Uzana District is situated in the western ridge of the Shipchensko-Trevnenski part of Stara Planina Mountain Range. It is a big alpine pasture-ground at an average sea level of 1300 m and is located near Ispolin Mountain Peak (1524 m above sea level).

The high ecological and conservation value of the site is increased by the fact that it is included in the European ecological network and the national ecological Natura 2000 network, within “Central Balkan – buffer - BG0001493”. 85 % of the surface of the ridge meadow Uzana is formed by the so-called Mountain hay meadows (code 6520), which is a habitat of various in nature and structure flora. There are three factors which have a decisive role in the fast development of Uzana Site as a tourist and resort destination, namely: unique environment with a highly conserved status and central geographical location (the Geographical centre of Bulgaria is located there), existing contemporary tourist lodgings and equipment (with expected expansion in the future) and the vicinity to the town of Gabrovo (22 km). The unique nature of the Site, as well as the opportunity for active tourist recreation on the territory of the two nearby parks – Central Balkan National Park and Nature Park Bulgarka, are the emotional and attractive features of the alpine meadow. During the last 15-20 years the Site gained recognition as an alternative tourist destination, offering opportunities for active recreation which led to increased anthropological pressure and a number of negative consequences.

According to the Detailed Layout Plan, the Site is subject to regulated urbanization. This will lead to changes which will affect the status of the conservation habitats and the existing fauna to a much higher extent than anything else until now. The main tourist product - nature, is being progressively destroyed as a result of the increased tourist interest.

The desire and motivation for implementation of the project came up as an answer to the pressing need for the implementation of urgent and adequate measures against the loss of biodiversity in the Site, as well as measures for reduction of the negative anthropological pressure through the creation of appropriate conditions for active recreation and tourism in a conserved environment.

Overall objective:

А.         Protection and reduction of biodiversity extinction in Uzana Site and sustainable management of habitats with European and national significance.

B.         Implementation of effective integrated management of a zone included in Natura 2000.

Specific objectives:

1. To provide conservation of biodiversity and reduction of its destruction through elaboration and adoption of a Concept for sustainable development of Uzana Site;
2. To ensure management of the tourist flow in a manner that would ensure its redirection away from the vulnerable areas in the Site towards the periphery and the new and already existing infrastructure;
3. To build infrastructure and equipment for provision of alternative recreation opportunities through sparing, non-aggressive activities in nature;
4. To expand the environmental awareness and knowledge of the visitors in the Site and promote more environment-friendly behavior and practices through information provision;
5. To establish and strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships for successful sustainable management of the Site;
6. To ensure practical participation of the NGO sector in the management of a zone included in Natura 2000.

The project emerged as an answer to the need of sustainable management of the processes taking place in the resort district and was implemented as presented below:

-                      Through elaboration of a Concept which regulates the practical ways for realization of a coordination mechanism among the interests of involved parties in the management process of the Site;

-                      Publishing of information materials (a book) aimed at an information campaign presenting the value of the protected territory, thus promoting informed attitudes and active environment-friendly behaviour;

-                      The adequate management of tourist flow is achieved through the construction of a bike park which also provides alternative opportunities for the leisure time in a non-aggressive and nature-protecting behavior; sports and alternative activities in a conserved environment form sensitivity not only towards the aesthetical, but also towards life-supporting role of nature; this gives rise to a feeling of shared responsibility and creativity with respect to life-supporting mechanisms. Thus an attitude is being formed (through direct contact with nature) for realizing the significance of the personal acts to the conservation of nature and the sustainable development of the Site, the region and the country; 

-                      The purchased equipment for the bike park (bicycles and outfits) make possible the organization of events aiming at formation of ecological knowledge and behavior through sports in a conserved environment.

• Elaborated Concept for sustainable development of Uzana Site and submitted model for processes management in the resort until 2020, coordinating the interests of all involved parties; provided conditions for improving the conservation of (6520) Mountain hay meadows habitat;
• Good management of the tourist flow through adequate redirection away from vulnerable and highly eroded areas of (6520) Mountain hay meadows habitat towards less injured areas and recreation infrastructure in the periphery;
• Constructed alpine bike park consisting of 17 elements for mountain biking, which provides alternative opportunities for recreation through practice of nature-sparing, non- aggressive activities in a conserved environment; improved aesthetical status of the landscape;  
• Bike park equipment  - 12 bicycles together with the necessary outfits;
• 600 copies of “Uzana – the Green Heart of Bulgaria” published and disseminated, promoting the formation of environmental awareness and nature-friendly behaviour among the visitors of the Site;
• Publicity of all project activities and results: 2 commemorative plaques, 3 press conferences, 3 press releases and 1 PR panel, 40 publicity souvenirs, 100 sets of information materials;
• Enhanced organizational and management capacity of Association for Sustainable Tourism „Uzana”; strengthened effective and fruitful partnership for joint sustainable management of the Site.

Contact information

Silvia Ivanova

1 Aprilov Blvd., 5300 Gabrovo, Bulgaria

Cell Phone: ++359 898 55 85 25; ++359 884 51 35 85

Fax: ++359 66 803 377

[email protected]