Central Balkan National Park Directorate presented the methodology for assessing pasture resources in Kalofer
11 September 2025
Experts from the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Studies (IBES) at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Director of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate (CBNPD) – Georgi Krastev, presented to users of pastures in the Central Balkan and interested citizens the methodology for monitoring and assessing pasture resources, which is applied in the Park. The meeting was organized by the CBNPD on September 10 with the aim of providing clarity and understanding on the issue of how to assess pasture resources qualitatively and quantitatively. It was held in two stages – a field visit and a presentation part. The necessary database is to be created, which will allow for a more accurate determination of pasture load norms.
During the field visit, the IBEI experts, led by Prof. Iva Apostolova, demonstrated the method for collecting input data during pasture surveys. In the office of the Directorate in Kalofer, they also presented the analytical part of the monitoring.
Other issues were also discussed at the meeting, such as maintaining pastures, the spread of juniper, violations of norms and rules, etc., which affect livestock breeders using pastures in the National Park.
The monitoring of pasture resources in the Central Balkan in 2025 is carried out by the expert team of the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences on the basis of a contract for "Expert assistance in the assessment of pasture resources through the application of the Methodology for annual assessment of natural habitats subject to grazing in the Central Balkan National Park".
During the field visit, the IBEI experts, led by Prof. Iva Apostolova, demonstrated the method for collecting input data during pasture surveys. In the office of the Directorate in Kalofer, they also presented the analytical part of the monitoring.
Other issues were also discussed at the meeting, such as maintaining pastures, the spread of juniper, violations of norms and rules, etc., which affect livestock breeders using pastures in the National Park.
The monitoring of pasture resources in the Central Balkan in 2025 is carried out by the expert team of the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences on the basis of a contract for "Expert assistance in the assessment of pasture resources through the application of the Methodology for annual assessment of natural habitats subject to grazing in the Central Balkan National Park".
