Justification: Natura 2000 site ?Sakar? harbors high biological diversity and significant number of species included in IUCN Red List. A flag species for the area is the majestic and globally threatened Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), 10 out of 17 known in Bulgaria occupied nest are located there. 19 more IUCN Red List spaces occur in Sakar, including Souslik and Marbled polecat. Conservation of such species depends to a large extent on the local population. Bringing incomes in the local economy via eco- tourism based on the biodiversity is a well-known approach. Unfortunately Sakar Mountain is not very popular among tour companies and tourist despite of its attractive biological diversity. However Sakar has high potential to attract tourist not only because of its biological diversity but also due to its location. It is located between the most popular birdwatching sites in Bulgaria - Eastern Rhodopes and Bourgas lakes. Most of the organized birdwatchers that visit Bulgaria pass though Sakar. Many of them would stop for lunch or overnight if they are provided with information. Building of an attractive Information Center dedicated to Imperial Eagle would contribute more tourists to stay in the area. There are 7 hotels and guesthouse in the town of Topolovgrad. Some of the owners are hunters and influential persons. Attracting more tourists coming to see the Eagles is the best way to gain the support of stakeholders for eagle conservation. Conservation of the biological diversity in Sakar needs not only local support but also implementation of specialized conservation activities. Restoration of key habitats, improvement of the local planning documents, satellite tracking of Imperial Eagles, building of artificial nests and piloting of compensation schemes for farmers that suffer damages caused by sousliks are among the priorities.
Location: Natura 2000 site ?Sakar?, municipalities of Topolovgrad and Svilengrad, Haskovo district. Project Target Groups: Municipality administration, owners of hotels, guesthouses and restaurants, farmers, Regional environmental inspectorates, tour companies, tourists, school children
Goal and expected impacts: Conservation of globally significant biological biodiversity in Natura 2000 site ?Sakar? through development of eco-tourism and applying of sustainable conservation, agricultural and educational practices. Impact: Conservation of 20 globally significant species included in IUCN Red List; Improved management of 125 707,12 ha of Natura 2000 site Sakar through amendments the Municipality planning documents; Restoration of 5 plots of riparian forests of total area of 2 hectares; Utilization of solar energy in a Nature conservation and information center. Objectives: Conservation and restoration of priority species and habitats; Development of sustainable tourism bringing incomes in the local economy based on the biological diversity; Changes of polices and practices that influence on the conservation of globally important species
Major activities: Establishment of Information center ?Imperial Eagle?. The center will contain an interactive exposition dedicated to the Imperial Eagle and the biodiversity of Sakar. It will be located on the main road connecting Haskovo and Kardjali districts with Black Sea coast. It will use solar energy for water heating; Tracking of 3 Imperial Eagles through satellite transmitters. The information will be used for planning conservation activities and education through preparation of digital map of eagle?s dispersal, habitat use and threats; Improvement of the local planning documents in terms of biodiversity conservation; Preparing amendments and updates of the National Action plan for the conservation of the Imperial Eagle; Restoration or riverine forest - important breeding habitat; Building of artificial nests; Investigating on the Souslik (globally threatened species and important food of the Imperial Eagle and Marbled polecat) distribution and damages that it causes to the farmers and pilot measures to mitigate them; Producing of informational materials; establishment of children?s eco club;
Sustainability : Improved local planning documents in order to consider biological diversity will ensure to a large extent long term conservation of priority species in Natura 2000 site and avoidance launching of destructive projects. Habitats restored will ensure availability of suitable breeding habitats in the long term. The Information Centre ?Imperial Eagle? will belong to Topolovgrad municipality. The municipality will mange it. Large part or all of the expenses will be covered by the incomes generated by entrance fee and selling refreshments and souvenirs. The Center will be located on the main road and is expected to attract large number of tourist and travelers. Partnership with leading tour companies will ensure a certain number of visitors and further advertisement of the Information centre and Sakar as a site for eco-tourism. The incomes connected with Imperial eagle and biodiversity will change the attitude of important stakeholders and guarantee local support for the conservation activities.