“Our proposal is dictated by the fact that in some parts of the plantations, exploitation has begun as early as the period of study, which leads to irretrievable loss of their characteristics as forests in an old-growth stage. 21 000 is the total hectarage of the studied plantations. They are state property and preserve significant bio and genetic diversity.’’ – The Head of WWF’s ‘’Forests’’ Programme, Neli Doncheva, said. ‘’Protecting the forest ecosystems that have not yet been influenced by human activity would allow the state and society to leave the remainder of the Great Bulgarian forest (Magna Silva Bulgarica), which is the subject of legends dating back to the Middle Ages, as heritage for the next generations.’’ – Doncheva added.
As part of their efforts to protect the distinctive old-growth forests, WWF offers to arrange a public debate, where a wide range of interested parties could witness the government exhibiting all measures undertaken in that regard.
Let us remind you that thanks to the assistance of its associates and partners, in the past 3 years WWF has been able to study the primary forests in Stara Planina, Sredna Gora and the Rhodope Mountains, as well as to determine the location of the last intact examples of pristine forest ecosystems outside protected areas. All information collected during the study has been handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Considering the significance of the process, a request for access to all public information regarding the stage of the procedure of identifying old-growth forests and possibility of public consultations, was sent on November 17, 2015. At this point in time, there has been no feedback received in relation to the proposals and questions about the procedure of the identification of areas with old-growth forests in Natura 2000.
WWF insists the government protects the old-growth forests
