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European Mobility Week

Working Together for the Mountain

Working Together for the Mountain

...the forest fire near the village of Anton is completely under control around the edges

the forest fire near the village of Anton is completely under control around the edges

Firefighting Continues Above the Village of Anton in Central Balkan National Park

Firefighting operations continue in Central Balkan National Park above the village of Anton. Park Protection staff are working on the ground, supported by an AS 532 AL Cougar helicopter in the most difficult-to-access areas.

WARNING: Dense Smoke Along Hiking Trails in Central Balkan National Park

Dense smoke caused by a wildfire is affecting hiking trails in Central Balkan National Park above the village of Anton. Visitors are advised to avoid the affected routes until conditions return to normal.

Fire in Central Balkan National Park above the village of Anton

A fire has broken out within the territory of Central Balkan National Park above the village of Anton.

Remains of the animal used as bait in the poisoned vulture case have been removed

A meeting with pasture users regarding the cases of poisoned vultures in Central Balkan National Park

A meeting with pasture users regarding the cases of poisoned vultures in Central Balkan National Park was held today in Kalofer. The meeting was organized at the initiative of the Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) and the Directorate of Central Balkan National Park (DCBNP).

The investigation into the case of dead birds found in Central Balkan National Park continues

Following the initial discovery of five vultures, three more dead birds were found during the survey of the area, which continued until late in the evening of 18 August – a cinereous vulture, the bearded vulture Boev, and a raven. The griffon vulture that had previously been found in critical condition also died despite receiving emergency veterinary care.

Five vultures poisoned in Central Balkan National Park

Five vultures have been poisoned in the Central Balkan National Park.

Central Balkan National Park Hosts International Youth Exchange under the Erasmus+ Programme

57 young people and their mentors from various European countries participate in youth exchange dedicated to European beech forests.

Ranger Day Brings Children and Families Together in Cherni Osam to Learn About Nature and Wildfire Prevention

Experts from the Central Balkan National Park Directorate took part in the seventh edition of Ranger Day at the Natural Science Museum in Cherni Osam. Through educational games and interactive activities, children learned about the work of park rangers, wildlife conservation, and the importance of preventing wildfires.

Volunteer Initiative in Central Balkan National Park Promotes Nature Conservation and Wildfire Prevention

A volunteer and educational campaign in Central Balkan National Park brought together young participants, parents, and experts to restore hiking trail markers, clean mountain trails, and raise awareness about wildfire prevention and nature conservation.

Preserving the Places That Keep the Balkans’ History Alive

The Troyan and Teteven Park Protection team carried out maintenance around Nikola Voynovski’s monument near Haidushka Pesn Hut, preserving an important historical site within Central Balkan National Park.

Annual Plan for the Sustainable Harvest of Medicinal Plants in Central Balkan National Park Approved for 2026

Medicinal Plant and Wild Fruit Harvesting Season Begins in Central Balkan National Park

Unauthorized Entry of Motor Vehicles and Blueberry Picking Without a Permit

Unauthorized Entry of Motor Vehicles and Blueberry Picking Without a Permit

Complete Ban on Open Fires Introduced in Central Balkan National Park

Complete Ban on Open Fires Introduced in Central Balkan National Park

Central Balkan National Park Joined Volunteer Cleanup of Sokolna Mountain Hut

Employees of Central Balkan National Park united around a shared mission – cleaning Sokolna Mountain Hut.

Successful Operation Against Unauthorized Motor Vehicle Use in Central Balkan National Park

Another successful operation by the park rangers: Motorcyclists violating the regulations in Central Balkan National Park caught

On 21 June 2026, around 12:00 PM, the Directorate of Central Balkan National Park received a report about two motorcyclists riding along tourist trails in the area of Mount Ambaritsa in the direction of Dermenka hut.

The recruitment of participants in the youth exchange "European Beech Forests - Our Common Heritage! Second European Youth Gathering" under the Erasmus + program for the period 12-19 August 2026 has started.

