UNESCO Summer Unversity was opened in Karlovo
23 July 2019
The first day of UNESCO Summer University dedicated to biosphere parks were filled with many emotions and interesting meetings for the participants from 15 countries around the world.
The fifth edition of the International initiative was opened on July 22nd in the hall of the Municipality of Karlovo with welcome notes by the deputy mayor of the Municipality of Karlovo Stoyko Karagenski, the Director of the National Nature Protection Service of the MOEW Miroslav Kalugerov, the Permanent Representation of UNESCO in Bulgaria Hristo Georgiev, Director of Central Balkan National Park Gencho Iliev, the Executive director of the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation Rumyana Ivanova and proff. Michael Scoullos from the Greek National Committee of Man and the Biosphere Program of UNESCO. All of them greeted the young professionals from around the world who will be studying for a week on topics related to the successful development of biosphere reserves.After the official part the participants moved to Chateau Copsa, where they had the opportunity to gain experience from the international lecturers Jonathan Baker, who presented the scope and the objectives of the Man and Biosphere Program, Michael Scoullos, presenting the topic of the integrated approaches and methods for sustainable management of biosphere reserves and Filippo Lenzerici. Filippo Lenzeriči shared information about interesting projects and partnerships related to the biosphere reserves in Italy and France. One of the initiatives that made the most impression on the participants was the UPVIVIUM Biosfera Gastronomica project, km zero, in which 5 different biosphere parks in Italy announce a competition for local restaurants using local traditional products from the area.
The exciting day continued with a historic walk through the town of Karlovo. Karlovo Municipality was a wonderful host during our Summer University, for which we are extremely grateful. The Deputy Mayor, Mr. Karagenski, personally guided the tour through the old part of Karlovo town and the participants were impressed by his knowledge of history and his attitude towards them. The walk continued to one of the most interesting and beautiful buildings in the Renaissance part of the town of Karlovo Buhalov Han. There everyone tasted pink raki and learned more about the history of the building.
The day ended at Edno Vreme Restaurant in Karlovo, where, along with the delicious food, everyone enjoyed the wonderful folklore program, presented by the "Vasil Levski" 1861 Chitalishte from Karlovo town.
