Bulgaria: Wetland Restoration and Pollution Reduction Project - component of Danube/Black Sea Strategic Partnership: Nutrient Reduction Investment Fund - Results
GEF IDS: 1123
Scale
National
Country
Bulgaria
Information sources
IWC6 Results Note (2011), World Bank Terminal Evaluation (2009)
Key Basin Project Results
1. The project piloted restoration of 4035 ha of former marshes (double the original target) in two protected areas and brought under improvement management and protection 27 700 ha with globally significant biodiversity habitats.
2. Fifty-five small grant projects have been successfully implemented on the two project sites under the “Small Grant Program for Biodiversity Conservation”. The projects were targeted at raising public awareness of biodiversity conservation mainly among young people. The execution of the program involved 23 NGOs, about 65 leading experts, nearly 5500 students and about 250 children from kindergartens.
3. The project introduced a new idea and brought to a turnaround in perceptions – wetlands are now seen not only as a beautiful wildlife habitat, but also as contributing to sustainable development and economic growth. They bring environmental and economic benefits, and act as a buffer against floods.
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Agriculture pollution reduction practices
Year: N/A -
Value: [see desc]
Improved agricultural practices in Belene and Kalimok and increased local awareness and support for biodiversity conservation.Sustainable natural resources Management adopted by local communities and local authorities in Belene and Kalimok. GEO Indicator 2: Improved agricultural practices in Belene and Kalimok and increased local awareness and support for biodiversity conservation (definition of this indicator is different from the PAD and consists of merged indicators as indicated in the table in Annex 2). The Project helped farmers transition to environmentally friendly agricultural practices. In the two restoration sites, the FTSF program successfully implemented seven ‘Best Agricultural Practices’ demonstration projects. Grants of US$5.3 to US$47.1 thousand supported activities in organic farming (4 projects), production of the packaged fuel (1 project), pasture restoration (1 project), and manure management (1 project). Grants enabled farmers to adopt organic fruit production and three farmers became certified organic producers. One project established an enterprise utilizing waste material from the wetlands (harvested reeds, discarded wood, etc.) to produce charcoal briquettes and other packaged solid fuels, which will help remove nutrients from the wetlands and provide a renewable energy source for local people. All of these projects will help reduce regional nutrient and pesticide pollution and improved farmers’ incomes by opening new organic markets. The FTSF program provided a catalyst for farmers’ ability to apply for funding from national and EU sources, including the Structural Funds Program for Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas. |
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Restored habitat, including wetlands
Year: N/A -
Value: 4035 ha
Gradual improvement in ecosystem health of restored wetlands. Unique landscapes and habitats for important bird species protected. Nutrients in outflow waters reduced. Critical fish reproduction habitats restored. Bird numbers of 22 species were found to increase and fish species increased from 2 to 10 in the first test flooding of Belene Island within 2 months. Kalimok marshes also successfully flooded in December 2008. Further gradual improvements expected. Wetlands restoration investments made in Belene Island, Kalimok marshes and other priority sites restored to promote nutrient trapping. A total of 4,035 ha of wetlands restored: 2280 ha restored at Persina Nature Park and 1755 ha restored at Kalimok Brushlen Protected Site. Development of protected areas management plans in both sites in a participatory manner. Management plans prepared and approved by MOEW. Establishment of protected areas administrations with agreed operational rulesand procedures. Protected areas management capacity in Persina Nature Park and Kalimok Brushlen Protected Site raised from 17% to 90%. Both areas have permanent professional staff and are fully equipped with boats, vehicles, monitoring equipment, etc. Strengthened planning and institutional capacity for protected areas management in both sites. Adoption of protected areas management plans and establishment of effectiveadministrations in both sites. Both sites designated as NATURA 2000 sites and have facilities to monitor environmental impact of restorations. Protected Area’s capacity strengthened, administrations equipped, environmental monitoring programs developed and under implementation, staff trained. |
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Conserved/protected wetland, MPAs, and fish refugia habitat
Year: N/A -
Value: 27700 ha
The project piloted restoration of 4035 ha of former marshes (double the original target) in two protected areas and brought under improvement management and protection 27 700 ha with globally significant biodiversity habitats.
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