In the past few decades Bulgarian forests are more frequently damaged by natural disasters – forest fires, wind falls, calamities, etc. This is related to improper management practices as well as the increased frequency of extreme weather linked to climate change. EFA data shows that in the last couple of years alone more than 60 000 dka of Bulgarian forests were destroyed by nature-related disasters.

The shortage of budget funding is one of the reasons because of which many of the destroyed forest habitats cannot be restored in a timely manner. Another problem is related to the lack of reproductive material (seeds and seedlings) of priority tree and shrub species that are key elements of NATURA 2000 forest habitats. Some improper management practices (like planting monocultures in the place of natural mixed forests) also contribute for the degradation of priority forest habitats in Bulgaria.

Project „Conservation of the Genetic Fund and Restoration of Priority Forest Habitats in NATURA 2000 Sites” is targeting the problems mentioned above. More information regarding the protected forest habitats in Bulgaria as well as recommendations for their sustainable management and restoration is available in the “Resources’ section.