This year, the Central Balkan National Park Directorate will host and organize the second youth exchange, bringing together young people from the different countries where components of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Old and Primary Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions in Europe" are located.

Temporary restrictions on motor vehicle access are introduced along the Troyan Pass – “Dermenka” Hut road

By Order No. RD 134 of 15 June 2026, issued by the Director of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate, temporary restrictions are introduced on the movement, stay, and parking of motor vehicles (including ATVs and UTVs of all classes) along Road No. 12 Troyan Pass – “Dermenka” Hut

We Celebrated World Environment Day in the Town of Kalofer

On June 9, in recognition of World Environment Day, experts from the “Central Balkan” National Park Directorate visited “Hristo Botev” Secondary School in the town of Kalofer.

By Order No. RD 215 of March 6, 2026 of the Minister of Environment and Waters, the area of ​​the Central Balkan National Park has been updated.

The area update was carried out on the basis of Art. 42, para. 6 of the Protected Areas Act, as a result of more accurate measurements.

22 May – International Day for Biological Diversity

“Local Action for Global Impact”

Photo Contest Marking 34 Years of Natura 2000

On 21 May 2026, we celebrate 34 years since the establishment of the NATURA 2000 network of protected areas in the European Union.

Anual plan for sustainable use of medicinal plants

World Bee Day – "Together with Bees for People and the Planet"

Celebrate World Bee Day on May 20 and learn why bees and pollinators are essential for food, biodiversity, and healthy ecosystems worldwide.

RANKING of candidates for the Position of Junior Expert in the "Biodiversity, Plans, Programs and Projects" Department, Directorate "Biodiversity, Control and Protection", Central Balkan National Park

Results of the selection of candidates for participation in a competition for the position of Junior Expert in the BPP Department

We celebrate World Earth Day on April 22

The Central Balkan National Park Directorate joined in celebrating World Earth Day on April 22 in a joint initiative with the Vasil Levski Secondary School - Sevlievo, where teachers, parents and students from four 2nd grade classes planted a total of 12 coniferous trees in the Pine Forest Park.

The Annual Plan for Grazing and Use of Hay in the Central Balkan National Park for 2026 was approved

By Order of the Director of the Park Directorate today, April 22, 2026, the Annual Plan for Grazing and Use of Hay in the Central Balkan National Park for 2026 was approved.

Temporary suspension of passage along the route from Dom Kordela to the Kostina area

Access and passage along Route No. 6 “Dom Kordela – Kostina Area” (Benkovski Trail), passing through the Boatin Reserve, Teteven Park Section, is temporarily suspended

Results of the selection of candidates for participation in a competition for the position of Senior Expert in the BPP Department

Sokolna Hut Transferred to the Management of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate

As of the current year, the management of Sokolna Hut has been officially assigned to the Central Balkan National Park Directorate.

apture the Future: A Global Youth Storytelling Initiative for People and Nature

If you are a young photographer or visual storyteller aged between 18 and 35, and if you find inspiration in the connection between people and nature — a connection woven into harmonious unity within the boundaries of biosphere parks — you could take part in this year’s UNESCO and Vivo initiative Capture the Future.

Meeting with stakeholders for the Annual Plan for grazing and hay use prezentation

On April 8, 2026 (Tuesday), a meeting will be held in the “Vasil Karaivanov” Hall at the Karlovo Municipality (Karlovo, 1 Petko Sabev St.) between representatives of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate and prospective pasture users in the Park.

We celebrated World Water Day together with children from “Stefan Peshev” Primary School

On March 23, on the occasion of World Water Day, experts from the Central Balkan National Park Directorate conducted educational activities with students from grades 4 “B” and “C” at “Stefan Peshev” Primary School in the town of Sevlievo.

March 23 – International Bear Day

International Bear Day has been celebrated every year on March 23 since 1992. This day is dedicated to some of the most impressive and powerful animals on the planet – bears.

