"Study on forest ecosystems in mountain water catchments in Central Balkan Biosphere Reserve" project launched
01 October 2024
This year, Central Balkan Biosphere Reserve was selected as one of the pilot sites for the third cycle of the project "Promoting sustainable development through UNESCO's programmes and sites", implemented by the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe and funded by the abrdn Charitable Foundation. The "Study on forest ecosystems in mountain water catchments in Central Balkan Biosphere Reserve" is among the five projects selected in 2024 for Europe and North America.
On 12 September 2024, the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe and abrdn Charitable Foundation launched the final cycle of their joint initiative. Representatives of the fifteen sites selected for the three years, including geoparks, biosphere reserves and World Heritage sites, gathered in Venice, Italy to present results, exchange experiences and share practical knowledge and innovative solutions.
Two experts from Central Balkan National Park Directorate presented the activities included in the Bulgarian project, which will enable the implementation of the three main components - science, education and innovation. The scientific part envisages a study on the hydrological regimes of the Cherni Osam River basin on the territory of Central Balkan Biosphere reserve, analysis forest management and forest protective functions, assessment of socio-demographic factors and ecosystem services, trends of climate change, publication of guidelines for sustainable use of natural resources in similar mountain watersheds, etc. The innovative part, linked directly to an educational application, envisages the development of an animated model of the river's water catchment, which reflects the studies carried out and allows the simulation of changes in environmental parameters. Within the framework of the activities, educational days will be held in settlements located in the transition zone of the Biosphere reserve, an artistic plein air, a stakeholder forum. The total cost of the Project is 25,000 USD with a duration of one year.
On 12 September 2024, the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe and abrdn Charitable Foundation launched the final cycle of their joint initiative. Representatives of the fifteen sites selected for the three years, including geoparks, biosphere reserves and World Heritage sites, gathered in Venice, Italy to present results, exchange experiences and share practical knowledge and innovative solutions.
Two experts from Central Balkan National Park Directorate presented the activities included in the Bulgarian project, which will enable the implementation of the three main components - science, education and innovation. The scientific part envisages a study on the hydrological regimes of the Cherni Osam River basin on the territory of Central Balkan Biosphere reserve, analysis forest management and forest protective functions, assessment of socio-demographic factors and ecosystem services, trends of climate change, publication of guidelines for sustainable use of natural resources in similar mountain watersheds, etc. The innovative part, linked directly to an educational application, envisages the development of an animated model of the river's water catchment, which reflects the studies carried out and allows the simulation of changes in environmental parameters. Within the framework of the activities, educational days will be held in settlements located in the transition zone of the Biosphere reserve, an artistic plein air, a stakeholder forum. The total cost of the Project is 25,000 USD with a duration of one year.