To designate safe areas for the Red-breasted Goose in the Northern Black Sea Region. This is the aim of one of Green Balkans’ biodiversity conservation projects. The so-called “safe zones” are arable areas sown with cereal crops and turned into feeding grounds for the birds. Green Balkans has already bought about 1,000 acres in the Durankulak area, inland, which are being cultivated together with local farmers. They are also being monitored more closely by conservationists.
Poaching, swamping and draining of wetlands lead to a decline in the species, and biodiversity in general, said Georgi Stoyanov of Green Balkans. He participated in a two-day educational forum “The riches and risks of Dobrudja”, organised by the Green Education Centre – Shabla, in partnership with the Public Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development.
The Red-breasted Goose is one of the most endangered geese in the world and the most attractive among geese in the wild. The work of the conservationists is focused on the protection of the species and its winter habitats – feeding and resting places. The aim is to create a “safety zone” where the birds can rest and feed undisturbed without being poached. In order to achieve this, Green Balkans has taken an innovative approach to nature conservation in our country by purchasing Natura 2000 sites that are important for wintering birds.
Nearly 80% of the world’s Red-breasted Goose population winters on the territory of Bulgaria – mainly in the area of Primorska Dobrudja (the lakes of Durankulak and Shabla). The Black Sea is extremely important for the migration route of migratory birds from all over Europe and part of Asia, the so-called “Via Pontica”, commented Georgi Stoyanov. In his words, the Northern Black Sea coast and specifically the region of Shabla is unique as natural features in the whole country. Only in Shabla we have steppe elements, typical for the relief of Central Europe. Its preservation is linked to the development of sustainable activities, including specialised forms of tourism, environmentally friendly agricultural practices, other productions that do not damage the environment, Stoyanov said.
“Green Balkans is currently working on projects to restore several species of birds of prey in nature – the Lesser Kestrel, the Black Vulture, the Imperial Eagle and the last extinct species of our nature – the Bearded Vulture.