The World Water Day is coming

This Sunday, March 22, the world will mark World Water Day. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the global water crisis and to encourage the sustainable management of water resources.

Draft of an Annual plan for livestock grazing and using of hay in the Central Balkan NP

Draft of an Annual plan for livestock grazing and using of hay in the Central Balkan NP 2026 was announced with an Order of CBNPD Director.

Successful Operation Against Unauthorized Motor Vehicle Use in Central Balkan National Park

On 15 March, in the area of Bukova Mogila locality within the Troyan Park Section, staff members of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate carried out a specialized operation to monitor compliance with the regulations in the protected area.

DNPCB Team Locates Missing Tourist Alive in the Area of Golyam Kademliya

The teams of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate and the Mountain Rescue Service successfully located the missing Nikola Vladov from the village of Dzhulyunitsa. The man was found in the area above Babsko Praskalo after being missing for four days.

Large-Scale Search Operation for Missing Tourist in Central Balkan National Park

A major rescue operation is underway in the area of Mount Golyam Kademlia in Central Balkan National Park following a report of a missing tourist.

The Central Balkan National Park Directorate Visits Kindergarten ‘Osmi Mart’ – Troyan

An expert from the Central Balkan National Park Directorate visited the children of Kindergarten “Osmi Mart” in the town of Troyan. Thirteen children from the kindergarten’s fourth group had the opportunity to learn more about the National Park.

A temporary restriction on visitor movement in the southern parts of the Park is being introduced until the end of April 2026

By order prohibits visitors from moving outside the marked tourist trails and roads throughout the entire territory of the Tazha and Kalofer park sections within Central Balkan National Park.

Wetlands and traditional knowledge: a bridge between nature and cultural heritage

On February 2, we celebrate World Wetlands Day – a tribute to some of the planet’s most valuable ecosystems. Wetlands purify water, reduce flood risks, store carbon, and provide habitats for a vast diversity of plants and animals. But their importance goes far beyond ecological functions.

A modification to the type of ribbon marking used along hiking trails traversing protected areas designated as Reserve and Managed Reserve is envisaged

By Order RD‑11/07.01.2026, the Minister of Environment and Water establishes the means for marking the protected areas in the Republic of Bulgaria

Еxperts from the Central Balkan took part in the winter waterbird census

Employees of the Park Directorate took part in the Midwinter Waterbird Census in Bulgaria. They visited several water bodies outside the boundaries of the Park, the largest of which was Sopot Reservoir.

The ban on visits and bivouacs at the "Byala Reka" campsite is extended

We inform you that Order No. RD-337 of 30.12.2025 of the Director of the Directorate "Central Balkan National Park" (CBNPD) extends the period of prohibitions for the Visitor Complex (VC) "Byala Reka"

A ban on vehicle traffic is introduced on the road from Troyanski Prohod to Dermenka hut

By Order No. RD-MM-1 dated 06.01.2026 of the Director of the Directorate "Central Balkan National Park", in order to protect the life and health of visitors to the National Park, the movement, stay and parking of motor vehicles (MPV) (including ATV and UTV of all classes) on road No. 12 Troyanski prohod - Dermenka hut.

The areas of the reserves in the Park have been updated

By orders of the Minister of Environment and Water, the areas of the 9 reserves falling within the Central Balkan National Park

The youngest reserve in the Central Balkan celebrates its 38th anniversary today

On this day, December 22, the “Kozya Stena” Reserve was established—the smallest of all nine reserves in the Central Balkan National Park.

The ban on camping and visiting the “Byala Reka” Visitor Complex is extended

We would like to inform you that by Order No. RD-313 of 28.11.2025 issued by the Director of the “Central Balkan National Park” Directorate (CBNPD), the period of the prohibitions for the “Byala Reka” Visitor Complex has been extended until 30.12.2025.

