Round table in Veliko Tarnovo, 18th of May, 2015
Within the frames of the project we organized a round table about “The influence of the rock climbing on the wild nature”. Various responsible institutions – Regional inspections of the environment and the waters (RIEW), as well as the following clubs were invited to the meeting:
AK”Trapezitsa1957”, KKPEC “Tsarevec”, TD”Akademik –VTU” and Professional Tourism High School “Dr. Vassil Beron” from Veliko Tarnovo
TD “Chumerna-1901” from Elena
AK “Edelweiss 74” from Kilifarevo,
KK “Mountain Angels” from Lovec,
AK “Kaylashka valley” from Pleven,
TD “Prista” KCKA “Akademik – Russe from Russe
CK “ Wonderful rocks” and KCCK “Varnaclimbing” from Varna
Information about the meeting was published on the project’s internet site, and was also sent to local and national media.
During the round table a representative of RIEW – Veliko Tarnovo remarked that the rock massif south of the monastery “The holy trinity” is of exceptional for the conservation of rare bird species and bats. RIEW – Veliko Tarnovo has prepared a proposal for a new protected area there. In the region is found the biggest colony of black storks in Bulgaria, and until a few years ago the only couple from the world threatened species of the Egyptian vulture has nested in the Veliko Tarnovo area. Human disturbance is established on both species.
The participants in the round table united for the final measure – cutting of wedges for rock climbing south of the monastery, and for the remaining about 150 routes for climbing north of the monastery to have no restrictions.
About the restrictions for climbing
Balkani Wildlife Society and the project team agreed completely that a balance between climbers and the wild nature can be achieved by introduction of seasonal restrictions for climbing in certain sectors. That is why within the project we have made an assessment of the influence of the climbing on the wild animals in almost all climbing sites in the country. We have proposed seasonal restrictions where we have found rare and protected species and we have placed information boards beneath the rocks. At the spots where we haven’t found such species, we have undertaken steps for removing of the unnecessary bans on climbing – Karlukovo –Prohodna, Rila, Pirin, Central Balkan and others.
We undertook actions for cutting of wedges and closing of routes only at two places in the whole country. These are the rock massif south of The Holy Trinity and four routes from sector Mahalata near Provadia. At both places the extreme measure is necessary in order to preserve one of the rarest bird species – the Egyptian vulture. And at the rocks near Tarnovo is the only place in Bulgaria where 10 black storks couples nest in close proximity to each other. Both species have a very long period of nesting in contrast to other species.
New equipped routes and safeguarded places for climbing
Balkani Wildlife Society completed a series of actions for improving of the conditions for rock climbing in regions where there is no negative influence on rare species. 435 wedges were purchased and 33 routes were equipped and reequipped with them in the regions of Dryanovo, Lakatnik, Gubislav and the Wonderful rocks. Other routes for rock climbing in 5 regions were rendered safe, including by caving of stones, strengthening of paths, placing of traverses. Paths for access were formed, markings placed, the grounds below the tours were built and leveled.
Appeal to climbers
The team of Balkani Wildlife Society counts that the climbers’ love towards the wild nature will encourage the observance of the recommended regulations and bans. Nevertheless we realize that there is no way we can restrict the climbers in their favorite pursuit - the observance of the restrictions is a result of the personal responsible choice of each climber!
More information about the project “We are not alone at the rocks”: http://balkani.org/skali/