Diyana Kostovska, Project manager Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation

Who are we? A Bulgarian environmental NGO with more than 15 years experience with more than 20 experts; works to conserve biodiversity in Bulgaria and neighboring countries; supports the participation of citizens and local communities in the sustainable management of natural resources and protected areas; raises public awareness on the issues of biodiversity and nature protection.

Activities directions Protected territories and species; Natura 2000 and Green belt; Biosphere Reserves; Multifunctional use of wetlands and forests; Wilderness and non-intervention management in Natura 2000; Education and PR; Ecotourism and Sustainable Development; Monitoring and Campaigns.

Regions of work Strandja Belasitza Central Balkan Osogovo Burgas lakes Eastern Rodophes Western Balkans Western Rodophes Pirin

Partners and funding Project-based funding; Partners: neighboring countries: Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Romania, but also Norway, Georgia, Ukraine; Donors: EEA Grants, DBU, Operational Program Environment, Life +, Bulgarian- Swiss Cooperation Program, Frankfurt Zoological Society - Germany, Pro Natura Switzerland, GEF, etc. Focal point of CEEweb

Areas of work connected with BG02 Restoration of the coastal lagoon Atanasovsko lake including monitoring – hydrological, physical-chemical, hydrobiological and ichthyologic monitoring; Scientific research on environmental impact of the artificial reefs on particular Black sea sites; Development of strategic documents such as the National wetland plan and management plans of protected areas.

Project priorities Hydrological modelling including data modeling for climate change vulnerability of salty lakes. Assessment the environmental status of brackish waters and brackish waters monitoring; Analysis on the pressure of commercial fishing on commercial fish species in marine and inland waters; Integrated management of coastal zones (Burgas coastal zone); Research the connection between sea water and salt as food.

Areas of work connected with BG03 Community based biodiversity conservation; Trainings and awareness raising; Data base management and data exchange for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources; Forest and wetland ecosystems services.

Project priorities Modeling of ecosystem adaptations to climate change and mapping and assessment of the ecosystem status and services; Developing and applying payment for forest ecosystems services; Public campaign and raise awareness in support of ecosystem services; Trainings and capacity building in data and data base management; Information exchange for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

Preferable project partner’s profile State institutions or NGOs with experience in marine and inland water recourses and in modeling. State institutions, companies or NGOs with experience in sectorial policies for the systematic use of ecosystem services and assessment of the ecosystem status and services; data base management and provision of data services to the public.

Contacts Central ofiice, Sofia Sofia 1202, 3-41 Vesletz str. Fl. 4, app.11; tel Burgas office Bourgas Office Bourgas 8000, 53, Gourko Str., bl.1, ap.1,