wetlands restoration: the bulgarian experience (georgieva)

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Wetlands Restoration: The Bulgarian Experience

Anna GeorgievaWorld Bank

Ankara, TurkeyOctober, 2006

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Within Danube Basin and part of the Green Danube Corridor Initiative

RestorationRestoration Sites Sites

Persina Nature Park - Belene IslandPersina Nature Park - Belene Island Kalimok/Brushlen Protected Site - Kalimok MarshesKalimok/Brushlen Protected Site - Kalimok Marshes

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Project Benefits Introduction of new idea:

Wetlands can be useful

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Project Benefits Environmental effect:

• Reduction of trans-boundary pollution Increase of rare bird species and fish

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Project Benefits Economic effect:

• Development of rural tourism• Bird-watching• Fishing

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Project Benefits Buffer against floods

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Problems and their solution

Controversies over restoration designInsufficient funding for restorationLand use issuesInitial slow progress

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Lessons learned Lesson 1

• Once vision and consensus on the restoration option are reached, move immediately to implementation

Lesson 2• Consult and involve local communities when

planning restoration Lesson 3

• Clarify carefully land ownership in the areas designed for restoration

Lesson 4• Establish a panel of experts to provide independent

assessment considering the best interests of local stakeholders and the government

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Achievements: The restoration in the first site is underway and

will be completed this month The design of the second restoration site approved

and restoration started The small grants program for raising biodiversity

conservation awareness and farmer transition support funds have been implemented successfully

The management plans for the two sites have been prepared using a broad participatory approach

Excellent cooperation has been established with all project stakeholders

Visitors’ center has been built in Belene

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Achievements:

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Achievements: