ECOOBSHTNOST FOUNDATION ORGANIZED TWO FORESTATIONS ARAOUND DRAGOMAN MARSH WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF EMPLOYEES OF “SAP LABS BULGARIA” AND “TELERIK”

Over 120 people were involved in the two actions organized by EcoObshtnost Foundation with the support of BALKANI Wildlife Society and Vitosha Nature Park. The first forestation event held on 7 November 2009 became possible owing to the free financial donation of “SAP Labs Bulgaria” and the participation of about 50 employees of the company and their relatives, acquaintances and children. During the action hundreds of acorns were planted on the slopes of Chepan in the place of a burnt down pine forest, and many willows found their new home in the suburbs of the marsh.

On the following Saturday, 14 Nov. 2009, another forestation action took place, this time with the financial support of “Telerik” and the participation of 70 company’s employees, their friends and relatives, as well as volunteers from Sofia and Slivnitsa. Besides acorns and willows in the course of the second action also tens of saplings of black poplars and firs were planted.

The Dragoman Marsh is the biggest natural karst wetland in Bulgaria situated on a territory of 400-450 hectares. In the 30-ies of the past century the marsh was drained and the thus recovered land was used for the growing of agricultural crops. In the early 90-ies of the 20-th century, however, the drainage was discontinued because of the proved unprofitableness of this undertaking. Since then the revival of the marsh has begun and it has been turning into one of the most important nesting areas of humidity-loving birds in Sofia Field.

At present the Dragoman Marsh has almost recovered its historical dimensions but still there is much to be done for its conservation and for the revival of life in it. The forestation with appropriate humidity-loving tree species is a part of the necessary activities as the recovered forests in the future will secure shelter for the coming back and growing bird colonies and will help for the renovation of the eco-system in the region.