site.btaNational Forest Protection Commission Identifies Prolonged Drought, Pests as Main Problems in Bulgarian Forests

Experts discussed the phytosanitary condition of Bulgaria's forests and the planned protection measures for 2026 at a meeting of the National Forest Protection Commission, the Executive Forests Agency said on Thursday.

The experts noted that the main phytosanitary problems in forests over the past year were linked to prolonged drought in various parts of the country. Among the more serious biotic factors were attacks by the poplar spotted borer in poplar plantations and the drying of key broadleaf tree species such as beech, oak, Turkey oak and linden.

In 2025, areas affected by biotic and abiotic damaging factors were reported on forest land covering 86,242 hectares, representing about 2.2% of Bulgaria's forested area. Forest protection measures planned for 2026 cover 14,963 hectares, or about 17% of the areas reported in 2025.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Executive Forests Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Ministry of Environment and Water, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, researchers from the Forest Research Institute and the University of Forestry, as well as representatives of the state enterprises that manage around 75% of the country's forests.

On February 27, the Economic and Social Council warned of serious systemic problems in its opinion on forests as a strategic resource.