Research and Monitoring

Implementing regular monitoring of the biological diversity, hydrology and chemistry of the saline lagoon, as well as of the general state of the ecosystem of Pomorie Lake, is one of the main tasks of Green Balkans’ team. Specific equipment for studying and analyzing the ecosystem components has been purchased within the projects implemented by the Organization in the area of Pomorie Lake. A water gauge has been installed to gather a lot of useful data on water level fluctuations. Since 2007, Green Balkans’ team has been implementing regular monitoring of the hydrological indicators of the lake.

The location of the birds’ nests in Pomorie Lake has been studied and mapped. Also, field studies have been carried out for the rest of the animal groups, higher plants, and natural habitats. A data base has been established, containing the entire information gathered during the studies and the monitoring. This is of great significance with regard to the management planning of the complex of protected areas.

Regular ringing of birds in the area of Pomorie Lake is done by authorized ornithologists, members of Green Balkans’ team. Bird-ringing is one of the standard methods of studying the avi-fauna in a particular region. Five new bird species have been identified during the ringing actions at Pomorie Lake.

Pomorie Lake Management Plan, which is to be approved by the Ministry of Environment and Water, was developed within the project “Pomorie Lake – Conservation, Restoration, and Sustainable Management” GEF 054774. The availability of an effective management plan is of particular significance for the maintenance and preservation of the complex of protected natural areas, since it determines and prioritizes relevant activities.

During the elaboration of the plan, the experts gathered huge volumes of information about biotic and biotic components, implemented numerous field studies, held meetings and interviews, identified regimes and zones, and detailed management activities. This pilot integrated plan is one of the first drafts in Bulgaria, aimed at applying modern approaches to biodiversity conservation and sustainable management, as well as complex and synchronized management of several protected natural areas.

The process of development of the Management Plan involved more than 40 recognized experts in various scientific and conservation fields, as well as representatives of the local and the state authorities, salt-producers, curative mud users, farmers, hotel managers, etc.

With regard to the Organization’s activities for conservation and monitoring of the biological diversity of the saline lagoon, Green Balkans’ team signalizes the competent institutions of any violations and environmental problems in the area of the lake.