Justification
The territory of the Belasitsa Mountains/Oros Beles is a typical example of a trans-boundary ecosystem divided by the borders of three countries - Bulgaria, Greece and F.Y.R.O. Macedonia. It is characterised by unique biodiversity comprising a number of specific sub-Mediterranean, Mediterranean and mountain ecosystems. Its native old grown chestnut (Castanea sativa) forests is of European significance. The alpine zone of Belasitsa is indicated as an example for area with unique and representative communities and ecosystems.
In order to protect the Mountain the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation proposed establishment of Belasitsa Nature Park (category V of IUCN) in 2003. However, the unique and rich biodiveristy of Belasitsa needs more efforts towards engaging the local comminities. The importance of the Mountains and its biodiverity conservation is not only of European but also of global impotrtance.

Location
Petrich Municipality ? Belasitsa Mountains, town of Petrich, villages of Belasitsa, Kolarovo, Samuilovo, Kamena, Javornitsa, Skrat, Gabrene; schools and community centres

Project Target Groups
? Local communities in Petrich Municipality
? Local providers of ecotourism product and services
? Tour operators and Tourism Agencies
? Visitors and tourists in the region of Petrich Municipality
? Educational and Community Centres

Goal and expected impacts
The goal of the project is to contribute to long-term conservation and promotion of the unique biodiversity the Belsitsa Mountains, as well as to ensure sustainable use of its natural and cultural values and services by the medium of ecotourism development and introduction of energy efficient practices
? Expected impacts:
? Improved conservation of minimum 10 globally threaten species
? Increase the percentage of managed in a sustainable way territories with globally conservation value with around 19%.
? Introducing 1 new technology RES for the region and broadening its use in the area of Perich Municipality;
? Increased income of the people benefiting from the project implementation]
? Improved and strengthen partnership among the organizations and institutions involved in the project implementation.

Objectives and expected results
? To initiate ecotourism development in the area of the Belasitsa Mountains;
? To popularize and introduce renewable energy sources in the area of the Belasitsa Mountains;
? To raise the general knowledge and public awareness of the local communities towards problems of biodiversity and environment, including global warming

Major activities
Creation and promotion of a model for ecotourism development, development of short and long trails, including interpretative trails, raising public awareness for nature conservation and ensuring sustainable use of nature recourses; environmental education activities.

Partnership with GEF SGP proposals/projects
BBF-branch Belasitsa works in cooperation with the teams of two financed by GEF PSP in Southeastern Bulgaria ? Conservation of the biodiversity and sustainable development through ecotourism in the region of Razlog (implemented by Dobarsko Association) and Eco-centre Vlahi ? active model for ecotourism development in Southeast Bulgaria (Implemented by CVS-Bulgaria).

Sustainability
Financial sustainability is guaranteed by the very fact that this project will create conditions for future financial benefits for its target groups. Furthermore, Tourism in the world context is one of the fastest growing industries, and the market for environmentally-friendly types of tourism is expanding by 10 to 30% each year.
The created model will demonstrate the principles of sustainable development and would contribute to strategic planning at the regional and international level. If the initiative for designating Belasitsa as a nature park is successful, there is high probability that the model will be included in the future Management Plan of the park too.

Project Budget
Total project costs amount to 184 800 BGN, including 70 400 BGN from GEF SGP (38.10% from the total budget) and 114 400 BGN from the applicants (90 000 BGN financial (48.70%) from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, 3900 BGN from the local people (2,11%) and 20 500 BGN in-kind (11.09%)).