The unknown paradise

Project Description

The Challenge

Wetlands are part of our natural wealth. They are specific types of ecosystems whose existence and functioning bring a range of ecological, social and economic benefits. Understanding and properly communicating these benefits can make a big difference to wetland conservation by creating the necessary public and political support. Wetlands provide water regime maintenance and flood prevention, coastal stabilisation, water purification, maintenance of high biodiversity, recreation and tourism, mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

Wetlands are among the ecosystem types most affected by human activities. This has led to their significant reduction in cover and loss of associated biodiversity. The adverse anthropogenic impact is exacerbated by overdevelopment and water pollution in traditional recreational resorts along the Black Sea coast and the search for more environmentally friendly recreational alternatives. Local people in small settlements such as Durankulak and Ezerets complain about the waste and dirt that tourists leave behind during the few summer months (there is no separate waste collection in small settlements). They are beginning to see holidaymakers as a necessary evil rather than an opportunity for sustainable development and economic prosperity for their area.

Actions

Through the project “The Unknown Paradise” we want to develop environmental awareness among the local communities and to promote sustainable use and conservation of the most important natural resources and ecosystems – wetlands, protected areas and their rich biodiversity in the areas of the village. Durankulak municipality. Shabla (protected area “Lake Durankulak”), s. Ezerets and the town of. Shabla (protected area “Shabla-Ezerets”), village of. Kazashko, Comm. Varna (protected area Kazashko) and s. Strashimirovo, Commune. Beloslav (protected area Yatata). For this purpose, we will produce 5 short films and 5 reports about the protected areas, their conservation regimes and the opportunities they provide to local people.

Through the resources of non-formal education we want to change the attitudes of young people by encouraging youth initiative to generate ideas and projects for the benefit of local communities, developing and protecting local natural resources. That is why we will hold 4 training meetings with young people from Shabla and Varna region. In the form of an interactive lesson and a role-play, they will learn and generate ideas for the sustainable use of protected areas and the development of the area in which they live.

We want to change the attitudes of local people that tourists come for a short time and leave behind tons of waste, destroying nature and their livelihoods. For this purpose we will conduct a demonstration practice for sustainable tourism – a 4-day eco-camp in the village of. Ezerets. We want to promote the natural wealth and sustainable use practices of the wetlands, protected areas and their rich biodiversity in the area of Durankulak, Ezerets, Shabla, Kazashko and Strashimirovo.

Results

Produced and promoted five short films, including four on the natural wealth, conservation regimes, sustainable use of natural resources and ecosystems in the protected areas – Lake Durankulak, Shabla-Ezerets protected area (Shabla and Ezerets Lake), Kazashko and Yatata protected areas, as well as one film presenting sustainable practices and models for economic development in these areas.

A model for non-formal education of young people in the field of environmental protection and civic activism was developed and applied.
Increased and shared knowledge and developed environmental thinking among young people living in settlements near the protected areas – Shabla, Beloslav, Varna.

Generated ideas and proposals for sustainable development of the small settlements near the protected areas – Durankulak, Ezerets, Shabla, Kazashko and Strashimirovo, and providing them to the local authorities.

Promoted sustainable ways of recreation and recreation on the territory of protected areas along the North Black Sea coast, awareness of citizens regarding permit regimes and conservation regimes.

Created economic and civic active groups among local communities.