A New Scientific Advisory Council Will Support the Work of the Park Directorate

On 25 and 26 November 2025, a founding meeting was held in the town of Apriltsi to establish a Scientific Advisory Council to the Directorate of “Central Balkan National Park”

The Central Balkan National Park Directorate removed an illegally parked camper from the territory of the National Park

On October 30, in accordance with the Order No. RD-PAM – 1/05.06.2020 of the Director of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate (CBNPD), an illegally parked truck (camper) was removed from the borders of the Central Balkan National Park

Today, the Central Balkan National Park celebrates

On this date in 1991, by order of the Minister of Environment, the Central Balkan was established.

The autumn festivals Partner of the Central Balkan Biosphere Park have started

On Saturday, 18.10.2025, the Directorate of the Central Balkan National Park, with the support and hosting of the Troyan Municipality, opened the first of the three festive events of the festival "Partner of the Central Balkan Biosphere Park".

Central Balkan NPD participates in an annual meeting on old-growth beech forests in Muzcne, Poland

From 5 to 8 October, the annual meeting of the Joint Management Committee (JMC) of the serial World Heritage Site “Old and Primary Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions in Europe” was held in Muzcne, Poland (Biezchady National Park).

Eight students from the Central Balkan National Park region participated in the first youth exchange dedicated to beech forests as a UNESCO site

From 20 to 31 August, Germany hosted the first youth exchange called “UNESCO World Heritage – European Beech Forests”. A total of 60 young people and group leaders from six countries – Bulgaria, Italy, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and the hosts from Germany – participated.

CBNPD presented the results of the first scientific project for the territory of the Central Balkan Biosphere Park

The results and activities carried out under the project “Study of forest ecosystems in mountain watersheds in the Central Balkan Biosphere Park” were presented yesterday at the “Nauka 1870” Community Center in Troyan.

Actions against poachers in the Central Balkan National Park

In just one day, the security forces organized two actions in the protected area.

Central Balkan National Park launches campaign to clean its hiking trails

In recent days, employees of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate have begun cleaning the overgrown sections of the tourist routes in the Park.

CBNPD officers detained a poacher in the Sokolna reserve after an operation

Due to violations and increased reports of poaching in the area of the Sokolna hut, on the orders of Georgi Krastev, Director of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate (CBNPD), measures have been taken in the area for daily patrolling and surveillance by park guards.

We celebrated the Park Rangers' Day with many new challenges and entertainment

On July 26, in connection with World Ranger Day, the "Ranger's Day" was held for the sixth consecutive year.

Successful operation against treasure hunting in the Central Balkan National Park

On Saturday, July 19, employees of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate (CBNP) conducted an operation against treasure hunters in the area of Gorni Polenitsi in the security section "Vidima" of the park section "Stokite".

Central Balkan National Park employees caught poachers near the Park

An employee of the Park Directorate received yesterday a photo from a camera trap, which captured violators with long-barreled hunting weapons near the border of the Central Balkan National Park (CBNP) with the forest territories of the State Forestry Administration (SFA) - Teteven.

“Where the River is Born” – How Forest Ecosystems Influence Rivers

With a creative workshop “Where the River is Born”, experts from the Central Balkan National Park Directorate presented the role of mountain ecosystems in the management and quality of water in river catchments.

With a call to protect nature, the Director of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate opened the new office of the Directorate in the village of Ribaritsa

On April 29, at a solemn ceremony, Georgi Krastev, Director of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate (CBNPD), had the honor of opening the long-awaited, newly built office of the Teteven Park District (PD) of the Park Directorate, located in the village of Ribaritsa.

Violators with high-pass vehicles in the Central Balkan National Park have been sanctioned

Park Directorate employees detected unregulated movement of motor vehicles in the Park over the past weekend.

What you need to know when visiting Central Balkan National Park

Wildlife has a right to privacy. Preserve it in its natural state by using wisely your right to recreation and knowledge.