Dunes of Bulgaria: protection measures tightened up

The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Bulgaria conducted an inspection in the areas of dune biotopes of the Northern Black Sea region. According to the group of conservationists "Friends of Durankulak", illegal parking and buildings have appeared in the protected areas of local dunes. Minister of Environment and Water Resources Yulian Popov, director of the Institute of Oceanology Nikolay Valchev, as well as the mayors of the Black Sea resorts of Varna, Shabla and Durankulak took part in the trip around the region together with the employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

During his visit to the region, the problems of the fragile ecosystem of dune habitats, methods of protection and agitation in protected areas were clearly presented to the attention of the Minister. Consultations were also held on updating the management plans for the protected areas of the Ponto-Sarmatian steppes, the Shablensko and Kaliakra nature reserves, the Baltata nature reserve and Lake Durankulak.

At the end of the trip, members of the commission installed several information stands and security posters on the dunes of the village of Durankulak. Minister Popov also thanked a group of environmentalists who are active in protecting the dunes and restoring biodiversity in the Northern Black Sea region. It is thanks to caring citizens that the “Green Phone” of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources received 60 signals about violations in the dune zones, as well as environmental pollution in the first half of 2023.