protecting these two emblematic species and raising public awareness for conservation measures is a good basis for promoting biodiversity in general along the European Green Belt and its natural wealth.