Green Balkans’ expertise recognised in a best practice manual on Natura 2000

The publication aims to contribute for better understanding of Natura 2000 as an opportunity for economic development rather than a restriction. It comprises 35 best practice from 14 coutnries most of which have been realized in areas within Natura 2000 ecological network. Official presentation of the manual was made at the third round table “Development of National Priority Action Framework for Natura 2000 in Bulgaria” held in Sofia on 13 March.

Inclusion of Green Balkans’ conservation program for Pomorie Lake in the manual is recognition for the efforts of society’s volunteers and experts during the past 18 years. The activities for nesting habitat contributed to the conservation of several threatened bird species: Sandwich tern (Sterna sandvicensis), Little tern (Sterna albifrons), Common tern (Sterna hirundo), Little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius), Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus), Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) and Mediterranean gull (Larus melanocephalus). Numbers of nesting Sandwich terns during that period are the best evidence for the achieved success: 1996 – 6 pairs; 2002 – 450 pairs; 2006 – 1500 pairs; 2013 – 2500 pairs!

Electronic version of the manual is available HERE.